AI-LAB Logo

AI Lab @ JCU

Artificial Intelligence Research Lab

Education • Research • Innovation

Welcome to AI LAB

Shaping the future of intelligent technology

We are a premier university research hub pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence. Our team solves complex, real-world problems by advancing how machines see, learn, and communicate.

About Us

Who We Are

AI Lab is a cutting-edge space where students, faculty, researchers, and industry leaders collaborate to solve real-world challenges and shape the future of technology. The JCU AI Lab empowers students to explore groundbreaking innovations in healthcare, robotics, remote sensing, wide area surveillance, and beyond. Our laboratory supports scientific research, student projects, academic publications, workshops, and cooperation with universities and industry.

Our Mission

To advance artificial intelligence research, student success, and workforce readiness while preparing students to shape the future of intelligent technology.

Our Team

Lab Director

Dr. Almabrok Essa

Almabrok Essa, PhD

Director, AI Lab

AI Minor Program Director

Affiliated Faculty - Neuroscience

Email

Collaborating Faculty and Researchers

Nicholas Molley

Nicholas Molley

Adjunct Faculty

Departement of Math, Computer & Data Science

Email
YS

Yi Shang, PhD

Associate Professor

Chair of the Education Department

Email
Yunmi Choi

Yunmi Choi, PhD

Assistant Professor

Department of Communication

Email

Student Researchers

Wilson Vong

Wilson Vong

Computer Science (Major)

Data Science and Business Analytics (Minor)

Email
Ashley McCall

Ashley McCall

Graduate student

Department of Education

Email
Cole Trainor

Cole Trainor

Computer Science and Economics (Major)

Email
Sava Crnjak

Sava Crnjak

Data Science (Major)

Business (Minor)

Email
JS

Jumana Salami

Computer Science and Data Science (Major)

Business Analysis (Minor)

Email
AD

Abbigail Davis

Computer Science (Major)

Entrepreneurship and Italian Studies (Minor)

Email

Research Areas

Our Main Research Fields

Artificial Intelligence &
Machine Learning

Intelligent algorithms, predictive modeling, optimization, and adaptive AI systems.

Brain-Computer Interface

EEG signal processing, NeuroAI, brain-controlled assistive systems, and cognitive computing.

Extended Reality (AR/VR)

Immersive computing, rehabilitation, education, and human-centered interaction.

Robotics & Autonomous Systems

Intelligent robotics, autonomous navigation, perception, sensing, and human-robot interaction.

Computer Vision

Human pose estimation, facial expression analysis, medical imaging, image understanding, and visual analytics.

AI-Enhanced Education & Responsible AI

AI-enhanced learning, analytics, and responsible AI practices.

Projects

Current Projects

Project Research AreaDescriptionStatus
Brain-Controlled RoboticsBrain–Computer Interfaces (BCI), Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Biomedical Signal ProcessingThis project investigates AI-driven brain–computer interface technologies that enable users to control intelligent robotic systems using non-invasive EEG signals. Research focuses on decoding brain activity for real-time control of drones, mobile robots, robotic manipulators, and other autonomous platforms, advancing human–robot interaction and assistive robotics.Active
Immersive AR TechnologyExtended Reality (AR/VR), Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Human–Computer InteractionThis project develops AI-powered augmented reality technologies that combine computer vision, spatial computing, and real-time interaction to create immersive and intelligent experiences. Research focuses on human pose estimation, mixed reality visualization, and AI-assisted decision support for applications in healthcare, rehabilitation, education, and human-centered computing.Active
AI Agents – Teacher Training SimulatorArtificial Intelligence, Intelligent Agents, Natural Language Processing, Educational Technology, Learning AnalyticsThis project develops an AI Agent-Based Virtual Classroom Simulator that enables undergraduate and graduate education students to interact with realistic virtual K–12 learners exhibiting diverse academic abilities, personalities, learning styles, emotional states, and classroom behaviors. The simulator serves as a virtual teaching laboratory where pre-service and in-service teachers can safely practice instructional strategies, classroom management, questioning techniques, differentiation, and intervention approaches through interactions with multiple AI-powered student agents.Active
Vision Guided Robotics Robotics, Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Autonomous Systems This project develops intelligent robotic systems that integrate computer vision and artificial intelligence to perceive, understand, and interact with their environments. Research focuses on vision-guided navigation, object detection and tracking, autonomous decision-making, and human–robot collaboration for applications in assistive robotics, industrial automation, autonomous drones, and smart robotic platforms.Active
AI-Based Facial Expression Recognition Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Affective ComputingThis project investigates AI-based techniques for recognizing and analyzing human facial expressions. Research focuses on computer vision and deep learning methods for facial expression recognition, emotion-related analysis, and real-time intelligent systems, with applications in human–computer interaction, education, healthcare, and other human-centered computing environments.Active

Opportunities

Join Our Lab

Are you a passionate student or researcher looking to push the boundaries of AI? We are always looking for driven minds and forward-thinking partners to join our breakthrough projects.

How to Get Involved

Undergraduate Projects

Gain hands-on experience through:

  • Summer fellowships
  • Seasonal research credits
  • Enjoying your spare time

Industry Partnerships

Collaborate with us on:

  • Applied AI research
  • Innovative technologies
  • Real-world industry challenges

Contact

Get in Touch

For research cooperation, student projects, academic visits, or general inquiries, please contact AI Lab.