In 2002, Peggy Chun, a Hawaii artist popular for her colorful and sometimes whimsical paintings of lush tropical vegetation and blue seas, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a debilitating neurological disorder also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Dennis Proffitt, a U.Va. psychology professor, learned of Chun's story and began exploring new ways to use technology to help her continue to create art. Proffitt specializes in working with emerging technologies to create interfaces with the mind, among his other research interests. (less info)