معرفی
Dr. Robert J. Teather is an Associate Professor and the Director of the School of Information Technology at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. He previously served as an interim Director of the School of Information Technology during the 2022-23 academic year. His academic journey includes a PhD in Computer Science from York University (2013) and a postdoctoral fellowship at McMaster University (2015).
Dr. Teather's educational background includes:
- PhD in Computer Science from York University (2013)
- Master's Thesis: "Comparing 2D and 3D Direct Manipulation Interfaces" from York University (2008), which was awarded the Joseph Liu Thesis Award
Dr. Teather's research broadly falls under the field of human-computer interaction, with specialization in 3D user interfaces, virtual reality, and user interfaces for computer games. His work establishes methods for direct comparison of 2D and 3D interfaces for conceptually equivalent tasks, such as selection and manipulation interfaces. He investigates factors influencing human performance in VR, including stereo 3D graphics, haptic feedback, and head-tracking. His research also evaluates novel user interfaces like tilt control or touchscreens, and examines human performance with game input devices in complex tasks involving navigation, selection, and manipulation of objects in game environments. His research has been published extensively in top venues including IEEE VR, ACM SUI, and Graphics Interface.
Among his notable scientific achievements are:
- NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship during his PhD studies
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship during his PhD studies
- Best Paper Honourable Mention at the ACM Symposium on Applied Perception 2020
- Best Demo Award for SUI 2017
- Joseph Liu Thesis Award (2008)
Dr. Teather actively supervises graduate students at Carleton University, currently overseeing multiple PhD and Master's students in the areas of human-computer interaction and interactive digital media. His research is supported by NSERC and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, providing funding for his students and laboratory equipment. His students have produced research spanning VR as a persuasive tool to improve vaccine confidence, selection performance using smartphones in VR, and text entry methods in virtual reality environments.
Dr. Teather leads a well-equipped CFI-supported lab focused on virtual and augmented reality research. His team works collaboratively on projects related to interactive virtual reality systems, computer game user interfaces, and input devices for 3D interaction. The lab environment fosters interdisciplinary research with opportunities for students to work on cutting-edge VR/AR technologies and contribute to the growing field of spatial computing.
