Find Academic Supervisors

Niko SuenderhaufView profile

Professor

• Robotic Vision
• Computer Vision
• Machine Learning
• +7 more

Professor Niko Suenderhauf is a leading researcher in robotic vision and AI at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He focuses on enabling robots to understand and interact with their environment through advancements in SLAM, scene understanding, and semantic mapping. His work bridges robotics, computer vision, and machine learning, aiming to create reliable, relatable, and sustainable robotic systems that collaborate with humans to address societal challenges like climate change and aging populations. His key achievements include pioneering graph-based SLAM methods integrated into the ROS ecosystem, developing object-based semantic SLAM systems, and demonstrating the efficacy of deep learning for place recognition. Collaborations with institutions like DeepMind and Amazon reflect his interdisciplinary approach. Awards include recognition for groundbreaking SLAM research and highly cited publications. Research interests emphasize open-world navigation, privacy-preserving vision, and embodied AI, with a focus on practical applications in construction, environmental monitoring, and domestic robotics. His work on uncertainty quantification and robust perception ensures systems operate safely in unpredictable environments. Professor Suenderhauf actively engages in education, mentoring students across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and emphasizes the societal impact of technology through collaborations with neuroscience, law, and design experts.

Hadrien CourtecuisseView profile

Researcher

• Medical Robotics
• Real-Time Simulations
• Finite Element Methods
• +3 more

Dr. Hadrien Courtecuisse is a Researcher (Chargé de Recherche) at CNRS, affiliated with the AVR/ICube team in Strasbourg since 2013. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Inria (2011), specializing in parallel architectures for medical simulations. His postdoctoral work at Cardiff University (2012) focused on biomechanical modeling of soft tissues. He later contributed to the Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) as a research engineer. His expertise spans sparse linear algebra, real-time simulations, GPU computing, and medical robotics, particularly in surgical training systems and robotic control using inverse finite element models. Education: Ph.D., SHAMAN Team, Inria (2011) Postdoctoral Research, IMAM, Cardiff University (2012) Research Interests: Courtecuisse’s work emphasizes real-time computational methods for medical applications, including deformable object simulation, haptic feedback, and robotic assistance. He develops algorithms for contact response, topological changes, and parallel computing to enhance surgical training and robotic precision. His contributions address challenges in needle insertion, soft tissue interaction, and real-time error control in surgical simulations. Awards & Recognition: No specific scientific awards mentioned. Key Projects: MIMESIS Project (Inria): Focuses on medical robotics and real-time simulation for therapy planning. SOFA-FrameWork: Contributed to open-source simulation software for deformable objects and haptics. Calipso: Image editing via physics-based CAD models. Labs & Teams: Active in the AVR/ICube team at CNRS, collaborating with Inria and international institutions like Cardiff University.

Sara Fridovich-KeilView profile

Assistant Professor

• Computational Imaging
• Machine Learning Foundations
• Signal Processing
• +3 more

Sara Fridovich-Keil is an Assistant Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Georgia Tech, where she is also program faculty in machine learning. Previously, she was a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University (2023–2025), advised by Gordon Wetzstein and Mert Pilanci, and completed her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at UC Berkeley in 2023 under the guidance of Ben Recht. Her research focuses on the foundations of machine learning, signal processing, and optimization, with applications to computational imaging, medical imaging (e.g., MRI, CT, cryo-EM), and inverse problems. Her work bridges theory and practice, addressing challenges such as nonlinear tomographic reconstruction, data-driven prior design, and signal representation for inverse problems. Key contributions include Plenoxels (radiance field reconstruction without neural networks) and K-Planes (space-time appearance modeling). She is supported by an NSF Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowship and has received the UC Berkeley Demetri Angelakos Memorial Achievement Award (2022). Her lab at Georgia Tech seeks to develop scalable, provably accurate algorithms for imaging applications. She advises students interested in machine learning, optimization, and signal processing. Professional activities include membership on the IEEE Signal Processing Society’s Computational Imaging Technical Committee (2025–2027). Personal interests include hiking, gardening, and open-source contributions (e.g., GitHub repositories like Plenoxels and FingertipVideo for vital sign estimation).

