On April 17, 2025, Â鶹¾«Æ·welcomed Gregory F. Welch, a distinguished Purdue alumnus and Pegasus Professor at the University of Central Florida, as part of its Dean’s Lecture Series. Welch's presentation delved into the realm of cyber-physical virtual reality (CPVR), exploring the integration of virtual experiences with the physical world through advanced sensing and actuation technologies.​
“The basic idea is to expand the notion of virtual reality as a medium,” Welch said in the abstract of his lecture.
“[This work] relies primarily on simulating visual stimuli to include virtual experiences that are deeply connected to, responsive to, and capable of influencing the physical world through sensing and actuation. The primary motivation is to imbue physical objects and environments with the same flexibility and richness of their virtual counterparts.”
Reflecting on his academic journey, Welch credited his foundational education in Purdue's Electrical Engineering Technology program during the 1980s as instrumental in shaping his innovative approach to CPVR. His career encompasses significant contributions to NASA's Voyager Spacecraft Project, advancements in airborne electronic countermeasures, and pioneering work in augmented reality.​
With over 200 publications and 28 patents, Welch's influence spans both academia and industry. His lecture provided attendees with insights into the evolving landscape of human-centered computing and the potential of CPVR to transform interactions between virtual and physical environments.​
The Dean’s Lecture Series continues to serve as a platform for thought leaders to share groundbreaking research and inspire innovation within the Purdue community.
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