Profile

  • Title:
    Assistant Professor of Computer Science
  • Department:
    Mathematics and Computer Science

Darlene Barker, Ph.D.

Contact

Background

At the convergence of virtual reality (VR), computer science, and emotion recognition is where you will find Dr. Darlene CRC Barker. While developing comprehensive expertise in designing frameworks for emotion recognition, both within the immersive environment of virtual reality and in real-world scenarios, Dr. Barker aims to help create a better system that enhances human communication despite distance. Her work advances the academic understanding of these areas and contributes to their practical application in industries such as video game development.

Degrees

  • Ph.D., Computer Science, University of Massachusetts Lowell
    Dissertation: “Creation of Thelxinoë: Emotions and Touch in Virtual Reality”
  • M.S., Computer Science, University of Massachusetts Lowell
    Thesis: “An Eulerian Path Approach to Next-Generation DNA Sequencing with Pre-Sorted Reads”
  • B.S., Computer Science, Rivier University

Specialties & Research Interests

  • Emotion Recognition
  • Machine Learning
  • Deep Learning
  • Speech and Natural Language Processing
  • Virtual Reality
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Computer Graphics
  • Video Game Design and Development

Courses Taught

  • CS557 Algorithms
  • CS610 Database Management Systems
  • CS699 Professional Seminar
  • Topics in Computer Science: Deep Learning
  • Data Mining
  • CS308 Computer Networks
  • CS664 Knowledge-Based Systems

Upcoming courses

  • Algorithms
  • Database Management Systems
  • Topics in Computer Science: Deep Learning
  • Topics in Computer Science: Speech and Natural Language Processing
  • Professional Seminar
  • Data Mining

Publications

  • Barker, Darlene, and Haim Levkowitz. “Emotions in Virtual Reality.” 7th International Conference on Computer Science and Information Technology (CSTY 2021), December 2021. Vol. 11, pg. 39-46.
  • Barker, Darlene, and Haim Levkowitz. “Thelxinoë for Emotion Recognition and Touch Processing.” 2023 IEEE International Conference on Advanced Systems and Emergent Technologies (IC_ASET’2023), February 2023. This piece was awarded the “Second Best Paper Certificate.”
  • Barker, Darlene, and Haim Levkowitz. “Thelxinoë: Recognizing Human Emotions Using Pupillometry and Machine Learning.” Machine Learning and Applications: An International Journal (MLAIJ), vol. 11, no. 1, 2024, pp. 1-14.

Presentations

  • Lightning Talk Presentation, 2023 Grad Cohort Workshop for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Leadership Skills (IDEALS), Honolulu, Hawaii, 2023
  • IEEE ISMAR 2022 – Tutorials, 2022 IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality Adjunct (ISMAR-Adjunct), Singapore, Singapore, 2022.
  • Tutorial 5: Emotion and Touch in Virtual Reality, IEEE VR 2022.
  • Tutorial 5: Emotion in Virtual Reality, IEEE VR 2021.