Kauffman, Sam
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Bio
My name is Sam Kauffman, and I am an OSU Alumni as of May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. In the Summer before my Senior year at OSU, I began working as a research assistant in the Center for Cyber Physical Systems under Dr. Joe Cecil, the director of the Center. While employed by the Center, I worked on several research projects, including a published paper on creating a Virtual Reality Simulation to train nurses in the proper use of PPE gear while performing nasal swab sampling for COVID-19. Working at the lab also exposed me to advanced Augmented Reality development, where I led a team of students and volunteers in developing a program for NASA’s Spacesuit User Interface Technologies for Students (SUITS) challenge.
I’ve always been motivated to make technology available to more people, drawing on its potential to connect people across the world, create opportunities for the impaired and disadvantaged, and preserve cultures for future generations. Virtual Reality has allowed me to explore new immersive ways to educate and entertain people and creating VR environments gives me a great sense of purpose.
Achievements
I had the honor of presenting my research at the Oklahoma Research Day at the Capitol, where I explained my process and statistical results to a board of professional judges and Oklahoma legislators. My research at the Center was also featured at the 2021 IEEE Syscon conference and the Sigma Xi 2020 student research showcase.