• Games Technology
• 3D Modelling
• Computer Animation
• +13 more

Alain Simons is a Senior Lecturer in Games Technology Programming at Bournemouth University, Faculty of Media and Communication, within the Department of Games Technology and Games Programming. His work bridges technical innovation and educational application in game development, 3D modeling, and digital imaging. His research focuses on novel imaging technologies such as VectorPixels , which aim to reduce bandwidth usage by representing photographic images through vector-based rendering. He also pioneers Scale Model Games (SMG) , integrating physical miniatures with online multiplayer systems for immersive tactical gameplay, and eScale Model Racing , simulating real-world racing conditions in scaled environments. Additional work includes avatar-based support for online learners and gamification of historical and engineering education. His publications span augmented reality, game engines, architectural visualization, and educational technology. Trends show a consistent focus on blending physical and digital interactivity, optimizing visual data, and enhancing learning through gamification. Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy (2018) Alain supervises final-year student projects and integrates research into teaching. He has secured multiple grants from EPSRC, HEFCE, HEIF, and the Paul Mellon Centre, supporting projects in immersive simulation, structural behavior gamification, and VR for STEM outreach. He is actively involved in consultancy, including advising on Innovate UK bids. He leads initiatives in broadcasting student work across university screens and developing automated marking tools. His lab activities center on the Center for Games and Music Technology , where students engage in modeling, programming, and historical research for gameplay development.

• Computer Graphics
• Rendering
• Visual Effects Simulation
• +12 more

Dr. Ian Stephenson is a Principal Academic in Computer Animation at Bournemouth University, Faculty of Media and Communication. He is based at the Talbot Campus and has been actively contributing to computer graphics research and education for decades. DPhil in Electronics, University of York (1995) His research focuses on rendering techniques, visual effects simulation, and shader development. Key areas include motion blur, film grain, diffraction in pinhole cameras, and real-time digital relighting for theatrical and concert applications. He has also explored FPGA-based hardware acceleration and stage lighting simulation using screen-space re-rendering. In recent years, he has contributed to educational computing through the development of the Sniff programming language, designed to help Scratch users transition to text-based coding for physical computing and robotics. His publications span journals like Imaging Science Journal and Journal of Graphic Tools , and conferences including ACM SIGGRAPH, Eurographics, and TPCG. His work shows a consistent trajectory from advanced rendering research to practical and educational applications in computer graphics. Essential RenderMan (Springer, 2006) Production Rendering (Springer, 2005) Essential RenderMan Fast (Springer, 2002) Dr. Stephenson has been involved in public engagement, presenting Sniff at events like Scratch@MIT and HEA STEM conferences. He advises on student projects and promotes physical computing in education. While no formal grants or awards are listed, his software (Sniff, Angel) and outreach demonstrate significant scholarly and educational impact. He leads or contributes to initiatives integrating IoT data into virtual environments and exploring N-body simulations for graphics. His lab work appears centered on real-time rendering, educational tools, and performance technology.

