People

Samantha Wood's research explores how we learn to make sense of the world. At birth, brains face a complex computational challenge: without prior experience or instruction, they must transform streams of high-dimensional sensory input into knowledge and adaptive action. She is fascinated by the algorithmic principles underlying this process and investigates the learning mechanisms that drive the development of perception and cognition, the role of experience in acquiring knowledge, and how intrinsic curiosity scaffolds learning. Working at the intersection of cognitive science and artificial intelligence (AI), she formalizes psychological theories as agent-based models using deep neural networks to replicate tasks performed by humans and animals. By embedding computational neuroscience models in virtual animal bodies, she examines how various components of embodied systems—such as neural mechanisms, environments, and body morphologies—shape an organism's behavior. Through these simulations, her goal is to create predictive, integrative, and embodied models that advance psychology and neuroscience.

 

A faculty member of the department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures, Steve Vinson examines ancient Egyptian language and literature as well as the history of Graeco-Roman and ancient Egyptian transportation and trade, particularly involving boats and ships.

 

 

Michael Camilo Saari is a Ph.D. student in Virtual Heritage Informatics at Indiana University. He holds a B.F.A. and a B.A. in Art & Technology and Arts Management from The Ohio State University (2019) and recently completed his M.F.A. in Digital Art at Indiana University (2023). With a foundation in new media art and emerging technologies, Saari's research is centered around a profound interest in enhancing the accessibility of extended reality experiences, such as virtual and augmented reality, within the realms of galleries and museums. His interests also encompass diverse areas like robotics, wearable technology, and physical/digital interaction design. He is also working at the UITS-RTV Advanced Visualization Lab at Indiana University which assists researchers, faculty, and students in 3D digitization, advanced visualization & displays, and virtual & augmented reality experience. His research aims to create more inclusive and engaging technological interactions that bridge the gap between culture and accessibility.

 

Kelly McClinton's research engages material and textual evidence to reconstruct identity expressions within the ancient Roman house. To explore the role of perception in domestic space, she employs digital humanities methodologies such as 3D reconstruction. Her work seeks to comprehensively engage the visual record of the Roman empire, from architecture to wall painting, and from sculpture to pottery.