Build the future of XR with us
The VEL is a hands-on lab. Students prototype headset apps, robots and devices, run studies with real users, and publish what they learn. Here is how to get involved.
Graduate students
Our PhD and master's students come through UGA's College of Engineering and School of Computing. If you want to build and study XR systems, email Kyle Johnsen with your CV, a few sentences about what you want to work on, and which of our projects interests you. Apply to the graduate program that fits your background, and mention the VEL in your statement.
Undergraduates
Undergraduates join active projects for research credit or through UGA's Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO). Programming experience helps; curiosity and persistence matter more. Taking the VR course first is a great start.
Take the VR course
CSCI/ENGR 4830/6830 Virtual Reality is offered in the fall. Students design, build and test their own XR applications, with projects that span engineering disciplines. You don't need your own headset: the UGA Libraries lend them and the lab has equipment.
Collaborators and sponsors
Most of our projects are partnerships: with clinicians, veterinarians, educators, engineers and companies. If you have a problem where immersive technology might help, we'd like to hear about it.
Visit the lab
Boyd Research and Education Center, Room 164
200 D. W. Brooks Drive
Athens, GA 30602
Visits by appointment. Please email first.
Interested?
Contact Dr. Johnsen, the lab's director:
[email protected]