Charles E. Hughes

Charles E. Hughes is a Pegasus Professor at the University of Central Florida, holding appointments in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, the School of Visual Arts and Design, and contributing to the School of Modeling, Simulation & Training. He serves as Director of the School of Modeling, Simulation & Training and co-directs the Synthetic Reality Laboratory (SREAL) and the Center for Research in Education Simulation Technology (CREST). He is also affiliated with the Institute for Simulation & Training, Computational Imaging Laboratory, and Graphics Laboratory.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Penn State University, 1970
• M.S. in Computer Science, Penn State University, 1968
• B.A. in Mathematics, Northeastern University, 1966

His research focuses on virtual environments and their applications in learning, particularly in teacher preparation, physician training, interpersonal skills, and de-escalation techniques. He integrates mixed reality, digital puppetry, and avatar-based systems to create immersive educational experiences. His work emphasizes embodied cognition, gesture analysis, and simulation-driven skill development.

The most recent publications highlight trends in virtual embodiment, affective computing, educational simulation, and assistive technologies. Key themes include body ownership in VR, gesture-based interaction, curiosity detection, and social skill development for individuals with autism. His interdisciplinary approach bridges computer science, education, and healthcare.

Scientific Awards:

• Best Paper Award, ACM SUI 2018
• Best Paper Award, IEEE SeGAH 2016
• Grand Challenge People’s Choice Award, ACM ICMI 2015

Dr. Hughes has advised over 26 Ph.D. students and secured over $20 million in research funding as PI or co-PI. His collaborative projects span institutions and disciplines, involving teams from education, computer science, psychology, and medicine. He leads major initiatives in learning sciences and simulation-based training, fostering innovation in pedagogy and technology.

He is a key figure in the Synthetic Reality Laboratory and the Learning Sciences Faculty Cluster, driving research in immersive technologies and their real-world applications. His labs focus on developing next-generation simulation tools for training, rehabilitation, and education.