Research
Computer Science Research Focus Areas
The Engagement and Collaboration in Human-Robotic Interaction group works with Melvin, a humanoid robot connected to several computers running various kinds of artificial intelligence software, to make his interaction with humans totally autonomous.
Professor Neil Heffernan’s development of ASSISTments, a web-based system that blends tutoring assistance and performance assessment, is revolutionizing the way the nation’s schools teach the subjects of math and science. 
The Database Systems Research Group develops database, data mining, and data visualization techniques to detect and explore patterns in massive data streams in real time. Targeted uses include fraud detection, medical tracking, and emergency management. 
A recent study co-authored by computer science Department Head/Professor Craig Wills finds that existing and proposed safeguards against leakage and linking of private information currently being used by popular websites are inadequate. 
Associate Professor Rob Lindeman’s research into virtual reality is intended to enhance the gaming experience by letting players not only see and hear artificial worlds but to touch, taste, and smell them as well. 
With the explosion of the mobile device market, mobile computing is more powerful and popular than ever. Associate Professor Emmanuel Agu’s research focuses on the design and performance evaluation of wireless data link and transport protocols. 
Professor Mark Claypool, a noted expert in the field of network gaming, focuses his work on the area of the effect of latency on online gaming, and how system settings such as frame rate, resolution, and graphics settings influence game play. 
The Software Engineering Research Group applies principles of mathematics, engineering, and business to software and systems development. Their research includes software process, agile software development, and requirements management. 
The Robot Autonomy and Interactive Learning group (RAIL) develops interactive robotic and software systems. The work, led by Professor Sonia Chernova, aims to provide everyday people with the ability to customize the functionality of autonomous devices.
At WPI, we believe that the best way to learn is by taking a hands-on approach, which is why students in the Computer Science program at WPI are introduced to research techniques early and often.
Faculty members, undergraduate students, and graduate students are integral to cutting-edge research under way in core computer science areas such as computer intelligence, applications, and performance.
Our groundbreaking research is supported by agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Army, Office of Naval Research, National Security Agency, IBM, and Microsoft.
Making Sense of Data Streams in Real Time
Elke Rundensteiner, professor of computer science, is developing novel techniques for extracting information from large-scale distributed databases in real time. Her work makes it possible to find meaning in enormous volumes of constantly changing data.
