About
Wesley Junkins is a graduate student at The University of Alabama, pursuing a master's degree in computer science. He earned his bachelor's degree in computer science with a minor in mathematics from the same institution in 2024.
As an undergraduate, Wesley conducted research in the Human-Technology Interaction Lab (HTIL) under the mentorship of Dr. Chris Crawford. His work spanned multiple areas of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), including brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), machine learning, robotics, extended reality (XR), and low-level microcontroller and network communications. Wesley co-authored several research papers and is contributing to ongoing projects in the field. He also assisted in research studies, gained hands-on experience with the IRB process, and collaborated closely with graduate researchers.
Wesley has been recognized for his academic excellence and leadership through induction into several prestigious honor societies, including Phi Theta Kappa, Psi Beta, Tau Beta Pi, Tau Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi, and Upsilon Pi Epsilon. He has received numerous awards and honors that underscore his commitment to academic and professional growth.
As he pursues his master's and future doctoral studies, Wesley aims to deepen his expertise in Human-Computer Interaction, Brain-Computer Interfaces, Extended Reality, and Machine Learning. His ultimate goal is to become a professional researcher in academia or industry, driven by a passion for leveraging innovative technologies to address complex technical and societal challenges.
Contact Information
+1 (205) 463-7800
wesleyjunkins@gmail.com
Education
Master of Science in Computer Science | The University of Alabama
January, 2025 - May, 2026 (Expected)
I am currently pursuing my master's degree in computer science. My thesis deals with using reinforcement learning to accurately control a drone in a circular-line following task. This will lead to lap-based drone races using real-time human EEG data to control the drone. I plan to defend my thesis and graduate in Spring 2026.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | The University of Alabama
August, 2022 - December, 2024
I recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Alabama with a bachelor's degree in computer science and a minor in mathematics. During my time at UA, I have kept a 4.0 GPA, and consistently made the President's list. I am a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) University of Alabama chapter. I also joined Tau Beta Pi, Tau Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi, and Upsilon Pi Epsilon honor societies, and performed the Pledge of the Computing Professional.
Associate of Science in General Studies | Shelton State Community College
August, 2020 - May, 2022
During my time at Shelton, I maintained a 4.0 GPA and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa and Psi Beta honor societies. In addition, I received the Thomas E. Umphrey outstanding freshman award, the excellence in calculus 1 award, the Norman C. Cephus special achievement award, the Leo Sumner outstanding sophomore award, and the Macmillan Learning emerging researcher award. I was also a Coca-Cola academic team bronze scholar in Phi Theta Kappa (Top 170 community college students in the U.S.), and All-Alabama academic team scholar in 2022.
Dual-Enrollment Transfer Credits | Bevill State Community College
August, 2018 - May, 2020
I took dual-enrollment credit hours at Bevill State Community College while in high school. I completed 17 hours and maintained a 4.0 GPA.
High School Diploma | Gordo High School
August, 2016 - May, 2020
Graduating with a GPA of above 4.0, I ranked 5th in my graduating class. I was also a member of the Beta Club honor society and the Mu Alpha Theta national honor society for mathematics.
Work
Graduate Research Assistant | The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
January, 2025 - Present
My responsibilities as a graduate research assistant are similar to those as an undergraduate research assistant, but I also assist with the IRB process and mentor undergraduate research assistants.
Undergraduate Research Assistant | The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
May, 2023 - January, 2025
As a research assistant in the Human-Technology Interaction Lab, I contributed to multiple research projects focused on advancing the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). My responsibilities included developing and implementing new projects, collaborating with team members during weekly progress and group meetings, and supporting ongoing research initiatives. Through this role, I gained hands-on experience in experimental design, project development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
IT | Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Gordo, AL
October, 2020 - Present
In my role as IT Director, I oversee the management and maintenance of the church's digital presence, including the website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel, ensuring content is up-to-date and aligned with organizational goals. I collaborate with staff members to identify and resolve technical issues, providing timely support and implementing solutions to enhance the church's technological capabilities and overall efficiency. I also maintain the church's network infrastructure and diagnose and fix any network issues.
Honors
President's List | Shelton State Community College and The University of Alabama
December, 2020 - December, 2024
I was named to the President's list each semester at Shelton State and The University of Alabama. The President's list awards students who have maintained a 4.0 GPA.
Upsilon Pi Epsilon Outstanding Undergraduate Award | The University of Alabama
April, 2024
The Upsilon Pi Epsilon Outstanding Undergraduate Award is awarded to undergraduate students who show excellence in academics, research, and community involvement. My mentor, Dr. Chris Crawford presented me this award at the 2024 University of Alabama Computer Science Honors Day program.
