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Regis Kopper
Assistant Professor Of Computer Science at University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Professional Background
Regis Kopper is a dynamic and innovative Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is the driving force behind the Interactive Realities Lab, a research hub dedicated to exploring the realms of virtual reality simulation and the user experience within immersive interactive systems. Dr. Kopper has a rich history of contributions to the field of human-computer interaction, particularly focusing on 3D interaction and models of human-motor behavior.
Dr. Kopper's career is marked by his previous role as an Assistant Research Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Duke University. During his tenure at Duke, he exhibited leadership as the Director of the Duke immersive Virtual Environment (DiVE), where he spearheaded pioneering research efforts that spanned multiple disciplines, ultimately enhancing the understanding of virtual reality's applications in various fields.
Before joining the academic ranks in a more prominent capacity, Dr. Kopper completed a post-doctoral associate position at the University of Florida. Here, he was an integral member of the Virtual Experiences Research Group (VERG), collaborating closely with Dr. Benjamin Lok. His research during this period was groundbreaking, as he investigated the role of virtual humans in the education of medical students, contributing significantly to the evolution of educational methods in healthcare.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Kopper earned his doctoral degree in Computer Science from Virginia Tech in 2011, a pivotal moment that culminated from his dedication and passion for human-computer interaction research. At Virginia Tech, he was immersed in the Center for Human-Computer Interaction, working under the expert guidance of Dr. Doug A. Bowman. While pursuing his Ph.D., Dr. Kopper was notably involved with the 3D Interaction group, where he focused on developing techniques to enhance user interaction within virtual environments.
His dissertation, titled "Distal Pointing Interaction at Remote Displays," showcased his innovative approach to understanding how individuals interact with distant displays. By employing a laser point metaphor, his research aimed to improve the precision of selection and manipulation tasks associated with distal pointing, ultimately leading to the development of a predictive model for performance in such tasks. This groundbreaking work not only enhanced knowledge in the field but also established Dr. Kopper as a leader among his peers.
Dr. Kopper's educational journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, where he first harvested his passion for technology and interaction design. His foundational experiences in Brazil served as a launching pad for his future academic pursuits, including an important visit to Virginia Tech as a visiting scholar in 2005, which ignited his enthusiasm for virtual environments and set in motion his academic trajectory.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his career, Dr. Kopper has authored and contributed to numerous publications in the fields of virtual reality and human-computer interaction. His early work, including a paper published at the IEEE Virtual Reality conference in 2006, underscores his commitment to advancing the field since the early 2000s. The combination of his professional experiences, academic achievements, and dedication to research makes Regis Kopper a prominent figure in the domains of computer science and virtual reality.
In addition to his research roles, Dr. Kopper has engaged in industry experience that has enriched his academic perspective. He has worked as a software engineer at Hewlett-Packard, a graduate research assistant at Virginia Tech, and a research intern at Bosch, providing him with a diverse set of skills and insights that inform his teaching and research today. Furthermore, Dr. Kopper played a crucial role as a co-owner at Webstuff Informatica, allowing him to apply his technical expertise to real-world applications and demonstrate the practical implications of his research interests.
Through his teaching and mentorship at UNC Greensboro, Dr. Kopper is committed to inspiring the next generation of computer scientists. His active involvement in the Interactive Realities Lab allows students to engage with cutting-edge research in virtual reality, creating opportunities for hands-on experience in this rapidly evolving field. As technology continues to advance, Dr. Kopper's contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of human-computer interaction and immersive experiences.
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