FrankLiu

ABOUT

As a Computer Engineering Ph.D. advised by Robert LiKamWa in the Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, I am committed to advancing the frontiers of human-computer interaction experiences using cutting-edge technologies such as mixed reality.

From my time at Meteor Studio, I aspire to leverage my knowledge and expertise to create transformative, immersive experiences for education and promote overall health and wellness.

My passion for these fields was sparked during my Bachelor's studies in Electrical Engineering at the University of Washington, where I graduated with Honors in 2018. While there, I had the privilege of conducting pioneering research alongside trailblazers Shwetak Patel and Hanchuan Li in the Ubiquitous Computing Lab.

Scholar

RESEARCH

Vibr-eau: Emulating Fluid Behavior in Vessel Handling through Vibrotactile Actuators
Frank Wencheng Liu, Ryan Wirjadi, Yanjun Lyu, Shiling Dai, Byron Lahey, Assegid Kidane, Robert LiKamWa

Arxiv 2025

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Video

Pneutouch: Exploring the affordances and interactions of haptic inflatables through a wrist-worn interface
Frank Wencheng Liu*, Mason Manetta*, Prasad Borkar, Byron Lahey, Assegid Kidane, Robert LiKamWa

(*Co-primary authors)

Arxiv 2025

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Video

VR Pre-operation Inspection Training Simulator Using Haptic Gloves
Tanmay Ghodekar*, Frank Liu*, Robert Likamwa

(*Co-primary authors)

White Paper 2024

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Embodied Mixed Reality with Passive Haptics in STEM Education: Randomized Control Study with Chemistry Titration
Mina C Johnson-Glenberg, Shin-Phing C Yu, Frank Liu, Charles Amador, Yueming Bao, Shufan Yu, Robert LiKamWa
Frontiers in Virtual Reality, Volume 4 - 2023

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Video

ASU Now

Product Ship: Virtual Titration experience shipped and used in ASU General Chemistry - Summer 2024

Spatial Audio Empowered Smart speakers with Xblock - A Pose-Adaptive Crosstalk Cancellation Algorithm for Free-moving Users
Frank Wencheng Liu*, Anish Narsipur*, Andrew Kemeklis, Lucy Song, Robert Likamwa

(*Co-primary authors)

CPS-IoT Week '23: 2nd ACM International Workshop on Intelligent Acoustic Systems and Applications, San Antonio, Texas

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Video

Talk

Geppetteau: Enabling haptic perceptions of virtual fluids in various vessel profiles using a string-driven haptic interface
Shahabedin Sagheb*, Frank Wencheng Liu*, Alex Vuong, Shiling Dai, Ryan Wirjadi, Yueming Bao, Robert Likamwa

(*Co-primary authors)

TEI '23: Proceedings of the Seventeenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, Warsaw, Poland

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Video

Talk

ASU Now

UW ECE

Demonstration of Geppetteau: Enabling haptic perceptions of virtual fluids in various vessel profiles using a string-driven haptic interface
Shahabedin Sagheb*, Frank Wencheng Liu*, Alex Vuong, Shiling Dai, Ryan Wirjadi, Yueming Bao, Robert Likamwa

(*Co-primary authors)

Adjunct Publication of ACM UIST 2022, Bend, Oregon

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Video

A Wrist-worn Device for Pneumatic Haptic Proxies - Touching Virtual Objects
Frank Wencheng Liu*, Mason Manetta*, Gideon Kamau, Andrew Olson, Austin Jeltes, Jack Haehl, Byron Lahey, Robert Likamwa

(*Co-primary authors)

Sustainable Haptic Design, Chi 2022 Workshop, Virtual

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Video

AR-some Chemistry Models:Interactable 3D Molecules through Augmented Reality
Mason Ulrich, Brandon Evans, Frank Wencheng Liu, Mina Johnson, Robert Likamwa
MobileHCI 2021, Toulouse, France

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Video

Code

Work-in-Progress–—Specific Heat of Water Experiment: Augmented Reality Chemistry Lab
Ryan Wirjadi, Alex Vuong, Frank Wencheng Liu, Robert Likamwa
IEEE ILRN 2021, Eureka, CA

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Video

Work-in-Progress—Titration Experiment: Virtual Reality Chemistry Lab with Haptic Burette
Charles Amador, Frank Wencheng Liu, Mina C. Johnson-Glenberg, Robert Likamwa
IEEE ILRN 2020, San Luis Obispo, CA