Accelerated Master's Student | The University of Alabama
January, 2024
The Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) at The University of Alabama recognizes outstanding students who wish to pursue a graduate degree. This program allowed me to take graduate-level coursework while an undergraduate. 12 of those credit hours could be double-counted as undergraduate credit.
Emerging Researcher Award | Psi Beta International Honor Society in Psychology
July, 2022
I was awarded the MacMillan Emerging Researcher Award during my time in the Psi Beta Psychology honor society.
Leo Sumner Outstanding Sophomore Award | Shelton State Community College
May, 2022
The Outstanding Sophomore Student Award is named for Dr. Leo Sumner, President of Shelton State Community College from 1976-1988. The recipient of the Leo Sumner Outstanding Sophomore Student Award is selected based on outstanding academic performance, school involvement, and community service. It is the highest honor a student can earn at Shelton State Community College.
Norman C. Cephus Special Achievement Award | Shelton State Community College
May, 2022
The Special Achievement Award is named for Mr. Norman C. Cephus, President of Fredd State Technical College from 1982-1990. The recipient of the Norman C. Cephus Special Achievement Award is selected based on academic achievement, involvement in campus and community activities, academic or technical recognition, and job-related activities.
Community College Presidential Scholarship | The University of Alabama
April, 2022
The Community College Presidential Scholarship is one of the top scholarships offered by universities to community college students. This scholarship covers tuition for four semesters.
All-Alabama Academic Team | Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
April, 2022
I was named to the All-Alabama Academic Team. This team recognizes the top community college students in the state of Alabama.
Coca-Cola Bronze Academic Team | Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society
March, 2022
The Coca-Cola Academic Team recognizes high-achieving college students who demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society. Students named to the team are considered the top 170 community college students in the United States.
Distinguished Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Officer Award | Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
March, 2022
At the Phi Theta Kappa regional convention, I received a distinguished chapter officer award.
Thomas E. Umphrey Outstanding Freshman Award | Shelton State Community College
May, 2021
The outstanding Freshman Award is named for Dr. Thomas E. Umphrey, President of Shelton State Community College from 1988-2000. The recipient of the Thomas E. Umphrey Outstanding Freshman Award is selected based on outstanding academic achievement and involvement in campus activities.
Excellence in Calculus 1 Award | Shelton State Community College
May, 2021
The Excellence in Calculus award was awarded to me because I achieved an overall grade of 99 in Calculus 1.
Societies
Pledge of the Computing Professional
December, 2024
The Pledge of the Computing Professional entails a rite-of-passage ceremony for graduates from computing programs. The symbol of The Pledge of the Computer Professional is a matrix with the word "Honor" encoded in ASCII. The background of the matrix is black, the digits are in gold. The purpose of the symbol is to remind the inductee to always honor their profession through their actions.
Upsilon Pi Epsilon
April, 2024
Upsilon Pi Epsilon is an honor society for students and professionals in the computing and information technology disciplines. The mission of UPE is to recognize academic excellence at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in the Computing and Information Disciplines.
Phi Kappa Phi
March, 2024
I accepted an invitation to join the Phi Kappa Phi honor society, which is the oldest honor society in the US to target multiple disciplines. The prestigious society's mission is "to recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engage the community of scholars in service to others."
Tau Sigma
June, 2023
Tau Sigma is a national honor society for students who transfer to a four-year institution from a community college.
Tau Beta Pi
April, 2023
Tau Beta Pi is a national honor society in engineering and the nation's second oldest collegiate honor society.
The National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS)
December, 2022
The NSLS is an organization for university students that aims to help students develop leadership skills and successful characteristics.
GearUP Alumni Group
January, 2022
During high school, my school ran a program, called GearUP Alabama, which helped students from rural areas afford community college. While at Shelton State Community College, I helped to establish a GearUP Alumni group which sought to allow all former GearUP members to congregate. We hosted self-improvement seminars and test-prep sessions for alumni.
Psi Beta
October, 2021
Psi Beta is a community college national honor society in psychology. In this organization, I worked with the chapter advisor at Shelton State Community College to present some of our research from Phi Theta Kappa at the Troy University Psychology Conference. I was also guided through my first literature review in research.
Phi Theta Kappa
February, 2021
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is an honor society for two-year institutions. After joining this organization at Shelton State Community College, I was inducted as an officer. Specifically, I was the vice president of Honors in Action. This was a research-centered role (and some of my first exposure to academic research). I was tasked with leading the other officers and chapter members in a research project.
Coursework
Artificial Intelligence
Spring 2025 | Grade: A
The advanced study of topics under the umbrella of artificial intelligence including problem solving, knowledge representation, planning and machine learning.
