Michael Neff

Michael Neff is a Professor at the University of California, Davis, affiliated with the Department of Computer Science and Department of Cinema and Digital Media. He directs the Motion Lab, an interdisciplinary research group exploring the intersection of computation and human movement.

• Education: PhD in Computer Science from the University of Toronto (2005), Certified Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analyst (CLMA, 2009)

Research Interests: Focus on character animation tools, gesture and nonverbal communication modeling, physics-based animation, and applying performing arts concepts to virtual character movement. His work bridges art and science through collaborations with robotics, psychology, and dance departments.

Recent Research Trends: Over the past five years, his publications demonstrate a focus on speech-driven gesture synthesis, physics-based character control in VR environments, and multimodal analysis of movement perception. Key themes include tension modeling, motion style transfer, and avatar trust dynamics.

Awards & Recognition:

• NSF CAREER Award (2009-14)
• Isadora Duncan Award for Visual Design (2009)
• Best Paper Awards at Intelligent Virtual Agents (2007), Motion in Games (2015, 2016)
• Alain Fournier Memorial Award (2005)
• IBM PhD Fellowship for advisee Simbarashe Nyatsanga

Advising & Collaborations: Has mentored 18 graduate students (PhD/Masters) and numerous undergraduates. Collaborates across disciplines with computer scientists, dancers, and psychologists. Currently chairs the Department of Cinema and Digital Media.

Laboratory Facilities: Established a motion capture lab in 2007 featuring a 12-camera optical system in a 750 sq ft studio, supporting interdisciplinary research in movement analysis.