Sports Technology Institute

Postgraduate

Derry Hand

Photo of  Derry Hand

Doctoral Researcher

Project

Measuring uncertainty by using digital technologies and human factors methodologies

Key research areas

Human Factors, Ergonomics, Measurement Uncertainty, Digital Technologies, Eye Tracking, Pupillometry

Summary of research

Within the manufacturing process, there are a number of factors generating some form of uncertainty, such as calibration or repeatability. However, in most cases, humans are only considered in the uncertainty budget by the results of their work, rather than how they are doing in real time. Working with the Made Smarter Innovation: Centre for People-Led Digitalisation, I will be seeking to calculate this human involvement in the manufacturing process in order to quantify the level of variance which humans pose. This will primarily be done using digital technologies including eye trackers along with a human factors approach, which then can be validated using other physiological and neural measures.

Academic supervisors

  • Dr Rebecca Grant
  • Dr Mey Goh

Additional academic projects / roles

Research member of the Made Smarter Innovation: Centre for People-Led Digitalisation

As a student member of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors, I will be attending the annual conference in April 2023 supporting as a conference secretariate.

Background

Before joining the team at Loughborough University, I was awarded a MSc in Human Factors in Aviation, and a BEng in Aerospace Technology by Coventry University. This is where I initially found a passion for human factors, allowing me to apply methods to an area I was familiar with, in aviation. I have always enjoyed helping and improving conditions for people back to when I was a teenager, where I volunteered with supporting children with learning difficulties at a local playgroup. Carrying on this want to help people, I took up the role of Chairman of a local youth charity, the Leicester Navy Cadet Force (1185620), where my primary objective is to offers a safe and secure teaching environment for children and young people aged 8 years to 17 years. My biggest achievement in this role came from working with the Wheelyboat Trust, raising funds to procure a new wheelchair accessible V17 Coulam powerboat

Non academic interests

Since 2015 I have been a member of the Leicester Navy Cadet Force, holding numerous roles including Officer in Charge of a Training Ship, Director of Training for the Leicestershire Region, and Head of Advancement and Progression for Cadets and Staff. In 2022, I took on the role of Chairman of this organisation, where I have had experience in grant writing, building relationships with other organisations, and assisting local councillors with organising events in the community.