Brain Computer Interfaces
Spring 2025 | Grade: A
This course involves the exploration of new forms of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) based on passive measurement of neurophysiological states (cognitive and affective). These include the measurement of cognitive workload and affective engagement.
Reinforcement Learning
Spring 2025 | Grade: A
This course covers fundamental principles, algorithms, and implementations of reinforcement learning, including the design of computational agents based on machine learning and control theory. The typical methods include reinforcement algorithms, dynamic programming, approximate functions, and temporal difference learning for policy evaluation and control problems. The course will involve the application of these concepts and methods in simulation or real-world problems as well as potentially in the context of psychology and neuroscience.
Networks
Fall 2024 | Grade: A
Study of the principles of computer networks, including network architectures, protocols, and network programming. Emphasis on the design and implementation of networked systems.
High Performance Computing
Fall 2024 | Grade: A
Study of the principles of high-performance computing, including parallel and distributed computing, performance evaluation, and high-performance computing applications. Emphasis on the design and implementation of high-performance computing systems. Uses tools like MPI, OpenMP, and CUDA.
Computer Graphics
Fall 2024 | Grade: A
Study of the principles of computer graphics, including graphics hardware, graphics software, graphics algorithms, and graphics applications. Emphasis on the design and implementation of computer graphics systems. Used tools like WebGL.
Capstone Computing
Fall 2024 | Grade: A
Capstone course in computer science. Students worked in teams to design, implement, and test a significant software system. Emphasis on the software development process, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, and documentation.
Computer Algorithms
Spring 2024 | Grade: A
This course studies the construction of efficient algorithms for computer implementation. It involves projects aimed at researching efficient algorithms used to solve well-known problems, as well as developing original algorithms to solve those problems.
Programming Languages
Spring 2024 | Grade: A
Formal study of programming language specification, analysis, implementation, and run-time support structures; organization of programming languages with emphasis on language constructs and mechanisms; and study of non-procedural programming paradigms.
Network Security
Spring 2024 | Grade: A
Study of the principles of network security, including cryptography, authentication, access control, secure protocols, and network security applications. Emphasis on the design and implementation of secure networked systems.
Emerging Scholars Program (Parts 1 and 2)
Fall 2023, Spring 2024 | Grade: A
Introduction to research in creative activities in a major research university. The course will provide special opportunities to freshman students admitted to the Emerging Scholars Program.
Theory of Probability
Fall 2023 | Grade: A-
The foundations of the theory of probability, laws governing random phenomena and their practical applications in other fields. Topics include: probability spaces; properties of probability set functions; conditional probability; and an introduction to combinatorics, discrete random variables, expectation of discrete random variables, Chebyshev's Inequality, continuous variables and their distribution functions, and special densities.
Linear Algebra
Fall 2023 | Grade: A+
Fundamentals of linear algebra and matrix theory are covered. Topics include vectors in Euclidean spaces, solving systems of linear equations, matrix algebra, inverses, determinants, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors. Also vector spaces and the basic notions of span, subspace, linear independence, basis, dimension, linear transformation, kernel and range are considered.
Operating Systems
Fall 2023 | Grade: A
Study of basic operating system concepts with an emphasis on memory, processor, device, and information management.
Database Management Systems
Fall 2023 | Grade: A
Constituent parts of database management (design, creation, and manipulation of databases), including the conceptual and relational data models, SQL, normalization and security. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course.
Calculus III
Summer 2023 | Grade: A (Unweighted)
Topics include vector functions, functions of two or more variables, partial derivatives (including applications), quadric surfaces, multiple integration, and vector calculus (including Green's Theorem, curl and divergence, surface integrals, and Stokes' Theorem).
Software Design and Engineering
Spring 2023 | Grade: A
Introduction to software engineering: the software crisis, program life cycle, software systems analysis techniques, software modeling, theory and practice of design, program testing methodologies, programmer team organization, and program verification and synthesis.
Data Structures and Algorithms
Spring 2023 | Grade: 96.1, A
Data structures including balanced search trees, heaps, hash tables, and graphs. Algorithm design techniques including divide-and-conquer, greedy method, and dynamic programming. Emphasis on problem solving, design, analysis, and reasoning about data structures and algorithms.
Microcomputers
Spring 2023 | Grade: A
Microprocessors, microcontrollers, assembly-language programming, interrupts, polling and hardware interfaces.
Discrete Mathematics
Fall 2022 | Grade: A+
An introduction to mathematical logic and proof within the context of discrete structures. Topics include basic mathematical logic, elementary number theory, basic set theory, functions, and relations.
Calculus II
Spring 2022 | Grade: 106, A
Topics include applications of integration, techniques of integration, infinite series, polar coordinates and parametric equations, lines and planes in space, and vectors in the plane and in space.
