Title: Algorithms for Interactive Deformable Models

Abstract:
 A brief overview of physics-based modeling methods will be presented, along
 with a discussion of the benefits of deformable organ and tissue models for
 medical applications such as surgical procedure planning, 3D image analysis,
 and training simulators.  The challenges involved in utilizing physics-based
 models for such interactive applications will be highlighted.  Novel
 algorithms for overcoming some of the challenges will be discussed and
 examples presented.  Algorithms described will include:
 - Automated construction of geometric mesh models from 3D images
 - Fast updates of finite element equations using enhanced sparse-matrix
   data structures
 - Determination of surgical instrument force profiles using an optimization
   procedure with a finite element model
In conclusion, important challenges for ongoing research in this area will be
described.

Bio:
Jessica R. Crouch is a Senior Research Scientist with the Virginia Modeling,
Analysis, and Simulation Center at Old Dominion University.  Previously, she
completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Computer Integrated Surgical Systems
and Technology Engineering Research Center at Johns Hopkins University.   Dr.
Crouch received a Ph.D. in computer science in 2003 and a master's degree in
computer science in 1999, both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill. Her bachelor's degree, also in computer science, is from the University
of Richmond.  Dr. Crouch's research interests include tissue modeling, medical
simulation, scientific data visualization, and numerical modeling methods.