Panagiotis Apostolellis

Panagiotis Apostolellis is an Associate Professor in the Computer Science Department at the University of Virginia (UVA), specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), User Experience Design, and Computational Thinking. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Virginia Tech (2017) and has extensive experience in interactive systems design from his tenure at Greece’s Foundation of the Hellenic World (2000–2011). His research focuses on enhancing learning through technology in informal settings, including museums and virtual environments.

• Educational Background:
  • PhD in Computer Science & Applications, Virginia Tech (2017)
  • MSc in Human-Centered Systems, University of Sussex (1998)
  • BSc in Electrical Engineering, TEI of Western Greece (1996)

Research Interests: Audience interaction, 3D user interfaces, informal learning technologies, and HCI applications for education. His work emphasizes playful and engaging approaches to teaching computational thinking and fostering collaboration in virtual spaces.

Key Contributions: Developed projects like Nature Explorer (QR-coded museum exhibits for children) and RaBit EscAPE (a board game for computational thinking). His research on digital self-control tools and audience engagement in museums has been published in venues like CHI and ACM conferences.

• Awards:
  • Education Innovation Award (UVA School of Engineering, 2020 & 2022)
  • Outstanding Research Award (Virginia Tech, 2017–2018)

Teaching & Leadership: Teaches HCI and introductory CS courses at UVA. Advocates for integrating fun and play into education to enhance effectiveness. Supervises projects and collaborates on tools like e2Logos for assessing student reports and Marcus, a depression-screening chatbot.