Collaborators

Currently, Dr. Hu is collaborating with:

• Prof. Muhammad Azam: An assistant professor at Algoma University.
• Prof. Somang Nam: An assistant professor at Algoma University.
• Harris Adedeji: An undergraduate research assistant at Algoma University.

From Apr 2025 until Aug 2025, Dr. Hu was working with:

• Prof. Muhammad Azam: An assistant professor at Algoma University.
• Meet Shekhada: An undergraduate research assistant at Algoma University.

Work

Currently, the work is exploring how to effectively visualize machine learning techniques using extended reality. The work also focuses on effective data collection and analysis to understand how the user comprehends the visualization, and interact within the immersive experience.

Becoming a Lab Member

Undergraduate Students

Currently, there is insufficient funding to hire a research assistant. However, if interested, an Algoma University student in an undergraduate honour computer science program may choose to write a honours thesis with Dr. Hu as a reader for credits. Only fourth-year students are eligible. If the quality of the thesis justifies publication, Dr. Hu will assist in converting the report into a scientific paper. Alternatively, if you are more interested in programming than research, you may request to work on a project for credits. Please inquire with him directly for more information.

Graduate Students

Dr. Hu is always look for students to complete a computing project course. The project should be related to XR, HCI, visualization, or XR activity recognition.

Algoma University has recently launched a new research-based Master's degree program (MSc. in Computer Science). However, Dr. Hu is unable to hire any research-based student at the moment. Per Algoma University's policy, a student cannot self-fund.

• Immersive Analytics First: Although Dr. Hu has a keen interest in artificial intelligence (AI), his research priority is in immersive analytics. In short, immersive analytics means applying XR technologies for data science activities. The exception to this is using AI to perform activity and event detections using XR data. If your primary focus is AI, but you still want to incorporate elements of visualization, HCI, or XR, you may ask Dr. Hu to be a co-supervisor or to serve in your committee.
• No XR Background Needed, But...: You do not need to have any experience in XR, but you must be willing to learn how to use a game engine to create XR experience. If you have experience with a 3D game engine like Unity, you will have an easy time picking up XR development.

If you are a course-based student, there is currently insufficient funding to hire a graduate researcher. However, you may be able to work in the lab as part of a project course for credits.