PhD position in Virtual Reality-based Training and Therapy in New York

The Visualization and Virtual Reality group of Dr. Wole Oyekoya at the City University of New York (Hunter College) and the CUNY Graduate Center is inviting applications for one fully funded PhD student position starting in Fall 2021 or later.

The typical duration of the PhD program is from 3 to 4 years. The admitted student will have tuition fees covered and stipend covered by Hunter College. Hunter College is located in Upper-East Manhattan.

Research Description

Immersive virtual environments can be used to create virtual simulations of various research applications. This research aims to create a virtual character representation (exact 3D scan) of the physical self, using latest body scanning technology to create fully texturized photorealistic object models. The student researcher will be expected to explore ways of creating photorealistic avatars through methods such as 3D rendering human face and 3D human body reconstruction.

The aim of the research is to allow humans to be able to watch their virtual self in immersive 3D visualization systems, performing actions that their physical self will not otherwise be able to perform. We hypothesize that the visual experience of the virtual self may positively influence one’s behavior. Applications include bullying, autism, neurorehabilitation, PTSD, dancing and various fight or flight situations.

Requirements

Background in Virtual Reality programming and Computer Graphics. Interest in HCI/Psychology is a plus. The researcher is expected to demonstrate skills and experiences that will enable full 3D human body capture, animation and rendering.

More information

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