Dr. Robert Shelton

Mathematics

Robert Shelton has over 30 years experience as a totally blind mathematician, college professor, computer scientist, and project manager. He led the project to develop MathTrax and the Math Description Engine (MDE) algorithm. MDE uses rule-based and computational machine intelligence to analyze, describe and sonify equations and data to provide alternative accessibility for students with vision or perception disabilities. MDE debuted in the summer of 2004 as a mission planning and data analysis tool for the 2004 NFB Rocket On! Science Academy, during which 12 blind high school students carried out a sounding rocket mission from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility.

Education:
BA Mathematics, Rice University, 1971
PhD Mathematics, Rice University 1975
Post doc, Institute for Advanced Studies, Princeton, 1975-76