Rafael Patrick

Rafael Patrick is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), part of the College of Engineering. His research focuses on human factors psychology, auditory situation awareness, and user-centered design with applications in transportation systems, virtual reality, and wearable technology. He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial & Systems Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University (2018), an M.S. in Human Factors and Systems from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (2012), and a B.S. in Human Factors Psychology from the same institution (2008).

Dr. Patrick’s professional history includes roles as a graduate research assistant at North Carolina A&T’s Transportation Institute and research supervisor at Embry-Riddle’s McNair Scholars Program. He teaches courses such as Discrete Event Systems Modeling & Simulation and Occupational Biomechanics & Ergonomics. His work has been recognized through awards including the McNair Program’s Outstanding Alumnus Mentor Award and Title III Dissertation Fellow designation.

His research trends emphasize improving safety through auditory interface design, with recent studies examining bone conduction technology in VR environments and pedestrian-vehicle communication systems. Collaborations include developing the TESSERACT loudspeaker array for spatial sonification and investigating distractions at campus crosswalks. Professional affiliations include the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) and Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE).

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Industrial & Systems Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University (2018)
  • M.S., Human Factors and Systems, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (2012)
  • B.S., Human Factors Psychology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (2008)
• Awards:
  • Dr. Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program: Outstanding Alumnus Mentor Award
  • NC A&T Title III Dissertation Fellow
  • NC A&T ISE Department Awards: Humanitarian, Research, & Teaching
• Labs/Teams: Engages in interdisciplinary projects involving virtual reality safety systems and wearable auditory interfaces through Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering initiatives.