The Health and Environmental Systems Laboratory (HESL) was one of eight labs in the
Georgia Tech Research Institute. In mid-2006, it was disbanded, and the staff were transferred to other parts of GTRI.
ELSYS, the largest lab within GTRI, received most of the personnel.
Overview
HESL was a leader in the development and application of innovative technologies, information, and engineering solutions focused on enhancing human health and its relationship with the environment. Researchers in HESL worked in biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics, in environmental assessment and remediation, and in the intersection between health and the built environment: green buildings,
smart and sustainable urban neighborhoods, and healthy environments.
Organization and research areas
The Health Systems Division conducted research and development in the areas of diagnostic sensors,
biomarker
In biomedical contexts, a biomarker, or biological marker, is a measurable indicator of some biological state or condition. Biomarkers are often measured and evaluated using blood, urine, or soft tissues to examine normal biological processes, p ...
s, vision enhancement, materials characterization and delivery, and advanced
prosthetics
In medicine, a prosthesis (plural: prostheses; from grc, πρόσθεσις, prósthesis, addition, application, attachment), or a prosthetic implant, is an artificial device that replaces a missing body part, which may be lost through trau ...
. The Environmental Systems Division conducted research and development in the areas of air and water quality,
hazardous materials, sustainable facilities, and environmental sensors. It was also involved in energy-related issues as they impact the environment.
The Food Processing Technology Division conducted significant research in improving the production and quality of food while minimizing the environmental impacts of the industry. This program was designed to enhance the productivity of Georgia’s
agribusiness and the competitiveness of Georgia’s
food processing, applying
computer vision,
robotics
Robotics is an interdisciplinary branch of computer science and engineering. Robotics involves design, construction, operation, and use of robots. The goal of robotics is to design machines that can help and assist humans. Robotics integrate ...
, plant ergonomics,
biosensor
A biosensor is an analytical device, used for the detection of a chemical substance, that combines a biological component with a physicochemical detector.
The ''sensitive biological element'', e.g. tissue, microorganisms, organelles, cell rece ...
s, and
wearable computer
A wearable computer, also known as a body-borne computer, is a computing device worn on the body. The definition of 'wearable computer' may be narrow or broad, extending to smartphones or even ordinary wristwatches.
Wearables may be for general ...
technology. The Occupational Safety and Health Division offered programs of technical assistance on-site at private and public facilities, along with research and development of cost-effective solutions.
External links
HESL official website
* ttp://www.fptd.gatech.edu/ GTRI Food Processing Technology Division (FPT)
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HESL