Directory of Faculty
The faculty that work with the driving simulator at NC State University.
Last Updated: 12/18/2025 | All information is accurate and still up-to-date
About the Directory
The directory of the Virtual and Augmented Reality Lab is, above all, an essential resource for all members and visitors. Specifically, it provides easy access to key contacts, project information, and lab resources. Moreover, by organizing this information, the directory ensures smooth communication and collaboration. As a result, it helps both new and existing members navigate the lab’s diverse opportunities. Additionally, the directory serves as a guide, which makes it easier for individuals to connect with faculty, graduate students, and alumni. Ultimately, it supports the lab’s mission by fostering a well-connected and highly efficient working environment.
Faculty Directory
Chris Cunningham
Assistant Professor | Program Managercmcunnin@ncsu.edu
919-515-8562
Research Building IV 3600
Education
M.S., University of North Carolina State University, 2004
B.S., University of North Carolina State University, 2002
Chris Cunningham serves as the Program Manager for the Traffic Systems Innovation Program (TSIP) at NC State’s Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE). Since 2000, he has been dedicated to improving transportation systems. Specifically, his expertise includes traffic signal timing, asset data collection, and transportation safety. Furthermore, Chris focuses on pedestrian accessibility, alternative intersections, and field data collection. Over his 13-year career, he has consistently led impactful research. As a result, his work significantly enhances traffic efficiency and public safety.
CS Nam
Professor
csnam@ncsu.edu
919.515.8140
4171 Fitts-Woolard Hall
Education
Ph.D., Virginia Tech University, 2003
M.S., State University of New York at Buffalo, 2000
Chang S. Nam is a Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at NC State University. In addition, he holds affiliated positions in Biomedical Engineering and Psychology. Notably, Dr. Nam is a Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Fellow. Currently, he serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Brain-Computer Interfaces journal. Over the years, he has earned numerous awards, such as the NSF CAREER Award and the US Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship. Moreover, as a researcher, he focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), brain-computer interfaces, and rehabilitation engineering. Furthermore, his work receives funding from major organizations like NSF, AFRL, and AFOSR
Jing Feng
Associate Professor
jing_feng@ncsu.edu
919-515-3411
4351 Fitts-Woolard Hall
Education
Ph.D., University of Toronto
M.S., University of Toronto
Jing Feng is an Associate Professor in NC State’s Department of Psychology. On the theoretical side, her research explores visual attention, cognitive aging, and training effects. Likewise, she applies these theories to solve real-world problems, such as driver distraction, aging and driving, and information display design. Over the years, her work has earned multiple awards. For example, she received the Earl Alluisi Award and was named an APA Fellow. Additionally, because of her findings, Dr. Feng contributes to improving driver safety and enhancing technology design.
Xu Xu
Associate Professor
xxu@ncsu.edu
919.512.7205
4351 Fitts-Woolard Hall
Education
Ph.D., North Carolina State University, 2008
M.S., North Carolina State University, 2006
B.S., Tsinghua University, 2004
Prior to joining the NC State faculty, Xu Xu started his career as a postdoctoral research fellow in the School of Public Health at Harvard University. Then, he became a research scientist at Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, where he received multiple best paper and outstanding scientific contribution awards. Furthermore, his research interests are generally in the areas of biomechanical modeling, optimization, simulation, and data mining. Specifically, his work addresses human daily activities to promote workplace and at-home injury prevention as well as driving safety. In addition, Xu has published more than forty journal articles on these research topics.
See specific projects he is involved in through the projects page or the National Science Foundation.
The Driving Simulator Lab at NC State conducts cutting-edge research in Human Factors, Psychology, and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Using a state-of-the-art driving simulator, researchers explore driver behavior, distraction, and automation. The simulator’s realistic platform allows for safe testing of emerging technologies, ensuring drivers are ready for the road of the future.