Ivan Gris

Hello world! I obtained my doctoral degree in Computer Science specializing in human-computer interaction (HCI) focusing on how people build rapport and empathy with intelligent virtual agents. Currently I work at Charter Communications (a.k.a. Spectrum) as a mixed reality researcher, and as affiliated faculty at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) teaching HCI.

I earned my doctoral degree in computer science from UTEP in 2015. Since then have published over 20 research papers focused on gaming, virtual reality, and human-computer interaction.

From 2017 – 2020 I was appointed chief technology officer, and later chief executive officer for Boost Human, where I led the technical efforts to develop mixed reality enterprise solutions for simulation, training, manufacturing, logistics, and quality assurance.

Previously, from 2013 – 2015 I co-founded Inmerssion, where we built and researched innovative ways virtual agents (computer-generated characters with artificial intelligence) and virtual, augmented, and mixed reality applications can help educate and entertain through engaging storytelling.

My team’s research and interactive software has been showcased in dozens of research conferences across the world, where we have collaborated with companies like IBM to create artificially intelligent virtual people, and ZF/TRW to create training software in virtual reality.

I also like giving back to the scientific and education community. During the past 10 years I have given over 400 outreach presentations, talks, workshops, and demonstrations to encourage young minds and seed their interest in STEM related fields. I was a Microsoft TEALS volunteer during 2019-2020 teaching AP computer science curriculum in high schools, and a Clinical Professor of Information Systems at The University of Texas at El Paso teaching databases, management information systems, and advanced programming.