George Demetrius Lecakes, Jr., PhD
Director of Immersive Technology & Learning | Associate Director, MAVRC Rowan University
Complementing this focus on pedagogy, I develop advanced immersive simulations for high-stakes environments, such as the CASCADE disaster management framework. My work bridges the gap between academic research and industry-standard production through Oort Cloud Entertainment, where I explore player agency and atmospheric tension in indie game development. While I integrate Generative AI as a critical tool to optimize these development pipelines and create dynamic assets, my ultimate goal remains the creation of technically sophisticated, narrative-rich environments that redefine how we teach, train, and interact in virtual spaces.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
My primary research focuses on the pedagogical efficacy and large-scale implementation of high-fidelity Virtual Reality within higher education and workforce development. As the Director of Immersive Technology and Learning at Rowan University, I lead the Dreamscape Learn initiative, architecting end-to-end VR curriculum pipelines that transition from narrative-driven learning design to scalable classroom deployment. I am deeply interested in identifying and validating the specific mechanisms through which VR-enhanced instruction improves student engagement and mastery of complex STEM subjects, ensuring that immersive tools are used to solve real-world learning challenges.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Engineering, Rowan University, 2021
Dissertation: "The Matrix Revisited: A Critical Assessment of Virtual Reality Technologies for Modeling, Simulation, and Training"
M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Rowan University, 2009
Thesis: "Integration of Multiple Data Types in 3-D Immersive Virtual Reality Environments"
B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rowan University, 2007
Director of Rowan University Virtual Reality Center 2012 - present
Co-Director of Machine, Artificial Intelligence & Virtual Reality Center (MAVRC)
Principle Investigator, Project Manager, and Developer for funded projects across public, private, state & federal agencies.
Real-Time Systems Integrator & Developer: Lead teams in integrating VR solutions into training, simulation, educational, and DoD settings including:
Lead for the Rowan Dreamscape Learn Initiative, a $20 million+ VR education project at Rowan University, including designing & developing VR content for classroom experiences, leveraging Unity to create engaging and interactive learning environments.
Proficient across the complete real-time rendering pipeline, encompassing initial concept and pre-visualization, through to 3D modeling, texturing, and optimization.
Programmed and developed immersive experiences, system design, and deployment in high-performance real-time engines, ensuring seamless integration and execution.
Directed and implemented VR/AR/MR solutions across a wide array of platforms, including head-mounted displays (HMDs) like HTC Vive, Meta Quest, and Valve Index, as well as immersive 360-degree walk-in VR systems.
Provided solutions for clients including NASA, ARMY, FAA, NAVSEA, NJ Economic Development Authority, and NBC.
Lead Software Engineer:
C# for Unity Expertise (10+ years): Specialized in programming for games, real-time experiences, VR, and AR applications using Unity Engine.
Python Development for Immersive Experiences (10+ years): Extensive experience in crafting immersive environments and Generative AI applications with Python for WorldViz Vizard.
C++ Programming Proficiency (5+ years): Utilized C++ in Visual Studio for significant projects, including a real-time networked fluid simulation of Camden, NJ, and development of a ray tracing rendering engine.
Designed Generative AI course using Tensorflow and Keras, covering Deep Learning, Generative Adversarial Networks, Autoencoders and many other Generative AI topics.
Research Center Management: Strategically guided the center's growth, embraced cutting-edge VR/AR/MR technologies, and expanded its research capabilities.
Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated ability to steer the direction of virtual reality projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and outcomes.
Team Collaboration & Mentorship: Proven track record in leading diverse teams, fostering an environment of collaboration, and mentoring staff and students to drive innovation in VR.
Project Coordination & Execution: Expertise in managing all phases of project development, from conception through to deployment, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled in engaging with partners across academia, industry, and government to secure funding and support for VR initiatives, enhancing visibility and impact.
Innovation in VR Content Development: Strong technical acumen in creating immersive VR/AR experiences, leveraging the latest in VR technology and software.
Grant Proposal & Financial Management: Wrote proposals, budgets, and managed deliverables for multi-million-dollar grant-funded projects, showcasing adeptness in securing and utilizing resources to achieve project objectives.
Adjunct Professor - Electrical & Computer Engineering
Graduate Student Mentorship: Advised the academic and project-based learning of graduate students, guiding their research initiatives and practical applications in AI and Virtual Reality.
Curriculum Development and Instruction: Pioneered the design and implementation of innovative course curricula for classes including Generative Systems for AI, Virtual Reality Systems, and Digital Image Processing.
