Eric Shaffer

Eric Shaffer is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), part of the Grainger College of Engineering. He specializes in immersive technologies, computer graphics, and innovative educational tools. His research focuses on leveraging virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for STEM education, with notable projects in materials science, physics, and engineering pedagogy. Shaffer has developed VR games and simulations to enhance learning outcomes, such as Crystal Vision for crystallography and GR in VR for general relativity concepts.

He received the 2024 Grainger College of Engineering Rose Award for Teaching Excellence, recognizing his impactful contributions to educational technology and course design. Shaffer teaches courses including Game Development (CS 415), Interactive Computer Graphics (CS 418), and Virtual Reality (CS 498 VR1/VR3). His work emphasizes bridging theoretical concepts with immersive, hands-on experiences through VR labs and interactive tools.

Research highlights include optimizing 3D interaction techniques (e.g., FocusFlow gaze-based systems), improving ray tracing efficiency, and advancing visualization methods for complex scientific data (e.g., plasma physics and gravitational waves). Shaffer collaborates on initiatives like the Illinois Center for Immersive Computing (IMMERSE), aiming to push the boundaries of immersive computing applications. His articles span over two decades, with recent work focusing on VR education, GPU optimization, and interdisciplinary STEM training.