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:
Dr. Gema Rodriguez-Perez
Dr. Ifeoma Adaji
Dr. Fatemeh Fard
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
Undergraduate Research opportunities
The Department of Computer Science offers many opportunities for undergraduate students to gain valuable research experience. You can participate in research through Directed Studies and/or Honours opportunities. Or consider a Capstone Project, where you can work with a team of students to develop software for an actual client. Explore your options and apply below.
The position: Carry out your own research project under the supervision of a faculty member. Opportunities include, but are not limited to, supervised reading, participation in a seminar, and one or more programming projects. With different topics, this course may be taken twice for credit.
You can earn three or six credits for the project, depending upon if they register for a one-term or two-term option.
Prerequisites: Third-year standing and the permission of the department head.
DIRECTED STUDIES APPLICATION FORMS
The opportunity: Capstone projects allow students in computer science to gain real-world experience developing software for an actual client. Students must produce a comprehensive report and deliver a formal presentation.
Prerequisites: Refer to the Academic Calendar for the most up-to-date prerequisites specific to computer science capstone projects.
The position: Students will undertake a research project as agreed upon by the student, supervising faculty member, and department head. A written thesis and a public presentation (poster or seminar) are required.
You can earn three or six credits for the project, depending upon if they register for a one-term or two-term option.
Prerequisites: Fourth-year standing; admission to the BA or BSc Computer Science Honours Program; and permission of the department head.
HONOURS THESIS APPLICATION FORMS
Undergraduate Research Awards
The Undergraduate Research Awards (URA) and the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) provide exceptional research experiences for students at UBC’s Okanagan campus.
The purpose of the awards is to encourage undergraduate students to pursue innovative and original research as part of their learning experience.
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.