Research

I work in Genetic Algorithms, Evolutionary Computing and their applications to Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Optimization. My current work investigates adaptive AI for RTS-games, interaction design for controlling large numbers of heterogenous, semi-autonomous entities, and generating real-time micro for game and real-world agents. The Evolutionary Computing Systems Lab (ECSL), which I direct, has investigated new techniques for machine learning using Case-Injected Genetic AlgoRithms (CIGAR), new techniques for playing to learn to play computer games, and new techniques for evolving Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game micro and macro .

The Dept. of Computer Science offers a Minor in Digital Interactive Games. For those interested in games, simulations, and AI, I wrote a short document on games, their impact on society, and on our research at UNR.

We will now learn much more about artificial intelligence from developing computer-game players than we did from developing chess players. If you are a graduate student or want to be one, I am looking for graduate students interested in evolving Game AI for RTS games. Send email.

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I got my Ph.d. from the Department of Computer Science at Indiana University, Bloomington in 1993. My thesis (html) (and pdf ) advisor was Greg Rawlins. Others on my committee were Doug Hofstadter, Chris Haynes, and Esther Thelene.