Betsy Sanders

Betsy Sanders is a Professor of Computer Science at Rhodes College, specializing in computer graphics and virtual environments. She has held this position since Fall 2007 and teaches courses ranging from introductory programming to advanced topics in artificial intelligence and operating systems. Her research focuses on improving human interaction within virtual environments, particularly through immersive technologies like head-mounted displays and gesture-based interfaces. She leads a weekly research seminar and has contributed to projects such as the Guru tutoring system, which integrates animated agents into educational software.

Dr. Sanders earned a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science from Millsaps College, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science from Vanderbilt University. Her work spans desktop and immersive virtual environments, emphasizing spatial cognition, navigation techniques, and user-centered design. She has published extensively on locomotion methods in VR, including studies on walking-in-place interfaces and gesture-based interaction.

• Education: B.S. Millsaps College, M.S./Ph.D. Vanderbilt University
• Research Themes: Virtual Environments, Human-Computer Interaction, Educational Technology
• Lab: Active projects include Guru tutoring system and VR navigation optimization

Outside academia, she resides in Midtown Memphis with her family, balancing hobbies like antique shopping and home renovation with her academic commitments.