Dr. Papelis obtained a BSEE degree (CS minor) from Southern Illinois University, and Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in ECE at Purdue and University of Iowa respectively. He is a Research Professor at Old Dominion University. Before joining ODU, Dr. Papelis’ research focused on high-fidelity driving simulators and studying advanced automotive technologies, and in-vehicle devices. His research on the effectiveness of ESC was referenced by the Dept. of Transportation when making its use mandatory in all passenger vehicles built after 2012.
His current research interests include the application of artificial intelligence techniques to unmanned/autonomous systems and robotics, and behavioral modeling/simulation in immersive VR. Dr. Papelis has developed several immersive simulation environments used in training applications in a wide range of disciplines, including military simulations for autonomy testing, military robotic peacekeepers, nursing simulations, virtual operating rooms, and preschool teachers virtual training. Dr. Papelis has been awarded consecutive summer Faculty Fellowships from the Office of Naval Research and assigned to work with the US Navy Combat Craft Division, focusing on USV simulation techniques, frameworks, formal methods for assessing unmanned vessel on-board health and autonomy testing.
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, 1993
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
M.S.E.E. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, 1989
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
B.S. in Electrical Engineering, 1988
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL
VMASC, Chief Technology Officer
Suffolk, VA
2010 – Present
Old Dominion University; Electrical & Computer Engineering Department, Adjunct Associate Professor
Norfolk, VA
2018 – Present
Old Dominion University; Modeling Simulation & Visualization Engineering, Adjunct Associate Professor
Norfolk, VA
2008 – Present
VMASC, Chief Scientist
Suffolk, VA
2010 – 2011
VMASC, Chief Technology Officer
Suffolk, VA
2007 – 2010
University of Central Florida, Faculty Affiliate & Visiting Assistant Professor
Orange County, FL
2006 – 2007
University of Iowa; National Advanced Driving Simulator & Simulation Center, Branch Chief & Chief Technical Officer
Iowa City, IA
1998 – 2002 & 2002 – 2006
University of Iowa; Center for Computer-Aided Design, Technical Area Lead for Simulation
Iowa City, IA
1993 – 1998
University of Iowa; College of Engineering and College of Science, Teaching Assistant, Graduate Research Assistant, Adjuct Instructor, & Adjunct Assistant Professor
Iowa City, IA
1989 – 1990, 1989 – 1993, 1994 – 1999, & 2000 – 2004
Purdue University, Research Assistant
West Lafayette, IN
1988 – 1989
Southern Illinois University, Student Worker & Research Assistant
Carbondale, IL
1987 – 1988
2019 – 2022
Principal Investigator
Grant from Commonwealth of Virginia, via Virginia Polytechnic University, $600,000
2019 – 2020
Principal Investigator
Newport News Aviation Academy, $149,856
2017 – 2018
Principal Investigator
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, through WR Systems, $250,000
2017 – 2019
Principal Investigator
Simis Inc., $50,454
P. McNamara, K. H. Moore, Y. Papelis, S. Diallo, W. Wildman, “Virtual reality-enabled treatment of nightmares,” Dreaming, 28(3), pp. 205-224.
Y. Papelis, R. Kady, L. Bair, E. Weisel, “Modeling of Human Behavior in Crowds Using a Cognitive Feedback Approach”, Simulation:Transactions of the Society for Modeling and Simulation International, November 12, 2016, DOI: .10.1177/0037549716673153
Kountouriotis, V., Thomopoulos, S.C.A., Papelis, Y., “An agent-based crowd behaviour model for real time crowd behaviour simulation”, Pattern Recognition Letters, vol 44, July 2014, pp 30-38.
Y. Papelis, G. Watson, T. Brown, “An empirical study of the effectiveness of electronic stability control system in reducing loss of vehicle control”, Accident Analysis and Prevention, 42(3), 2010, 929-934. (Journal 5-year Impact Factor 2.717, 2011)
