I am an Assistant Professor of Computer Science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University, where I direct the Interactive Realities Laboratory (IRLab). Before joining Iowa State, I was in the Computer Science faculty at UNC Greensboro. Before that, I was an Assistant Research Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, and Computer Science at Duke University, where I directed the Duke immersive Virtual Environment (DiVE), one of the few 6-sided surrounding immersive virtual reality systems in the world. I also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Florida, investigating the use of conversational virtual humans in medical education. I have authored numerous journal papers and conference proceedings and received several honors, including the best paper award in the IEEE Symposium in 3D User Interfaces and the IEEE 3D User Interfaces Grand Prize on two occasions. I received my B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science from the Pontifical Catholic University in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and my Ph.D. in Computer Science from Virginia Tech.

My research focuses on extended reality (XR) user experience, virtual reality (VR) simulation, and applied XR research. I work on enhancing the usability of virtual and augmented reality systems by designing novel interaction techniques, reducing VR discomfort, and integrating tangible devices into XR user interfaces. I utilize VR simulation for the design, prototyping, and evaluation of next-generation user interfaces to assess technology that is not yet available, particularly in public safety. Additionally, I explore the use of XR for training in complex, real-world scenarios. My research is transdisciplinary and collaborative, investigating the application of XR interfaces in healthcare, neuroscience, and the humanities.

Recently, I have expanded my research to explore the potential of immersive technology for delivering equitable, sustainable, and accessible healthcare. I am passionate about creating innovative solutions that can have a global impact and improve people’s lives.

My research has been generously supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the United States Army, the Portuguese-American Development Foundation (FLAD-Portugal), and the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP, Brazil).