I would also like to add the names of several other key contributors to this
project.  Martha Summa-Chadwick is an established musician and musical
therapist who has been working to help define the goals for this project.
Dr. Billy Harris and Dr. Joe Dumas are also involved with supervising the
graduate and undergraduate students who have been working on the project.
Finally, Paula Klintworth has contributed to the design of the project's
website by creating the artwork used in several animation sequences.



All in all, a team effort that showcases the cross disciplinary strengths of
our Engaged Metropolitan University ...



===============================
Andy Novobilski, Ph.D.
Assoc. Prof. & Dept. Head
UT Chattanooga Computer Science
(423) 425-4202
http://www.utc.edu/faculty/Andy-Novobilski

  _____

From: UTC Campus Information [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Meredith Perry
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2005 1:45 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [UTCINFO] Drs. Kopetz and Novobilski form multidisciplinary
partnership to conduct unique research



Dr. Pat Kopetz, Associate Professor in the College of Health, Education, and
Professional Studies' Graduate Studies Division, and Dr. Andy Novobilski,
Associate
Professor and Head of Computer Science, received $19,845
from the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga.  With Community
Foundation support, Drs. Kopetz and
Novobilski will implement an innovative therapeutic program
that will improve treatment options for children and families struggling
with autism.

Dr. Kopetz and Dr. Novobilski will utilize the grant award to implement a
Neurological Music Therapy (NMT) program.  NMT is based on a neuroscience
model of music perception, production and the influence of music on
functional changes in non-musical brain and behavior functions.  In pilot
studies involving the expertise of Dr. Kopetz and Dr. Novobilski, the use of
NMT with children with autism  had extremely positive results, often
drawing upon the exceptional musical abilities children with autism
sometimes possess.

To provide the NMT services, Drs. Kopetz and Novobilski are partnering with
Music Therapy Gateway in Communication (MTGIC), an emerging Chattanooga
non-profit bringing NMT capacity to our community.  The project team will
provide direct therapeutic services to fifteen children with autism from
Chattanooga.  In addition, Drs. Kopetz and Novobilski will engage student
interns and work with the
Music Therapy Gateway to develop a software program that will make
Neurological Music Therapy (NMT) widely available via web- and
computer-based applications.

Congratulations to Dr. Kopetz and Dr. Novobilski!  This project engages
students in cutting-edge research and development, strengthens a partnership
with an innovative community-based organization, and provides seed funding
to make a unique and powerful therapy available in our community.