Digital Twins and Spatial Computing
Digital Twins and Spatial Computing
The Digital Twins and Spatial Computing research area at LSU’s Center for Computation & Technology (CCT) explores how digital technologies extend into physical space, connecting virtual, augmented, and real environments. This interdisciplinary field brings together XR (Extended Reality), Digital Twins, Virtual Production, AR/VR, Game Design, World Building, and Human-Computer Interaction, uniting art, design, engineering, and science to create interactive systems that help us see, understand, and shape the world around us. At LSU, Spatial Computing is both a research area and a creative practice that blends real-time simulation, data visualization, performance, and storytelling into immersive, human-centered experiences.
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XR Studio – A state-of-the-art facility for extended reality, virtual production, and motion capture. The XR Studio supports a wide range of creative and research activities including immersive storytelling, performance capture, real-time simulation, and mixed-reality visualization. Equipped with LED wall systems, camera tracking, and real-time rendering tools, the studio enables collaborative work across art, engineering, and science disciplines.
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Digital Twin Lab – A research lab focused on modeling, simulation, and 3D spatial data. The lab develops high-fidelity digital representations of environments, systems, and human activity using LiDAR scanning, photogrammetry, structured-light capture, and drone-based imaging. Researchers integrate these datasets into interactive simulation platforms that combine spatial computing, AI, and real-time visualization. The Digital Twin Lab supports interdisciplinary research that connects design, engineering, and environmental data with human-centered visualization and decision-making tools.
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Digital Humans Lab – A research and development environment dedicated to high-fidelity human modeling, scanning, and visualization. Using photogrammetry, motion capture, and real-time rendering, the lab creates digital human assets that integrate anatomical accuracy with expressive realism. Its work supports applications in performance, health, simulation, and immersive storytelling, linking physical and virtual representations of people for both research and creative practice.
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Spatial Computing Lab – A collaborative research space focused on interaction, interface design, and immersive media. Faculty and students conduct experimental research into spatial computing applications, exploring areas such as extended reality, human-computer interaction, and simulation-based learning.
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Digital Fabrication Lab – A hands-on production space that connects the digital and physical through 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling. The lab supports prototyping, fabrication, and integration of digital twin and visualization projects, enabling cross-disciplinary work that unites design, engineering, and computational modeling.
Faculty
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Derick Ostrenko – Associate Professor of Digital Art, Director of Visualization, Interactivity & Simulation (VIS)
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Marc Aubanel – Director of the Digital Media Arts & Engineering (DMAE) Program
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Jason Jamerson – Assistant Professor of Virtual Production, Director of the XR Studio
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Stephen David Beck – Derryl & Helen Haymon Professor of Composition & Computer Music
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Jesse Allison – Professor of Experimental Music & Digital Media
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Sidney Church – Professional in Residence, Digital Media Arts & Engineering
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George Robins – Instructor, Digital Media Arts & Engineering
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Christine Bruening – Assistant Professor of Digital Art
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Jessica Hogan – Assistant Professor of Digital Art
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Joe Nivens – Assistant Professor of Practice, Digital Art
Doctoral Students
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Matin Esmaeili
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Amir Norouzi
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Katy Tye
Spatial Computing at LSU is supported through a network of interdisciplinary academic programs that blend art, design, engineering, and media production:
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Digital Media Arts & Engineering (DMAE) Program – A graduate program (MS) and set of undergraduate minors in the College of Engineering and College of Art & Design that prepare students for careers in interactive media, visual effects (VFX), game development, and real-time systems.
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Digital Art Program in the School of Art – An undergraduate (BA/BFA) and graduate (MFA) program focused on 3D modeling, animation, visual effects (VFX), games and other forms of electronic art and interactive media.
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Film & Television Program in the School of Theater – Exploring cinematic storytelling, production design, and virtual production workflows.
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Experimental Music & Digital Media (EMDM) Program – Combines sound design, performance, composition, and interactive technology to explore new forms of digital expression across music and immersive media.