EXP LAB Team

Dr. Robert LiKamWa is an Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University and director of the Experiential Pixels Lab. His research explores software and hardware systems for augmented reality, virtual reality, mixed reality, mobile visual computing, and spatial computing, with projects spanning advanced visual capture, hybrid virtual-physical immersion, and data-driven XR storytelling and sensemaking. Before joining Rice, Dr. LiKamWa was a faculty member at Arizona State University, jointly appointed in The School of Arts, Media and Engineering and The School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering. He received his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. from Rice University in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, where he was advised by Prof. Lin Zhong.

Qianyu Ma is a project manager and XR designer supporting immersive media and experiential technology projects. Her background includes 3D design and UX/UI design, and she has contributed to projects and publications in immersive narrative production, XR education, and sports coaching visualization.

Dr. Lauren Gold is a postdoctoral researcher in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University whose work spans immersive visualization, planetary science, and XR systems for collaborative analysis. She has led projects such as Planetary Parfait/JMARS XR and contributed to research in planetary spectroscopy and immersive scientific visualization. Dr. Gold received her Ph.D., M.S., and B.A in Media Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University under the tutelage of Dr. LiKamWa

Jamol James is a research specialist, where he leads XR development, and technical artistry in the EXP LAB. His work supports immersive technology development, creative production, and XR research infrastructure for experiential computing projects, especially volumetric capture and streaming. James is a former Olympic sprinter for Trinidad and Tobago in the London 2012 Olympics. Following his standout collegiate Track and Field career at the _University of Tennessee and _Arizona State University, James transitioned into sports technology and immersive design. He pursued a Master's degree in Media Arts and Sciences at Arizona State, where he focused on utilizing Extended Reality (XR) to enhance athletic performance and prevent injuries

Alexandra Barrett is a game engine developer with experience building immersive educational and scientific XR applications. Her work supports development for VR, AR, and desktop experiences. Barrett received her Bachelor's degree from Arizona State University from the School of Arts, Media and Engineering.

Rachael Kaye is a Ph.D. candidate in Media Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University, where her research focuses on immersive learning, meteorology education, XR storytelling, and interactive educational experiences. She received her B.S. in Geography from the University of Maryland and her master�s degree from Mississippi State University. Before beginning doctoral study, she worked as a broadcast meteorologist and reporter, earning two regional Emmy Awards and the National Weather Association Seal of Approval. At ASU, she created Hurricane Heroes, a desktop and virtual reality experience that places students in narrative, data-driven scenarios before, during, and after a hurricane landfall.

Jiqing Wen is a Ph.D. candidate at Arizona State University working in VR/AR, human-centered computing, and AI-supported animation. Her research includes immersive sports coaching and volumetric motion annotation. Jiqing earned her M. Phil from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and her B.S. from Peking University.

Krutik Pandya is a Ph.D. student at Rice University working on XR systems, collaborative immersive visualization, and spatial computing. His recent work includes collaborative geospatial analysis in cross-virtuality environments and projects related to volumetric streaming systems. Krutik previously received a M.S. in Computer Software Engineering at Arizona State University.

Yunan Wang is a graduate student at Rice University interested in hyperspectral optics, camera-projector systems, and 3D reconstruction, in the context of visual computing, sensing, and immersive spatial systems. Yunan previously worked at the Zhejiang Lab and earned her Master's degree in Electronic Information at Nanjing University and Bachelor of Engineering at Minzu University of China.

Joshua Bledsoe is a Ph.D. student at Rice University working in bioengineering research, especially at the intersection of EEG and VR signal processing. Josh completed his Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin.