Computer Vision and Image Processing Machine/Deep Learning
Designing and creating computer vision state of the art algorithms using deep learning to interpret, analyze, and understand visual information from the world, with applications in medical imaging, autonomous vehicles, and smart surveillance. Using artificial intelligence in Research on core AI techniques and developing novel approaches for applications like AI 4 Software Engineering, Finance, and cybersecurity; covering several aspects of AI.
| Researchers/Experts: | |
| Dr. Mohamed S. Shehata | Dr. Patricia Lasserre |
| Dr. Shan Du | Dr. Fatemeh Fard |
| Dr. Yong Gao | Dr. Rebecca Feldman |
Software Engineering (SE)
Advancing both foundational knowledge and practical innovation across important topics of SE such as Software Analytics, Software Evolution and Maintenance, AI for SE, Human and Social Aspects of SE, and Software Architecture and Design. Embracing a broad range of research methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches).
Researchers/Experts:
Databases, Analytics and Data Science
Driving innovation in how data is stored, processed, and analyzed through research in Databases, Data Analytics and Data Science. Areas of focus include scalable data systems, efficient query optimization, and ethical data-driven decision-making with real-world impacts.
Centres/Institutes/Labs:
Distributed Database Laboratory
Researchers/Experts:
Dr. Ramon Lawrence
Dr. Mostafa Mohamed
Educational Innovation
Transforming teaching and learning through research at the intersection of education, technology, and artificial intelligence. Focus areas include AI-powered learning tools, adaptive and personalized learning, learning analytics, and technology-enhanced pedagogy. Research draws on interdisciplinary methods including user-centered design, experimental studies, and data-driven evaluation to enhance educational outcomes.
Researchers/Experts:
Dr. Bowen Hui
Dr. Abdallah Mohamed
Dr. Patricia Lasserre
Dr. Ramon Lawrence
Human Computer Interaction
Advancing Human-Computer Interaction for Inclusive, Ethical, and Persuasive Technologies. Research at the intersection of HCI, behavioural science, and AI to design and evaluate technologies that support behaviour change, inclusivity, and well-being. Focus areas include persuasive systems, inclusive design, ethical AI, user modeling, and technology-mediated behaviour change.
Researchers/Experts:
Dr. Ifeoma Adaji
Dr. Barrett Ens
Dr. Pourang Irani
Dr. Khalad Hasan
Optimization
Advancing Optimization and its applications including machine learning. Focus areas include continuous optimization; convex and non-smooth analysis; computational convex analysis and visualizing operators in 2D, 3D, and 4D; derivative-free optimization; bundle methods; applications in road design.
Centres/Institutes/Labs:
COCANA – CA2 Lab – Computer-Aided Convex Analysis Lab
Researchers/Experts:
Dr. Yves Lucet
Dr. Warren Hare
Artificial Intelligence
(GenAI, Agentic Systems, Natural Language Processing)
Research on core AI techniques and developing novel approaches for applications like AI 4 Software Engineering, Finance, and cybersecurity; covering several aspects of AI: Human alignment, computational efficiency, trustworthy AI, reasoning,
reliable AI, Agentic AI.
Researchers/Experts:
Dr. Fatemeh Fard
Dr. Pourang Irani
Dr. Mohamed S. Shehata
CENTRES, INSTITUTES AND LABS
Our centres, institutes and labs form the foundation of our research efforts, where our faculty work with many community and industry partners to advance knowledge and practice in the field of quantitative sciences and provide hands-on research and learning opportunities for students.
The Centre for Optimization, Convex Analysis and Nonsmooth Analysis (COCANA) performs fundamental research in convex and nonsmooth analysis and transfers the results to industry by solving practical industrial problems with a focus on commercial applications. COCANA researchers are mathematicians, computer scientists and engineers who apply state-of-the-art optimization techniques to solve real-life problems and provide our industrial partners an edge over their competition.
OCANA CoLab, part of COCANA, allows research collaboration on-site or remotely. We routinely host seminars with researchers participating from the Pacific Northwest and abroad (e.g. Newcastle, Australia).
CA² Lab, part of COCANA, leverages industry-sponsored funding with grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and MITACS, thereby more than doubling our partners’ investment in research. We have many man-years of experience in optimization and operations research applied to engineering and health science and are always looking for new partners.
The database research Group led by Ramon Lawrence studies how to store, find, and organize data efficiently. Current projects include databases for environmental monitoring and sensor networks, database tuning and optimization, and databases for embedded systems, cell phones, and flash drives. The database research group focuses on all practical applications of data management.
The Distributed Database Laboratory performs applied research into data management challenges for relational, NoSQL, and BigData systems. Researchers and developers are engaged in projects on the small-scale sensor and embedded databases and large-scale BigData projects for the Industrial Internet. Our expertise includes software engineering, system development, and consulting. We have worked with Fortune 500 companies, including GE, and our research group specializes in database integration, implementation design, and software development.
Research Experts
Search for Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science faculty members with the right expertise.
Recent Media Releases
AI is helping identify heart health risks for people with breast cancer
UBCO, BC Cancer test accuracy of new AI model that predicts risk of cardiovascular disease in people undergoing treatment
Robotics, AI advancing wildfire, agricultural research at UBCO
Drs. Mohamed Shehata, John Braun using ground-based drone for testing in Okanagan orchards, forests
Our Partners
Together, we are making a difference, locally and around the world. Our partners allow us to carry out our mission of helping the community, making advancements in research and providing quality education in the field of computer science.
If you are interested in becoming a partner or donor, we would love to hear from you.