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Ronald E. Barr
Professor
Mechanical Engineering
Phone: (512) 471-3008
Fax: (512) 471-7683
Email: rbarr@mail.utexas.edu
Dr. Barr's Web site
Dr. Ronald E. Barr earned his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Marquette University in 1975. He joined the faculty of The University of Texas at Austin in 1978.
Dr. Barr teaches computer graphics modeling and researches biosignal analyses of human electrophysiological functions. Barr and his students use engineering software that creates three-dimensional databases to design parts from the concept stage to the manufacturing stage. He also conducts biosignal analyses to study the electrical functions of the brain and muscles. For example, Barr found that electrical stimulation of the human brain could increase a subject’s relaxation because it lowers the frequency of brainwaves. The technique could be an alternative to drug therapy for patients with anxiety, depression and other mental disorders. Active in engineering education, Barr served as the 2005-2006 president of the American Society for Engineering Education.
Research interests:
- Biosignal analysis
- Electrical function of brain and muscle
- Computer graphics modeling