Q: Tell me about your TechSAge project, Keystroke. What’s the goal?

A: “KeyStroke provides an in-home, app-assisted music-based therapy for older adults with stroke to help improve their hand function. We’re focusing on three main things: auditory feedback, repetitive movements, and the motivating power of music. We hope that will stimulate the brain function, help patients get better with their hand function, which could ultimately lead to a better quality of life. We are using music because it’s engaging and could help with patient rehabilitation compliance. People can use this app at home at their own pace. They can do as many sessions as they want, whenever they want.”

Q: What drew you to work with individuals who have experienced a stroke?

A: “My interest in this work goes back to when I was in college. I took a physiology class and became so fascinated by how the brain works—its ability to adapt and recover is incredible. That led me to focus on helping people with neurological conditions, like stroke. I wanted to figure out how we can help the brain reach its full potential in recovery.”

Q: What was the inspiration for KeyStroke?

A: “I’ve always been interested in doing home-based assessments. For me, it feels more practical and impactful. When I joined GSU, I got a chance to know my collaborator, Dr. Martin Norgarsh at GSU’s School of Music and we started having discussions on how music can help people with rehab. A coffee shop idea turned into, ‘let’s give it a try.’”

Q: As KeyStroke continues to develop, what aspects are you most excited to pursue?

A: “There are two things we’re very excited about. First, we want to see how AI can be integrated to provide customized, tailored exercise programs to satisfy each individual’s need. In OT, we aim to provide patient with the ‘just right’ solution. The AI would be able to automatically create the music exercise for people at home, so they can keep improving. The second thing is expanding beyond stroke. Eventually, KeyStroke might be able to provide a therapy or training to whoever needs upper extremity rehabilitation, such as kids with cerebral palsy or orthopedic patients with fractures.

Q: What’s a fun fact about yourself?

A: I learned to play piano when I was 5 and played regularly for about 10 years. Then I stopped for another 10 years. When I tried to pick it up again, I was surprised—almost shocked—by how much I had forgotten. I barely remember anything. Now, while developing this music-based therapy, I’m also relearning how to play piano. Since I’m working with music professors and experts in music technology, I figured it was the perfect time to get back into it.