Research Areas
The faculty in the UCF School of Modeling, Simulation and Training aim to advance modern technologies — and create new ones — through their work. Explore their research areas below.
Advanced Learning and Intelligent Systems
Our researchers explore how humans learn and perform with intelligent technologies. They combine cognitive, emotional, and motivational processes to design adaptive, AI-driven systems that support learning, decision-making, and collaboration between humans and machines.
Research areas include:
- Advanced learning and training technologies
- Human digital twins
- Metacognition and self-regulated learning
- Human–machine collaboration
- Multimodal data in adaptive systems
Digital Twins and Intelligent Simulation
Faculty in our department develop next-generation digital twin systems to enhance modeling, innovation, and real-time decision-making across domains such as energy, defense, and urban systems. Their work integrates AI, data-driven modeling, and immersive simulation to mirror and optimize complex environments.
Research areas include:
- Digital twins and intelligent systems
- Simulation-driven innovation
- Computational modeling for energy and sustainability
- Immersive and extended-reality simulation
- Decision support and system optimization
Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics
Our researchers apply AI, machine learning, and big data analytics to improve the performance, scalability, and intelligence of complex systems. They develop algorithms, models, and architectures that drive automation, predictive insight, and scientific discovery.
Research areas include:
- Machine learning and deep learning
- Big data analytics and digital twins
- Autonomous and multi-agent systems
- Educational and behavioral data mining
- Distributed and high-performance computing
Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Human Factors
Research in this area examines the social and technical dimensions of security, privacy, and trust in emerging technologies. Faculty study how individuals, organizations, and AI systems interact to protect data and promote ethical innovation.
Research areas include:
- Cybersecurity and privacy in AI systems
- Human factors and organizational trust
- Social media behavior and data protection
- Digital literacy and privacy awareness
- Secure human–computer interaction
Healthcare Systems and Digital Health
Our researchers combine simulation, analytics, and extended reality to improve healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, and mental well-being. They design digital health tools and biosensing technologies that support clinical decision-making and system efficiency.
Research areas include:
- Health systems modeling and simulation
- Data analytics in healthcare
- Extended reality and digital health tools
- Biosensing and behavioral modeling
- Decision support in clinical environments
Operations, Logistics, and Decision Analytics
This research area focuses on the optimization of complex systems in logistics, transportation, and supply chains. Faculty integrate operations research, simulation, and analytics to enhance efficiency, resilience, and resource management.
Research areas include:
- Supply chain and logistics optimization
- Transportation systems modeling
- Production and service system simulation
- Disaster response and resilience modeling
- Decision support and planning analytics
Urban Analytics and Geospatial Modeling
Our researchers use geospatial science, simulation, and digital twin technologies to advance sustainable urban development and data-driven decision-making. Their work bridges urban planning, human–environment modeling, and smart city innovation.
Research areas include:
- Urban and regional digital twins
- GeoDesign and geosimulation
- Geospatial analytics and visualization
- Human–environment interaction modeling
- Planning support systems and urban informatics
Faculty Clusters and Initiatives
The faculty in the Department of Computer Science not only manage their own labs but collaborate with researchers across the university through faculty clusters and research initiatives. Learn more below.
Cyber Security and Privacy Cluster
The Cybersecurity and Privacy Faculty Cluster, led by Professor Yan Solihin, explores and develops new methods to keep our data secure. It also studies the social implications of new technologies and the Internet of Things.
Genomics and Bioinformatics Cluster
UCF’s Genomics and Bioinformatics Faculty Cluster, led by Professor Shaojie Wang, uses genomic tools to address a variety of questions in the biological domain.
Learning Sciences Cluster
UCF’s Learning Sciences Faculty Cluster explores the use of technology to improve learning outcomes. The group also explores how we interact and learn from machines.
Synthetic Reality Lab
SREAL is an interdisciplinary lab that is part of the Institute for Simulation and Training as well as the UCF Department of Computer Science. Research covers robotics, mixed reality experiences and digital avatar technology.
UCF RISES Center
UCF’s Resilient, Intelligent and Sustainable Energy Systems Center, or RISES, works to develop sustainable and resilient energy systems and storage to make sure we have power and stay connected when disasters strike.