Jiří ŽáraView profile

Professor

• Virtual Reality
• Computer Graphics
• Computational Geometry
• +3 more

Jiří Žára is a Professor at the Czech Technical University in Prague, currently serving as Head of the Department of Computer Graphics and Interaction within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering. With a career spanning over four decades at the institution, he has held roles from PhD student (1982-1986) through Assistant Professor (1986-1997), Associate Professor (1997-2007), to Full Professor status since 2007. Department Head: 2008-present Computer Graphics Group Leader: 2002-2008 Supervisor: Computer Graphics Laboratory His research focuses on Virtual Reality , 3D Modeling , and Computational Geometry , with particular emphasis on VR educational applications, historical city visualization, and geometric algorithms. He has contributed significantly to VRML standards and interactive visualization techniques. Key research trends evident in his 96+ publications include real-time deformation techniques for 3D models, adaptive caching systems in rendering, and automated colorization algorithms for historical cartoons. His work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between computer graphics , cultural heritage preservation , and educational technology . As academic supervisor, he has guided numerous students including: Ondřej Pluhař (Interactive Tokamak Golem Model, 2011) Daniel Šrám (Virtual Gallery in St. Peter & Paul Church, 2010) Jan Zimandl (Castle Park VRML Tour, 2009) He leads multiple EU-funded projects including: ARiSE (Augmented Reality in School Environments) VHCE (Virtual Heart of Central Europe for cultural heritage) V3C (Visual Computing Competence Center) RCI (Research Center for Informatics)

• Machine Learning
• Maritime Engineering
• Robotics
• +4 more

Shengkai Zhang is an active researcher with 26 publications and 444 citations spanning engineering, computer science, and environmental disciplines. His work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary collaboration through co-authorship with researchers like Kezhong Liu and Mozi Chen across multiple high-impact venues including IEEE conferences, arXiv, and specialized journals. His research interests center on Machine Learning applications in maritime systems , with significant contributions to Large Language Model integration for ship navigation, wireless sensing for bridge officer monitoring, and sensor fusion techniques. Additional expertise spans robotics perception (visual-inertial systems, mmWave radar enhancement), environmental modeling (urban energy systems, climate studies), and biomedical applications of traditional medicine. Recent work shows increasing focus on AI foundation models and their security implications. Zhang's publication trajectory reveals consistent output with accelerating impact since 2023, featuring 15+ papers in 2024 alone. His research clusters around three core themes: Maritime AI Systems (LLM navigation, track association, watchkeeping monitoring) Advanced Sensing Technologies (mmWave radar, Wi-Fi sensing, GNSS fusion) Environmental & Biomedical Applications (urban energy modeling, gut microbiome studies) These areas demonstrate both technical depth in signal processing/computer vision and practical focus on real-world engineering challenges.

Tomáš SkřivanView profile

Research Fellow

• Physics Simulation
• Computer Graphics
• Numerical Methods
• +3 more

Tomáš Skřivan serves as a Research Fellow at the Hoskinson Center for Formal Mathematics , Carnegie Mellon University. His work bridges formal mathematics with practical scientific computing through the development of the SciLean library in Lean 4, targeting enhanced reliability in machine learning and simulation software. Skřivan's research spans interdisciplinary domains with core emphases on: Physics-based simulation of fluid dynamics and wave phenomena Computer graphics algorithms for light transport and rendering Formal verification techniques applied to numerical methods Mathematical modeling of viscoelastic materials His publication trajectory since 2016 reveals evolving expertise from computational fluid dynamics (water wave simulation, viscoelastic modeling) toward formal methods in scientific computing, consistently merging theoretical rigor with practical implementation. Recent work on SciLean represents a strategic pivot toward verified software foundations. As a key contributor to the Hoskinson Center's mission, Skřivan collaborates on projects leveraging proof assistants to eliminate errors in scientific code. The center, established through Charles Hoskinson's support, pioneers mathematically guaranteed correctness in computational science through formal verification frameworks.

Donald DegraenView profile

Assistant Professor

• Haptics
• Virtual Reality
• Fabrication
• +3 more

Donald Degraen is an Assistant Professor and Lecturer at the University of Canterbury, affiliated with the HIT Lab NZ, a leading research center in New Zealand. His work focuses on the intersection of haptics, fabrication, and virtual reality, with a particular emphasis on designing touch experiences and novel interaction methods. His research explores tools and techniques for generating tactile textures, sensory substitution for object detection, and collaborative haptic design. Donald’s research spans immersive technologies, including studies on virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications such as cycling exergames, wind-based haptic feedback, and eco-friendly gamification. He has contributed to frameworks for integrating smart devices into VR environments and enhancing tactile experiences through 3D-printed metamaterials. His work often bridges physical and digital realms, emphasizing sustainability and user-centered design. Key projects include TactStyle (generative AI for tactile textures), Spatial Haptics (sensory substitution methods), and Collaborative Haptic Experience Design (on-body vibrotactile patterns). Donald actively collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, leveraging his expertise in both technical and applied aspects of human-computer interaction. His research has been published in top-tier venues, with recent contributions exploring adaptive feedback systems, pseudo-force rendering in VR, and gamified eco-behavioral interventions. Donald is also involved in prototyping tools like AmbiPlant and Vrysmart, which aim to enhance real-world interactions through ambient and smart technology integration.

