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Wai TONG

Assistant Professor@Texas A&M University

I am currently an assistant professor for the Section of Visual Computing & Computational Media Virtual Production Institude in the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Art (PVFA) at Texas A&M University (TAMU). I received my Ph.D. degree in the department of Computer Science and Engineering under the supervision of Prof. Huamin Qu and Prof. Ting Chuen Pong at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). I have visited Dr. Yalong Yang at Virginia Tech during summer 2022.

My research interests lie in the area of AR/VR/MR, Data visualization, and Humanโ€“computer interaction. Specifically, I focus on bringing data visualization beyond traditional workspace (i.e., personal computer) to everyday life using AR/VR technology for more efficient and effective data exploration and analysis.

I am actively seeking 1-2 motivated and passionate PhD students to join my research team starting from Fall 2025! If you are eager to engage in cutting-edge research about AR/VR/MR, data visualization, and human-computer interaction, and ready to take on new challenges, I encourage you to reach out and explore this opportunity with me. Please also don’t hesitate to contact me at wtong(at)tamu(dot)edu for any collaboration opportunities or inquiries.

News
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Become an assistant professor for VCCM VPI at Texas A&M University!
2024-08-01
One paper accepted MM 2024!
2024-07-20
One paper accepted ISS 2024 (Feb round)!
2024-06-05
One paper has been accepted by TVCG!
2024-03-04
Two full papers and one LBW paper accepted by CHI 2024!
2024-03-01
๐ŸŽ‰
Start my new job at TAMU!
2024-01-01
Very glad to be invited to present my IEEE VR 23 work in IEEE VIS 23!
2023-08-30
๐ŸŽ‰
Defend my PhD thesis entitled “Towards Effective Data Visualization by Fusing Immersive Technology with Traditional Workflow”!
2023-08-18
Will present two posters about AR/VR visualization in IEEE VIS 2023.
2023-07-22
๐ŸŽ‰
Award over HKD$1M from the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) for our proposed project “Augmenting Situated Visualizations with Tangible User Interfaces”.
2023-06-30
Present our work on understanding 3D data videos at PacificVis 2023.
2023-04-14
Present our work on asymmetric collaborative immersive visualization at IEEE VR 2023.
2023-03-27
Present our work on paper interaction in the IEEE TVCG VIS session at SIGGRAPH Asia 2022 at Daegu in Korea.
2022-12-08
๐ŸŽ‰
Present our honorable mentioned paper on paper interaction in IEEE VIS 2022 at Oklahoma City in the US.
2022-10-19
Visit Dr. Yalong Yang at Virginia Tech in the US.
2022-06-01

Publications

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Zheng Wei, Yuzheng Chen, Wai Tong, Xuan Zong, Huamin Qu, Xian Xu, Lik-Hang Lee
Conference ACM International Conference on Multimedia (MM), 2024
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Daniel Enriquez, Wai Tong, Chris North, Huamin Qu, Yalong Yang
Conference ACM International Conference on Interactive Surfaces and Spaces (ISS), 2024
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Zheng Wei, Shan Jin, Wai Tong, David Kei Man Yip, Pan Hui, Xian Xu
Poster ACM SIGGRAPH, 2024
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Wai Tong, Kento Shigyo, Lingping Yuan, Mingming Fan, Ting-Chuen Pong, Huamin Qu, Meng Xia
Journal IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics (TVCG), 2024
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Wai Tong, Meng Xia, Huamin Qu
Poster ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems Late-Breaking Work (CHI LBW), 2024
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Qian Zhu, Zhuo Wang, Wei Zeng, Wai Tong, Weiyue Lin, Xiaojuan Ma
Conference ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI), 2024
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Xiaofu Jin, Wai Tong, Xiaoying Wei, Xian Wang, Emily Kuang, Xiaoyu Mo, Huamin Qu, Mingming Fan
Conference ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI), 2024
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Zheng Wei, Xian Xu, Lik-Hang Lee, Wai Tong, Huamin Qu, Pan Hui
Conference ACM International Conference on Multimedia (MM), 2023
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Wai Tong, Linping Yuan, Zikai Wen, Huamin Qu
Poster IEEE Visualization Conference (VIS), 2023
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Haobo Li, Kentaro Takahira, Kam Kwai Wong, Leni Yang, Wai Tong, Huamin Qu
Poster IEEE Visualization Conference (VIS), 2023
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Leni Yang, Aoyu Wu, Wai Tong, Xian Xu, Zheng Wei, Huamin Qu
Conference IEEE Pacific Visualization Symposium (PacificVis), 2023
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Wai Tong, Meng Xia, Kam Kwai Wong, Doug Bowman, Ting-Chuen Pong, Huamin Qu, Yalong Yang
Conference IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces (VR), 2023
Invited to present at IEEE VIS 2023
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Xian Xu, Wai Tong, Zheng Wei, Meng Xia, Lik-Hang Lee, Huamin Qu
Poster IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces Abstracts and Workshops (VRW), 2023
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Wai Tong, Zhutian Chen, Meng Xia, Leo Yu-Ho Lo, Linping Yuan, Benjamin Bach, Huamin Qu
Journal IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics (TVCG), 2022
๐Ÿ† IEEE VIS 2022 Honorable Mention Award
Invited to present at ACM SIGGRAPG Asia 2022
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Aoyu Wu, Wai Tong, Haotian Li, Dominik Moritz, Yong Wang, Huamin Qu
Conference ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI), 2022
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Wai Tong*, Haotian Li*, Huan Wei*, Liwenhan Xie*, Yanna Lin*, Huamin Qu
(*: equal contribution)
Poster IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces Abstracts and Workshops (VRW), 2022
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Aoyu Wu, Wai Tong, Tim Dwyer, Bongshin Lee, Petra Isenberg, Huamin Qu
Journal IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics (TVCG), 2020
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Zhutian Chen, Wai Tong, Qianwen Wang, Benjamin Bach, Huamin Qu
Conference ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI), 2020

