Daria TsoupikovaView profile
Professor
Daria Tsoupikova is a Professor of Digital Media Design at the University of Illinois Chicago's School of Design. She serves as Co-Founder and Design Chair of the bachelor's in computer science and design program and is affiliate faculty in the UIC Electronic Visualization Laboratory (EVL). Her work bridges artistic expression and technological innovation, focusing on virtual reality and interactive media applications across multiple domains. Her educational background includes: MFA in Computer Art from Syracuse University BFA in Graphic Design from Moscow State Academy Positioned at the crossroads of artistic and technological innovation, Tsoupikova's research explores the potential of new media and interactivity in relation to traditional arts. Through development of virtual reality art projects and networked multiuser exhibitions for VR projection systems like the CAVE and CAVE2, her work applies computer graphics to diverse research domains including educational multimedia, cultural heritage, and virtual rehabilitation for stroke survivors. Her approach integrates theater methodologies, design principles, and coding to create immersive experiences that address global challenges while preserving cultural heritage. Analysis of her publication history reveals an evolving trajectory from foundational VR art installations toward increasingly sophisticated therapeutic applications. Her recent work demonstrates a strong focus on the intersection of art, healthcare, and virtual reality, with particular emphasis on collaborative multiuser environments that transform traditional storytelling and therapeutic practices. The progression shows movement from artistic exploration to clinically validated therapeutic interventions with measurable patient outcomes. Her notable awards include: Session's Best Paper at IMCIC 2019 and QRMS/IMCIC 2016 Fulbright Scholar Award (2011) and Intercountry Lecturing Award Communication Arts Award of Excellence and Creative Quarterly Excellence Award National Endowment for the Arts grant and Presidential Award from University of Illinois Tsoupikova has secured significant research funding from the National Science Foundation, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), and the Department of Education for projects including MARS2 (2007-2012) and MARS3 (2012-2018). She has developed innovative courses including Mobile App Design where students collaborate with professional partners such as Caterpillar, UIC medical departments, and clinics. Her work with stroke survivors at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has demonstrated improvements in patients' daily lives, regained trust in their hands, and increased therapy motivation. She is deeply involved with the UIC Electronic Visualization Laboratory, collaborating on advanced visualization projects including IBM partnerships exploring sustainable development goals through VR. Her leadership in establishing the computer science + design undergraduate program positions UIC as the only public university in the United States offering such a specialized degree, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary education at the technology-art intersection.