Adrien BousseauView profile

Researcher

• Computer Graphics
• Image Processing
• Non-Photorealistic Rendering
• +5 more

Adrien Bousseau is a Senior Researcher at Inria within the GraphDeco group at Université Côte d'Azur. He earned his PhD from Inria Rhône-Alpes under Joëlle Thollot and François X. Sillion, with internships at Adobe and MIT. His postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley focused on computational design and graphics. Notable roles include leading the ANR DRAO project (2012–2015) and coordinating the CRISP associate team with UC Berkeley. He has received prestigious awards such as the Eurographics 2011 PhD Award and ERC grants for projects on 3D design and circular design. Research interests span image creation, stylization, vector graphics, and sketch-based modeling. Recent work explores computational methods for circular design and AI-driven design tools. He has supervised over 13 PhD students, including Nicolas Rosset (aerodynamics) and Emilie Yu (VR sketching). Key projects include ERC-funded initiatives on drawing interpretation and material acquisition. Service contributions include co-chairing Eurographics 2025 and EGSR 2021, and editorial roles at Computer Graphics Forum. Publicly accessible tools include Photoshop watercolor filters and academic resources like BendFields tutorials.

• Virtual Reality
• Computer Graphics
• Scientific Visualization
• +2 more

Eric Gene Shaffer serves as a Teaching Associate Professor at the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science, University of Illinois, with research spanning virtual reality, computer graphics, and scientific visualization applications in physics and education. His primary research areas include Virtual Reality, Computer Graphics, Scientific Visualization, Human-Computer Interaction, and Educational Technology. Shaffer develops GPU-accelerated rendering techniques for ray tracing optimization, immersive tools for gravitational wave visualization, and VR-based educational games focused on user comfort and crystallography instruction. His work bridges computational methods with practical STEM learning outcomes. Analysis of recent publications reveals consistent innovation in VR interaction paradigms and cross-domain applications. Key trends include memory-efficient rendering architectures, gaze-depth manipulation interfaces, and equity-focused decision-making simulations. His research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary collaboration across computer science, physics, and engineering education, with publications appearing in venues like ISVC and CHI.

• Multimodal Learning
• Brain Decoding
• Computer Vision
• +3 more

Weihao Xia is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cambridge's Department of Computer Science and Technology, affiliated with the CORE Lab under Cengiz Öztireli. His work bridges computer science and human cognition, focusing on multimodal learning, brain decoding, and tactile representation. He specializes in integrating visual, textual, neural, and tactile data to enhance AI systems for perception and creativity. Research interests include neural decoding from brain signals, tactile representation learning, and generative models for cross-modal translation. Notable projects include UMBRAE (unified multimodal brain decoding) and DREAM (visual decoding via human visual system reversal). His work addresses challenges in generating realistic images, interpreting neural signals, and improving tactile-based material editing. Teaching: Supervises Part II, Part III, and M.Phil. projects at Cambridge. Research topics for students include brain-based art creation, tactile material editing, and benchmarking sensory modalities. Projects emphasize multimodal alignment, brain-imagery reconstruction, and tactile representation learning. Contact: wx258@cam.ac.uk | Room GC01, William Gates Building.

• Virtual Reality
• Computer Graphics
• Education Technology
• +6 more

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.

