Posted on February 23, 2024 by College of Sciences
#FacultySpotlight
John Quarles, Ph.D., Department of Computer Science
What did your journey to UTSA look like and are you fixed-term track or tenure track?
I obtained a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Texas at Austin in 2004. I graduated from the University of Florida with a PhD in computer engineering in 2009. Right after that, I started as a tenure track assistant professor in 2009. I was promoted to associate professor with tenure in 2015. Later, I was promoted to full professor with tenure in 2022.
What do you enjoy most about your area of study?
Virtual an Augmented reality experiences are just so incredibly fun. You can be a different person, be in a different place, do things that would be impossible in the real world. It still amazes me how realistic it feels.
What are some of the most notable research projects that you've been involved in?
- Predicting and reducing the feelings of motion sickness in virtual reality
- Making virtual reality more accessible for people with balance impairments
- Creating virtual reality systems to improve physical rehabilitation
What is your proudest moment with the COS?
The moment I felt the proudest was when I got the email from the National Science Foundation that I was going to receive the career award. I was proctoring a test at that moment. I almost stood up and did a victory dance in the middle of the test.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy coming up with new ideas in collaboration with my students and colleagues.
How would you spend your ideal Saturday?
My ideal Saturday would include no interaction with humans. I would make music all day long by myself.
What are your book recommendations?
In terms of books helpful for research writing, I like George Gopen - The Sense of Structure. For entertainment, I recommend Douglas Adams - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series. Also, this year I turn 42...
— College of Sciences
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