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Video

Coordinate: A spreadsheet-programmable augmented reality framework for immersive map-based visualizations
Aashiq Shaikh, Linda Nguyen, Alireza Bahremand, Hannah Bartolomea, Frank Liu, Van Nguyen, Derrick Anderson and Robert Likamwa.
Special Special Session Paper: International Conference on Artificial Intelligence & Virtual Reality (AIVR ‘19), San Diego, California

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SoberComm: Exploring the Feasibility of Facilitating Alcohol Dependent Patients to Improve Family Communication using Mobile Phones
Chuang-Wen You, Hung-Yeh Lin, Yaliang Chuang, Yi-Ching Huang, Jui-Ting Tsai, Shan Jean Wu, Chia-Hua Kuo, Ming-Chyi Huang, Frank Wencheng Liu, Jane Yung-Jen Hsu, Hui-Ching Wu.
ACM Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies (IMWUT) September 2019

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SWISH: A shifting-weight interface of simulated hydrodynamics for haptic perception of virtual fluid vessels
Shahabedin Sagheb, Frank Wencheng Liu, Alireza Bahremand, Assegid Kidane, Robert Likamwa
ACM UIST 2019, New Orleans, Louisiana

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A Spatial Audio System for the Internet-of-Things
Frank Liu, Robert Likamwa
Hotmobile 2019, Santa Cruz, California
Awarded: NSF Student Travel Grant

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AWARDS & HONORS

Convocation Speaker for Spring 2024, Arizona State University

Out of the best and brightest from Fulton's 8 schools of engineering, I was chosen by the Dean to be the Spring 2024 convocation speaker. Selected as a valedictorian, among the largest graduating class in ASU's history (nearly 20,700 graduates).

Gonfalon holder at graduation ceremony: Selected as flag holder representing the ECEE department.
Dean's Fellowship, Arizona State University

Awarded to the top 4% of admitted graduate students who display significant leadership and research capabilities
Peter E. Crouch Excellence Fund, 2020-2021, Arizona State University
Ira A. Fulton Fellowship, 2019-2020, Arizona State University
Herbold Foundation Fellowship, 2019-2020, Arizona State University
Engineering Graduate Fellowship, 2019-2021, Arizona State University
Priscilla and Melvin Wilson Endowed Scholar, University of Washington
Electrical Engineering Departmental Honors
IEEE HKN Honors Society, University of Washington

Scholastic achievement in the top 30% of graduating class
Husky Leadership Certificate, University of Washington
Washington Scholar

The highest academic honor conferred to high school students graduating in the state of Washington; representing the top one percent of students based on academic achievement, leadership, and community service

RESEARCH FUNDING

Principal Investigator, VR Clubs of America

Project Description: VR Club addresses the challenge of inadequately equipped classrooms and low-resource schools by pioneering virtual and augmented reality science labs. In underserved communities, where traditional lab equipment is scarce, this initiative harnesses augmented and virtual reality to provide immersive scientific experiences. Through these virtual labs, students can conduct experiments, visualize intricate concepts, and engage in interactive learning, all without physical apparatus limitations. This innovative solution not only overcomes resource constraints but also ensures equal access to quality education. We empower students to cocreate their own science educations and AI teachers , developing technology literacy and reinforcing science concepts. We envision educators using the experiences that the students have built in the classroom to empower other students learning.

Funding Amount:
- $2,500 Awarded, 2023 ASU Changemaker Community Action Grant
- $10,000 Awarded, ASU Foundation
- $3,000 Awarded, NSF I-Corps Hub: Desert and Pacific Region
- $1,000 Awarded, Venture Devil's Demo Day 2024
- $2,000 Awarded, YWCA - Equity in STEAM 4.0 Grant 2024
Notable Accomplishments:
- Accepted into Venture Devils: Summer 2024 Cohort
- Featured on the: Learning Futures Podcast
- Accepted into the NSF I-Corps Hub: Desert and Pacific Region Program: Summer 2024
- Launched our YouTube Channel: VR Clubs of America
- Our VR Club curriculum has been officially introduced as an elective class in two local AZ high schools for the 2024-2025 school year
- Presented a session at AzTEA Fall conference 2024, with the HYSA Teacher, and 2 HYSA Students
Mentor, VR Brain, won by Micaela Leong