Antonio AlbertiView profile

Associate Professor

• Distributed Systems
• Internet of Things
• 5G/6G Networks
• +13 more

Dr. Antonio Alberti is an Associate Professor in Software Engineering at the School of Computer Science, University of Leeds, UK. He brings over two decades of experience from the National Institute of Telecommunications (Inatel), Brazil, and holds a PhD from the State University of Campinas (Unicamp). He was a visiting researcher at ETRI, South Korea, and has led major research initiatives including the NovaGenesis Future Internet project and the Brazil 6G Project architecture design. B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Federal University of Santa Maria (1995) M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, FEEC/Unicamp (1998) Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, FEEC/Unicamp (2003) His research centers on reimagining foundational information and communication technologies (ICT) through convergent architectures that enhance efficiency, security, autonomy, and adaptability. Key themes include name-based security, self-organizing systems, immutable data storage, digital monetization, and physical world programmability. He actively explores the integration of cloud/edge computing, IoT, AI, blockchain, and digital twins to address challenges in smart cities, Industry 5.0, supply chains, and spectrum management. The trends in his recent publications reflect a strong interdisciplinary focus, blending technical innovation with societal impact. His work spans future internet architectures, 5G/6G systems, distributed ledger applications, and the philosophical implications of emerging technologies. He emphasizes the role of technology in cultural transformation, as seen in his writings on 'New Renaissances' and 'Transversality,' and advocates for responsible innovation through public engagement and ethical foresight. Dr. Alberti is actively involved in mentoring and welcomes PhD students interested in software engineering, distributed systems, and digital transformation. He has delivered over 90 talks on technology disruption and is a proponent of multidisciplinary collaboration. His outreach includes organizing panels, workshops, and cultural events that bridge science, technology, and art. Founder, Renascidade (social entrepreneurship network) Author, Novos Renascimentos Chief Architect, NovaGenesis Project (2008–2024) Contributor, Brazilian National M2M/IoT Plan Architect, Brazil 6G Project He leads research on smart environments and digital transformation, focusing on urban, industrial, and rural applications. His team develops platforms for ICT experimentation and explores cognitive radio, service-oriented architectures, and hybrid terrestrial-satellite networks. He promotes abundant innovation networks and facilitates change towards desirable technological futures.

Dinesh K. PaiView profile

Professor

• Sensorimotor Computation
• Computer Graphics
• Robotics
• +5 more

Dinesh K. Pai is a Professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in the Department of Computer Science at the University of British Columbia, where he directs the Sensorimotor Systems Laboratory. He holds cross-appointments at UBC’s Institute for Computing, Information and Cognitive Systems (ICICS), Institute of Applied Mathematics, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, ICORD International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, and Brain Research Centre. His educational background includes a Ph.D. from Cornell University and a B.Tech. from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. His research spans sensorimotor computation with applications in computer graphics, robotics, biomechanics, haptics, and neurobiology. Recent work focuses on human body modeling, garment simulation, soft tissue dynamics, and friction measurement, leveraging machine learning and physics-based simulation techniques. Pai’s publication trends reveal a strong interdisciplinary focus on human-centered computational models, with increasing integration of machine learning for 3D pattern adjustment, body shape generation, and cloth simulation. His work bridges computer graphics with biomechanics and neuroscience through sensorimotor computation. UBC’s 2012 Killam Research Prize CHCCS 2020 Achievement Award Tier 1 Canada Research Chair His research has been supported by significant grants including NSERC Discovery and Idea-to-Innovation grants, a Major Thematic Grant from the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies, and a Human Frontier Science Program grant for studying CNS modularity. As leader of ICICS’ Human Sensorimotor Systems theme, he directs a multidisciplinary team exploring computational models of human sensorimotor function. The Sensorimotor Systems Laboratory operates state-of-the-art facilities featuring a Vicon MX motion capture system, LMI HDI body scanner, eye trackers, skin measurement instruments, EMG systems, haptic interfaces, and robotic platforms for advancing human-computer interaction research.