SMU Professors Secure Funding for Innovative Urban Solutions

Professors Hai Wang and Rajesh Krishna Balan from the SMU School of Computing and Information Systems have successfully secured funding through the SMU-University of Toronto grant call, supported by the SMU Urban Institute. Their groundbreaking research projects aim to address pressing urban challenges, with a focus on emergency response and health monitoring for older adults.

Prof. Hai Wang’s Project: Improving Emergency Response Through Crowdsourcing

Prof. Wang’s research explores the potential of crowdsourced delivery networks to enhance emergency response systems. The project focuses on utilizing crowdsourcing vehicles to distribute critical supplies, such as Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), during emergencies. By employing data-driven decision tools, this study aims to optimize response times and improve public safety.

Prof. Rajesh Krishna Balan’s Project: Revolutionizing Health Monitoring for Older Adults

Prof. Balan’s project seeks to develop innovative solutions for remote health monitoring, specifically for older adults suffering from depression. The research tests a non-invasive ECG sensor to monitor health during sleep, with the goal of improving care for this vulnerable population. This project has the potential to revolutionize how we approach remote health monitoring and eldercare.

Both projects are aligned with the mission of the SMU Urban Institute to foster urban resilience and enhance well-being through creative, real-world solutions to modern challenges.