Project Description: The "VR Brain" project tackles the challenge of limited student exposure to real brains until medical school and the spatial constraints of traditional textbook images. Utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) technology, the initiative provides students with an immersive, three-dimensional experience, addressing the shortcomings of conventional methods. By offering early access to neuroanatomy through dynamic VR simulations, VR Brain aims to bridge the knowledge gap, allowing students to explore and understand the complexities of the brain's structure and functionality in an interactive and comprehensive manner. This marks an advancement in neuroanatomy education towards a more engaging and accessible learning experience.

Funding Amount:
- $1,500 Awarded, 2023-2024 ASU Athletics Research Grant

MEDIA RECOGNITION

Spot the Scammer

Scams are becoming more sophisticated, with Americans losing over $10 billion in 2023—a 20% increase from the previous year. Older adults and low-income individuals are particularly vulnerable, highlighting the need for better scam awareness. To address this, we developed and shipped Spot the Scammer, an iOS app designed to educate users on identifying and avoiding scams. As the project manager, I collaborated with a developer and designer to bring this app to life, aiming to empower at-risk communities with essential fraud prevention skills.

Report

App Store

Komatsu & Meteor Studio: Virtual Reality Haptic Pre-Op Inspection Experience - Mining Truck Safety Training, Arizona State University

From summer 2022 to spring 2023, our team at Meteor Studio has worked to create a VR solution that will transform training for truck operator trainers in the mining industry. The vision is to optimize safety and efficiency, making the lives of truck operator trainers easier while transforming the industry for the better. As project lead, I worked with Komatsu Stakeholders and Meteor Studio students to create this experience - from the vision to implementation to iteration. We interviewed many operator trainers, collaborated with industry experts, and employed cutting-edge technology to craft an immersive VR environment that solves their mining challenges. The project culminated in Komatsu licensing our software for deployment, driving innovation in mining training.

Advanced Robotics Executive Board, University of Washington

From my time on leadership, the Advanced Robotics team grew from 20 to 90 active members. The team raised over 20,000 dollars in philanthropy efforts in addition to landing sponsorships from companies such as Blue Origin and Dominoes. I lead a robot team where I conducted CAD and code reviews as well as manufacturing and construction of the robot. During the summer of 2018, my team placed 3rd prize in the International Regionals at the Robomasters competition in Shenzhen, China.

UW Daily

Seattle Times

Bloomberg

Generative AI Student Committee, Arizona State University

I lead an interdisciplinary GenAI Student Committee at ASU for the 2023-2024 school year, fostering discussions among PhD students to address AI-related concerns and shape university policies, enhancing support for graduate research involving AI tools like GenAI and ChatGPT. I coordinated with Faculty and Staff at ASU to inform and implement policy decisions.

NPR/KJZZ

Designing Dreamscapes Fall 2021, Arizona State University

Fall 2021, my peers and I developed an immersive virtual reality experience "Theta Labs". This experience was a virtual reality experience utilizing Dreamscape Immersive tools. As part of the story team, I wrote significant parts of the script and contributed towards the world building and character development. I worked closely with the members of the art, sound, and pod integration teams in aligning the vision of the story. ASU President Michael Crow and Dreamscape Immersive CEO Walter Parkes both went through and enjoyed the experience.

ASU Now

Process

Video

TED^xASU: NextGen, Arizona State University

I served as part of the organizing team for the Ted^xASU 2019 event, which sold over 1000+ tickets. I advised part of the development for the Ted^xASU application on android and ios. I also assisted in speaker selection, providing insights to the rest of the organizing team. During the event, I presented my research at a pre-event symposium and served in full capacity set up and take down.

Event Details

Sunhacks Organizer, Arizona State University

I served as part of the organizing team for Sunhacks 2018. I lead marketing campaigns to sell out tickets for 300+ participants. Together with my peers, I helped organize the largest hackathon in Phoenix area bringing students interested in technology in the ASU community closer together.

State Press

Scholar-Donor Recognition Luncheon 2017-2018, University of Washington

From my exemplary leadership and service on campus, I was personally invited by Michael Bragg, Dean of the College of Engineering, as a speaker for the 2017-2018 Scholar-Donor Recognition Luncheon.