IEI Lab

Dr. Sungchul Jung
Assistant Professor, Lab Supervisor

I am an Assistant Professor of Computer Game Design and Development at Kennesaw State University. I completed my Ph.D. in Computer Science at the University of Central Florida in 2018. I was a postdoctoral fellow researcher at the Human Interface Technology Lab (HIT Lab) in New Zealand, from 2018 to 2021. My research interests lie in the field of eXtended Reality (VR/MR/AR) and data-driven Empathic Computing based Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) perspective. Based on the findings from my research, I am leveraging the fully personalized virtual reality experience for social relationships, education, learning and collaboration, entertainment, simulation, game design, and healthcare. I am actively working on academic service as a reviewer, program committee, and editor at prestigious venues such as IEEE VR, ACM VRST, IEEE ISMAR, ACM CHI, and Frontiers.

Nicholas Wile
Graduate Research Assistant, M.S. Computer Science Student

I'm an M.S. Computer Science student and Graduate Research Assistant at KSU. I graduated summa cum laude from KSU in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Minor in Computer Game Design and Development. I've been working in the IEI Lab since January 2023, designing, developing, and extending virtual reality applications, primarily for education, fitness, and medical simulations. I also integrate peripheral devices like eye trackers and wearable sensors with VR to collect real-time player data for VR UX research. In 2023, I built an eye-tracking VR Classroom and conducted user studies with 24 students on campus, leading to 1st place recognition in the KSU Computing Showcase for an innovative prototype enabling VR UX research, studying Avatar-Mediated Interactions in simulated learning environments. My current project involves validating the accuracy of a facial emotion recognition machine learning model using animated virtual avatars. My areas of interest include game design and computer graphics, with additional experience in AI and computer vision for games and XR.

Umme Afifa Jinan
Graduate Research Assistant, Ph.D. Computer Science Student

Umme Afifa Jinan is a PhD student (Fall 23-present) and graduate research assistant, Immersive Empathic Interface Lab at KSU. She completed her Bachelors and Masters in Information and Communication Engineering from Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh, and has served as a faculty lecturer in the dept of Computer Science and Engineering, Feni University, Bangladesh (2021- June 2023). Her research interests are Virtual Reality and Empathic Computing, and their applications in healthcare domains.

Mason Prather
Undergraduate Research Assistant, B.S. Computer Game Design and Development Student

Mason Prather is an Undergraduate Researcher at KSU Immersive Empathic Interface Lab. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Computer Game Design & Development and has been accepted into KSU's graduate program for a Master's of Science in Software Engineering, beginning in Fall 2024. Within the lab, he has collaborated with Dr. Sungchul Jung on the study "Use of Exoskeleton Chair for Posture Change in VR." His goals include continuing collaboration in an academic setting within VR research and pursuing software and video game development, creating impactful games and simulations.

Fareedah Ashiru
First Year Scholar, B.B.A. Information Systems Student

Fareedah Ashiru, Freshman studying Information Systems, to have a career in data analytics, and working as an undergraduate research student. I joined the team in Fall 2023 and I'm working with the virtual gym to analyzing data from physiological signals collected from the gym.

Seth Brice
Undergrauate Research Intern, B.S. Computer Game Design and Development Student

Senior, Seth Brice, Undergraduate Intern (working to be Undergraduate Researcher). Currently working towards my Computer Game Design and Development degree at KSU, and exoloring 3D modeling as a career option. Working in the Immersive Empathic Interface Lab. I am helping on the VR Classroom project by creating animations for the avatars, including bodily poses and facial expressions.

Adele Rousseau
Undergrauate Research Intern, B.S. Computer Game Design and Development Student

Senior at Kennesaw State University with a major in Computer Game Design and Development. I have an interest in the storytelling that can be done through games, and I also enjoy making 3D models for the different class projects I have done. Currently I am learning how to implement VR in Unity, and I am learning how to create mobile games though Unity as well.

Antonio Brewer
Research Intern, B.S. Computer Game Design and Development Alumni

Antonio Brewer, Graduated with a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Computer Game Design and Development, Intern working towards a career in game design and programming. Started working with the research group in Jan 2024. Using games as a medium to create amazing stories and experiences is my passion and I love being able to work on interesting projects.

Reid Autrey
Former Honor's Scholar Undergraduate Research Intern, B.S. Computer Game Design and Development Alumni

Graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Game Design and Development. While working in the lab, extended a VR Gym project to study haptic feedback and perception of weight.