Nick Vamivakas
Marie C. Wilson and Joseph C. Wilson Professor of Optical Physics, Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences; Professor of Physics, School of Arts & Sciences
$2 million over five years
Center for Extended Reality (CXR)
Awakening the potential of AR/VR technology.
Revolutionizing AR/VR Technology
The Center for Extended Reality (CXR) explores frontier technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and immersive platforms by seamlessly integrating optics, computing, neuroscience, and education. Its mission is to revolutionize learning, accessibility, and workforce training through interaction with both digital and tangible environments.
With adaptive simulations and user-centric design, CXR seeks to enhance learning across diverse audiences, improve accessibility through immersive technologies, and prepare future professionals with cutting-edge training tools.
Focus Areas
Research and initiatives at CXR focus on:
- Tackling critical challenges like visual comfort, image fidelity, wide fields of view, and eye-tracking ergonomics
- Scaling innovations through high-performance, lightweight wearables
- Serving the University as a support hub via Studio X and the Health Lab, offering resources and expertise that enable AR/VR research and applications
- Building a collaborative ecosystem through events like the AR/VR Symposium
Why It Matters
Extended reality technologies are rapidly transforming how people learn, work, and connect, but users often encounter visual discomfort, limited immersion, and accessibility hurdles. By advancing the science of vision and immersion, CXR ensures AR/VR is not just cutting-edge but also comfortable, inclusive, and impactful. These innovations will shape classrooms, clinics, and industries, making complex information easier to see, understand, and experience.
Fostering AR/VR Innovation
Impact
CXR strengthens URochester’s research and educational infrastructure by enabling seamless collaboration across engineering, optics, neuroscience, and human-centered design. It sets the stage for groundbreaking advances in wearable AR/VR, smart interfaces, and immersive pedagogy, propelling URochester toward global recognition in extended reality innovation.
Leads and team
CXR has team members from brain and cognitive science, optics, electrical and computer engineering, neuroscience, and history.
Leadership
Barry Silverstein, CXR director
Previously serving as the senior director and chief technology officer of optics and display in Meta’s Reality Labs, Silverstein brings a wealth of experience—including as a URochester optics alum.
Duje Tadin
Professor, Brain & Cognitive Sciences, School of Arts & Sciences; Professor, Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, School of Medicine and Dentistry; Co-Director of Training, Center for Visual Science
Meaghan Moody
Director, Mary Ann Mavrinac Studio X, River Campus Libraries
Jannick Rolland
Brian J. Thompson Professor of Optical Engineering; Professor, Biomedical Engineering, Center for Visual Science, Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences; Director, NSF/IUCRC: Center for Freeform Optics; Director, R.E. Hopkins Center for Optical Design and Engineering
Susana Marcos
Nicholas George Endowed Professor in Optics, Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences; Professor, Ophthalmology, School of Medicine and Dentistry; David R. Williams Director, Center for Visual Science
Mujdat Cetin
Robin and Tim Wentworth Director, Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence; Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences
Darren Lipomi
Professor and Chair, Department of Chemical and Sustainability Engineering, Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences
Benjamin Suarez-Jimenez
Associate Professor, Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Dentistry; Associate Professor, Psychology, School of Arts & Sciences; Associate Professor, Center for Visual Science
Mike Jarvis
Professor, History, School of Arts & Sciences; Director of the Digital Elmina Project; Director of Smiths Island Archaeology Project
Michele Rucci
Professor, Brain & Cognitive Sciences, School of Arts & Sciences; Professor, Center for Visual Science
Leadership
Meet Barry Silverstein, CXR director
Barry Silverstein ’84 is helping lead the future of AR/VR at URochester. Previously serving as the senior director and chief technology officer of optics and display in Meta’s Reality Labs, Silverstein brings a wealth of experience—including as a URochester optics alum.
In the news
Metasurfaces show promise in boosting AR image clarity and brightness
URochester researchers have created a new design that could make augmented reality glasses more power-efficient and practical for everyday wear.
Connect with Us
Want to learn more about the work being done at EXTRRA? Interested in getting involved? Send us an email to get started.