Between Two Worlds

Abstract

Objective: To provide an evaluative overview of the life and contributions of Raja Parasuraman.

Background: From his earliest contributions in clarifying and explaining the problematic area of vigilance to his most recent interdisciplinary advances in understanding how genotype relates to behavior in complex technical environments, Raja Parasuraman was a giant of human factors and ergonomics. Our present exposition articulates and recounts his many contributions to our science and to science in general beyond the confines of our own discipline.

Method: We use the history of scientific contributions, biographical analysis, and reported personal experience to accomplish our overall assessment of the man and his work.

Results: We conclude that Parasuraman's contributions were unique, substantive, and seminal, and will continue to influence our science for many years to come.

Application: This work will serve as a record for those to come who look to make significant contributions to the goals, aims, and aspirations that we set ourselves in human factors and ergonomics in seeking to improve the human condition.

Keywords: aging; genetics; neuroergonomics; training; vigilance.