Thomas Schnell

Tom Schnell is a Professor in Industrial Engineering with a specialization in Human Factors/Ergonomics at the University of Iowa. He has a secondary appointment in the UIHC Department of Neurology. Tom is the Founder and Director of the Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL) at the Center for Computer Aided Design. He is also the Project Development Director at the Center for Computer Aided Design (CCAD). The OPL conducts neurocognitive human factors research in a number of areas of surface and air transportation. Tom has an undergraduate degree in EE and an MS and Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering with a specialization in Human Factors. He is a Commercial pilot, research test pilot, and flight instructor with helicopter, jet, and glider ratings and he performs in airshows with his jet formation team act. Tom’s research focuses on flight testing, pilot spatial orientation assessment, NextGen integrated intelligent flight deck, simulator fidelity measurement and modeling, characterization of operator performance in flight, Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) training systems, and human performance in air warfare systems. He uses neurocognitive and physiological sensors to assess operator cognitive function in settings such as UAV, aircraft, simulator, and automotive applications. He also conducts research in multi-sensory display effectiveness and measurement and modeling of human visual performance in warfare and transportation systems including lighting systems and visual enhancement systems using sensor fusion and Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS). Tom is a member of several technical societies and committees including the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Transportation Research Board (TRB), the International Illumination Committee (CIE), and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). He has authored or co-authored over 90 technical papers.