News from Grand Valley State University

College of Computing WAIVE Lab will transform accessibility research

Grand Valley's College of Computing will launch the Wayfinding, Accessible Interaction and Virtual Environment (WAIVE) Lab in the fall 2025 semester. 

As part of Blue Dot , WAIVE will serve as a hub for research and innovation, showcasing navigation technologies designed to support underrepresented communities. The lab will be led by Paul D. S. Fink, who is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Maine's Virtual Environment and Multimodal Interaction (VEMI) Lab.

WAIVE will pioneer new AI-based technologies that redefine how technology addresses usability challenges. Fink said its mission is to improve people's independence and mobility by fusing cutting-edge research, industry partnerships and experiential learning opportunities for students. 

people sit in a multi-person autonomous vehicle simulator
The VEMI Lab at the University of Maine created a multi-person autonomous vehicle simulator. Paul Fink, postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Maine, will join GVSU's College of Computing faculty in the fall.
Image credit - University of Maine

Marouane Kessentini, dean of the College of Computing, said WAIVE’s mission aligns seamlessly with Blue Dot as it makes a community impact through advanced digital solutions. 

"By combining human-centered computing with intelligent transportation technology, the lab aims to pave a more inclusive navigation future for all," Kessentini said.

Fink said he is excited to join Grand Valley's faculty. “When I first learned about GVSU’s College of Computing, I saw an incredible opportunity to build something impactful," he said. "Even before visiting the greater Grand Rapids area, I envisioned how WAIVE could be positioned to drive innovation in accessibility and inclusion for the region and beyond.”

Paul Fink against wall of wood planks, wearing a sweater over a shirt
Paul Fink will lead the Wayfinding, Accessible Interaction and Virtual Environment Lab.

Fink earned a doctoral degree in 2023 in spatial information science and engineering from the University of Maine. He worked in the VEMI Lab, exploring research at the intersection of spatial human-centered information, accessibility-focused AI and autonomous vehicle design. 

The lab has been successful in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Inclusive Design Challenge, focusing on innovative solutions for mobility-limiting disabilities like an autonomous vehicle assistant.

Throughout his time at the University of Maine, Fink became an expert in multisensory information processing and spatial computing, resulting in 12 competitive grant submissions totaling $1.1 million, with an additional $7.5 million in submissions currently under review. 

Jonathan Engelsma, director of the Applied Computing Institute and search chair for Fink’s appointment as assistant professor, said: "Dr. Fink's innovative work in inclusive autonomous vehicles and haptic interfaces will elevate the College of Computing's research in this emerging field. His expertise, passion for his work and outstanding interpersonal skills will inspire our students in the classroom and in WAIVE.”

Written by Shelby Harrison, College of Computing director of marketing and communications

 

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