Join
Research opportunities for MS and undergraduate students in the XPI Lab.
The XPI Lab is looking for students who want to build XR systems and test them with real people. Openings depend on funding and project fit. If you’re interested, read the section below that fits you and get in touch.
What you’ll do
Students in the lab build working VR and AR prototypes, usually in Unity and sometimes on mobile or web platforms. They design and run user studies that collect eye-tracking, motion, and questionnaire data, then analyze that data with Python and statistics, and in some projects train machine-learning models. The work is written up for venues such as IEEE VR, CHI, IEEE TVCG, and ETRA, and students present it at conferences.
Research fit
Good candidates are interested in one or more of these areas: virtual, augmented, or mixed reality; human-computer interaction and user studies; computer graphics and spatial interfaces; eye tracking, perception, or behavioral sensing; machine learning for interactive systems; and applied XR for training, health, accessibility, or industry.
Prior XR experience helps but isn’t required. Curiosity, careful technical work, and the ability to learn on your own matter more than knowing a particular headset or engine.
PhD students
We are not accepting new PhD students at the moment. This page will be updated when PhD positions open.
MS students
Email Dr. Adhanom with a short introduction and the research themes that interest you, a current CV or résumé, an unofficial transcript, links to relevant projects, code, publications, or design work, and a brief explanation of why the XPI Lab is a good research fit. Admission to a Texas State graduate program and a place in the lab are separate decisions.
Undergraduate researchers
Texas State undergraduates in Computer Science and related programs are welcome to apply. Include your major, expected graduation date, relevant coursework, weekly availability, and links to any technical or creative work. The university’s undergraduate research resources include workshops, fellowships, and mentored research opportunities.
Contact
Email [email protected] with the subject line XPI Lab research inquiry. Please send everything in one message rather than several follow-ups.
Find us
The XPI Lab is in Derrick Hall, Room M9, at Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666 (map).