Version Control / Collaboration:
Git, Plastic SCM
Cloud / Deployment
AWS (Game Server)
Programming Languages:
C#, Python, C++, Java, C, GDScript, Lua
Tools & Frameworks:
Unity Engine, Godot Engine, Unreal Engine
Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3Ds Max, Autodesk Fusion 360, Blender
Adobe Substance Painter, Adobe Suite
Microsoft Visual Studio & Visual Studio Code, TensorFlow & Keras
Education & Certifications
Ph.D., Engineering, Rowan University, Spring 2021
Dissertation: Critical Assessment of VR Technologies for Modeling, Simulation, & Training
M.S., Engineering (Electrical), Rowan University, August 2009
B.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rowan University, May 2007
NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute (DLI) Certified Ambassador for Deep Learning
Unity Certified Expert: Programmer
Unity Certified Associate: Game Developer, Programmer, Artist
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/george-lecakes-jr-phd-1831814b
Publications
G. Williams, G. Lecakes, A. Almon, N. Kousoubis, K. Naddeo, T. Kiel, G. Ditzler, N. Bouaynaya, “DyViR: Dynamic Virtual Reality Dataset for Aerial Threat Object Detection,” SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing Conference, 2023, Abstract Accepted
N. Koutsoubis, K. Naddeo, G. Williams, G. Lecakes, G. Ditzler, N. Bouaynaya, T. Kiel, “Boosting Aerial Object Detection Performance via Virtual Reality Data and Multi-Object Training,” IEEE IJCNN, 2023. Submitted & Awaiting Review
B. Dixon, G. Lecakes, P. Moon, J. Schmalzel, “SEDS: Expanding TEDS to include physical structures,” IEEE Sensors Applications Symposium, March 2018.
M. A. Bucceroni, G. D. Lecakes, M. Lalovic-Hand, S. Mandayam, “A Multi-Perspective Virtual Reality Visualization of Unmanned Aerial Systems in the U.S. National Airspace,” 2016.
G. D. Lecakes, Jr., J. A. Morris, J. L. Schmalzel and S. Mandayam, "Virtual reality environments for integrated systems health management of rocket engine tests," IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, Volume 58, Issue 9, Sept. 2009 Page(s):3050 - 3057.
M. Bloom, J. Corriveau, P. Giordano, Jr., G. D. Lecakes, Jr., S. Mandayam, and B. Sukumaran, "Imaging systems and algorithms for the numerical characterization of three-dimensional shapes of granular particles," IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, Volume 59, Issue 9, Sept. 2010, Page(s):2365 - 2375.
P. Giordano Jr., J. Corriveau, M. Bloom, G. D. Lecakes, Jr., S. Mandayam and B. Sukumaran, "Imaging systems and algorithms for the numerical characterization of 3D shapes of granular particles," IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, Volume: PP, Issue 99, Dec 2009, Page(s): 1 - 11.
M. Russell, G.D. Lecakes, Jr., S. Mandayam and S. Jensen, "Diagnostic models for sensor measurements in rocket engine tests," IEEE Sensors Conference Proceedings, October 2009, Page(s):764 - 769.
M. Russell, G. D. Lecakes and S. Mandayam, "Acquisition, interfacing and analysis of sensor measurements in a VR environment for integrated systems health management in rocket engine tests," Sensors Applications Symposium Proceedings, 2009. SAS 2009. IEEE, 17-19 Feb. 2009, Page(s):132 - 136.
G. D. Lecakes, M. Russell and S. Mandayam, "Visualization of multiple sensor measurements in a VR environment for integrated systems health management in rocket engine tests," accepted for publication, Sensors Applications Symposium Proceedings, 2009. SAS 2009. IEEE, 17-19 Feb. 2009, Page(s):132 - 136.
G. D. Lecakes, J. A. Morris, J. L. Schmalzel and S. Mandayam, "Virtual reality platforms for integrated systems health management in a portable rocket engine test stand," Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference Proceedings, 2008. IMTC 2008. IEEE, 12-15 May 2008, Page(s):388 - 392.
Achievements
NSF Northeastern I-Core Regional Completion as Technical Lead
Inaugural recipient of the Nicholas A. Peppas Medallion for Excellence in Doctoral Studies (2021)
3D Printed Oculus GO Masks for "Federico Solmi: The Bacchanalian Ones" (2021)
3D PPE Masks for Rowan University (2020) –thousands of masks to medical schools and local emergency employees:
https://engineering.rowan.edu/research-centers/mask/Created a programming centric YouTube channel with 7k+ subscribers
Featured on NBC (2015) for a virtual reality visualization of the Papal visit to Philadelphia
Established VR multi-disciplinary internship program (2014)
$2.3M expansion of the Rowan VR Center (2012)
Interviewed for Sci Fi Science (Discovery) Episode 11 ‘Holodeck’
Rowan University Award for Excellence in Graduate Research (2008)
NASA Graduate Student Research Program (GSRP) award (2007 – 2010)