Zeyu Peng | Human–Computer Interaction | Research Excellence Award 

Published on by VR Research Awards

Mr. Zeyu Peng | Human–Computer Interaction | Research Excellence Award 

Migu Culture Technology Co.,Ltd | China

Zeyu Peng is an accomplished Graphics AI Algorithm Engineer based in Shenzhen, Guangdong, with a strong academic foundation in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, earning an MSc from Wuhan University (2015–2018) specializing in Optimization Theory, Algorithms, and Applications, and a BSc from Central South University (2011–2015). Professionally, Zeyu has extensive experience in AI-driven graphics and operations research, currently contributing to Migu Culture Technology as a Graphics AI Algorithm Engineer since 2021, and previously serving as an Algorithm Engineer at China Southern Airlines IT Research Institute (2018–2021). His notable projects include developing a Speech-to-3D Facial Animation Generation engine, creating multi-style performance rule sets, and implementing both combination optimization and diffusion-based facial animation synthesis frameworks for digital humans. He has also engineered a Co-Speech Gesture Generation system leveraging language models, inverse kinematics, and diffusion models to produce contextually appropriate gestures synchronized with speech. Additionally, Zeyu has worked on FlowMatch and FastPitch-based AI voice conversion models for speech and singing applications, and contributed to large-scale aviation optimization projects such as flight pairing and crew scheduling, involving graph-based algorithms, branch-and-bound frameworks, and operations research algorithm libraries. He has developed a Facial Detection SDK with MTCNN for autonomous airport check-in systems and a luggage damage detection system utilizing object detection and classification techniques. Zeyu’s technical expertise spans C++, Python, Rust, and frameworks like PyTorch and ONNX, complemented by proficiency in LaTeX, Maya, Blender, and certifications including CET-6 and TOEFL. His research contributions are evidenced by publications in high-impact venues such as The Journal of Supercomputing and CGI2025, along with multiple patents in facial animation synthesis, video generation, and digital human animation technologies. Overall, Zeyu demonstrates a rare combination of deep theoretical knowledge, practical algorithmic implementation, and impactful contributions to AI-driven virtual reality, digital human animation, and optimization systems, establishing him as a leading engineer and innovator in graphics AI and virtual human technologies.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Peng, Z., Ma, D., & Lv, X. (2025, July). A two stage co-speech gesture generation method. Oral Presentation at CGI 2025.

Peng, Z., Li, H., & Wang, S. (2025, April). FaceImitate: Speech-driven 3D facial animation synthesis from imitation. The Journal of Supercomputing.

Peng, Z., & Wang, S. (2024, October 11). A video synthesis method, device, storage medium, and program product based on a classification model [Patent No. CN118764575A]. Migu Culture Technology Co., Ltd.; China Mobile Communications Group Co., Ltd.

Peng, Z., Wang, S., & Li, H. (2024, July 9). Facial motion prediction methods, devices, media, and computer program products [Patent No. CN118314614A]. Migu Culture Technology Co., Ltd.; China Mobile Communications Group Co., Ltd.

Kristyn Wilson | Simulation & Training | Best VR Researcher Award

Published on by VR Research Awards

Dr. Kristyn Wilson | Simulation & Training | Best VR Researcher Award 

University of Virginia | United States

Kristyn Wilson is a researcher and practitioner whose work centers on teacher preparation, mixed-reality simulation, feedback systems, and the evolving structures of educator pathways. Her scholarship investigates novice teachers’ learning experiences, the design and implementation of simulations, and institutional responses to shifting licensure and preparation demands. She has authored peer-reviewed publications in leading outlets such as AERA Open, Review of Educational Research, Journal of Educational Psychology, and Teachers College Record, contributing influential work on approximations of practice, coaching effectiveness, simulated caregiver conversations, and the language of teacher feedback. Her research pipeline includes multiple manuscripts under review and in preparation that examine program proliferation, provisional licensure routes, and within-institution variation in educator preparation. Wilson has been recognized with numerous distinctions, including the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, the Brenda Loyd Holliday Award, Best Poster honors, Best Paper finalist designation, and several competitive grants and fellowships supporting her research and conference participation. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Virginia, she contributes to large-scale, multi-institution projects evaluating statewide literacy initiatives, ELA curriculum shifts, and the potential of AI-supported tools to enhance teaching feedback, collaborating with principal investigators from UVA, Brown University’s Annenberg Institute, and Stanford University. Her academic experience includes extensive instructional roles across undergraduate and graduate programs, instructional coaching for teaching difficult histories, and leadership in program assessment, rubric development, accreditation preparation, curriculum mapping, and course alignment. She has presented her work widely at national, regional, and institutional conferences, including AERA, AACTE, AEFP, VACTE, SITE, and multiple UVA research convenings, and has delivered invited talks to K–12 school divisions, university faculty, and international delegations. Wilson has also contributed public scholarship through published opinion pieces in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Her service includes conference reviewing for major national organizations, manuscript reviewing for multiple journals, committee leadership for the Hunter Student Research Conference, and extensive involvement with the Morehead-Cain Scholarship selection process.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Wilson, K., Cohen, J., & Erickson, S. (2025). Teacher candidates’ experiences with mixed reality simulations: Variations by task, support, and mode of delivery. AERA Open.

Cohen, J., Yonas, A., & Wilson, K. (2025). Approximating teaching: A systematic review of the research. Review of Educational Research.

Cohen, J., Wong, V., Liu, P., Wilson, K., & Yonas, A. (2025). Practice does not make perfect: Experimental evidence on the effectiveness of coaching beginning teachers. Journal of Educational Psychology, 117(7), 1137–1177.

Wilson, K., & Yonas, A. (2024). In search of deliberate practice: Simulating teaching in three teacher education programs. Teachers College Record, 126(9), 47–89.