Projects

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AR Ricci Map is an AR mobile application that blendes the digital maps with the physcial map to introduce audiences with different version of the acient maps during the exhibition. The application can also transform 2D maps into 3D globes, providing users with a unique and immersive experience. With AR Ricci Map, exhibition visitors can experience the maps in a new and engaging way, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of these important historical maps. For more details, please find at https://library.hkust.edu.hk/china-in-maps/.

AR Developer, 09/2023 - 12/2023
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The goal of this project is to bring data analysis into everyday life for better sensemaking in situ by introducing a better user interface for AR situated visualizations. We aim to use 3D printed objects to serve as interactive mediums in enhancing AR situated visualizations.

This project was awarded about HKD$1M from the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC).

Researcher, Proposal

Saving Hilly is an immersive and educational AR game that instructs individuals on the importance of slope safety. Additionally, the game showcases state-of-the-art technology designed to help individuals deal with landslides. It is also presented in the poster session of IEEE VIS 2023. For more details, please find at https://slope-aoe.hkust.edu.hk/home.

Researcher, 09/2022 - 08/2023
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Art Mirror is a VR soundstage for teachers and students to emulate cinematography lighting in virtual scenarios. Lighting education is a foundational component of cinematography education. However, many art schools do not have expensive soundstages for traditional cinematography lessons. Thus, migrating physical setups to virtual experiences is a potential solution driven by metaverse initiatives. This project is also presented in IEEE VRW 2023, ACM MM 2023.

VR Researcher, 04/2022 - Present
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VisPIE aims at promoting sustainability lifestyle using XR, digital twin, and data visualization. We present USTreePlantAR to encourage students to perform green action in the campus.

This project won the Deloitte ESG Innovation Award in hackUST 2022.

AR Developer, 04/2022
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Time Walk is an app that celebrate the HKUST 30th Anniversary by allowing students to go through the history of HKUST 30 years history in Augmented Reality. It is also presented in the poster session of IEEE VIS 2023.

Researcher, 11/2021 - 10/2023

Pulse of HKUST aims to promote a smart campus which supports effective and smart decision-makings through the combined power of IoT devices, big data, and AI.

This project has received R&D Merit Award in APICTA 2019 and Student Innovation Gold Award in HKICT 2019.

Full Stack Developer, 09/2018 - 12/2023

USThing is a student-develop app that provide convenient access to commonly used HKUST systems and handy tools for enhancing students’ campus life.

Android Developer, 12/2017 - 12/2018

Awards

  • 2022
    IEEE VIS 2022 Honorable Mention Award
  • 2022
    HKUST Overseas Research Award
  • 2022
    hackUST Deloitte ESG Innovation Award
  • 2019
    APICTA R&D Merit Award
  • 2019
    HKICT Student Innovation Gold Award

Teaching Experience

  • Courses@TAMU as instructor
  • 2023 Spring
    VIST 173: Foundations of Visual Computing II
  • 2023 Spring
    VIZA 662: Physical Computing for Art and Design
  • Courses@HKUST as teaching assistance
  • 2021 Spring
    COMP 2012: Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures
  • 2020 Spring
    COMP 1942: Exploring and Visualizing Data
  • 2019 Fall
    COMP 1022Q: Introduction to Computing with Excel VBA
  • 2018 Fall
    COMP 3511: Operating System

Contact

Address
Lo Ka Chung University Center (UC 101), HKUST