Killer Whale Training

A major marine park chain wanted to train their killer whales using underwater sound, in addition to the traditional hand signals. We researched marine mammal physiology, cognition, and training, and designed a "synthetic language", based in part on whale vocalization studies. We developed and installed a computer and digital signal processor-based system for delivering those cues underwater, controlled by a water-proof hand-held terminal used by trainers on stage.  This new training technique was successful and the system was installed at parks in Florida, Texas, California, and Ohio.

Biological Finger-printing

Miragen had embarked on the development of a biological "finger-printing" technique, based on the auto-immune antibody antigen profile and electrophoresis. This technique can use a greater variety of blood or tissue samples than DNA finger-printing. We explored and implemented techniques to match profiles, used to determine if two samples are from the same or different people, and addressed system and product issues.