Principles of Microeconomics
Fall 2021 | Grade: A (Unweighted)
This course is an introduction of the microeconomic theory, analysis, and applications. Topics include scarcity, the theories of consumer behavior, production and cost, various market structures, output and resource pricing, and other aspects of microeconomics.
Fundamentals of Oral Communication (Public Speaking)
Fall 2021 | Grade: A (Unweighted)
This is a performance course that includes the principles of human communication: intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, and public. The course surveys current communication theory and provides practical application for workforce readiness.
Calculus I
Spring 2021 | Grade: 99, A
Topics include the limit of a function; the derivative of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions; and the definite integral and its basic applications to area problems. Applications of the derivative are covered in detail, including approximations of error using differentials, maximum and minimum problems, and curve sketching using calculus.
Projects
Brain Drone Race
The Brain Drone Race (BDR) is a novel human-computer interaction (HCI) application that leverages brain activity to control a drone. The BDR is a multi-party application that allows multiple users to compete against each other in a race. The users wear an EEG headset and use their brain activity to control the drone. In the past, we have used users' emotions, focus, and motor imagery to control the drone. When the EEG signals are captured and preprocessed, we use a machine learning classifier to convert the signals to drone instructions.
hciXR
hciXR is a proposed JavaScript library that allows developers to create extended reality (XR) and 3D applications with human-computer interaction (HCI) features. It is in the planning phase currently and will soon transition to ongoing development. The library will be open-source and will be available on npm. The goal of the project is to remove the complicated process of designing 3D interfaces and BCI (Brain-Computer Interface) and MCI (Muscle-Computer Interface) functionality from the developer's workflow so they can focus on the application logic.
Reinforcement Learning and Computer Vision for Circular Lap-Based Physiological Drone Racing
Robots, including drones, have been able to follow lines in flight for a long time. However, following a circular path is a more challenging task. In this project, we are using reinforcement learning and computer vision to train a drone to follow a circular path. We are using a drone with a camera and a reinforcement learning agent to learn to follow a circular path. The agent is trained using a combination of reinforcement learning and computer vision. The computer vision is used to detect the line and the reinforcement learning is used to train the drone to follow the line. The goal of this project is to explore the use of reinforcement learning and computer vision to train a drone to follow a circular path in the hope of transitioning the brain drone race to a lap-based race.
Olfactory Human-Computer Interaction
This project explores the use of olfactory senses in human-computer interaction. We built a system that allows the user to view an extended reality environment containing a Koi Fish pond. The user can lean towards or away from the pond. Behind the scenes, distance measurements, control the amount of scent the user receives. The aim of this study is to measure physiological responses to smell when trying to complete a task (e.g. counting the Koi Fish).
Quadruped Robotics and Extended Reality in Search and Rescue Tasks
In this project, we aim to develop a complex system of communication between a quadruped robot and an extended reality device. The goal of this project is to assist in search and rescue operations where the user may not be able to traverse environment that a quadruped can. The interaction should ideally be seamless and require low cognitive workload.
Quadruped Robotics vs. Wheeled Mobile Robotics in K-12 STEM Education
This project presents a user study comparing the use of a quadruped robot and a wheeled mobile robot in a K-12 STEM classroom. The goal of this project is to measure self-efficacy, collaboration, and engagement from students studying the same curriculum, but with different robots (quadruped vs. wheeled).
Extended Reality Brain Drone Racing
The Brain-Drone Race (BDR) is a novel human-computer interaction (HCI) application that uses a participants' EEG signals to control a real drone. This project aims to recreate the experience inside an extended reality environment. The goal of this project is to explore the differences in user engagement and performance using the two systems.
PhysioLab
PhysioLab is a proposed application that facilitates the development of physiological applications. The program will include built-in data collection programs for multiple physiological devices. It also introduces the Physiological Scripting Language (PSL), which helps developers with streaming data in, filtering it, and streaming it out to other programs, such as machine learning applications or physiological games.
Machine Learning Object Detection and Manipulation in Extended Reality
This project explores the use of an Apple Vision Pro to detect specific objects in real-time and outline them. The program uses machine learning to learn the dimensions of any object. Then, in the extended reality scene, if the object is detected, a grid outline of the object will appear and follow the object during translations and rotations.
Smart Controller App
For my computer science capstone project, my team and I developed a mobile app that allows the user to control the operations of a home-heating stove remotely. The app was developed using Flutter and was available on both iOS and Android. The app connected to a Raspberry Pi over the internet via MQTT. I built a program on the Raspberry Pi that converted MQTT messages to bluetooth messages and sent them to the stove's controller. The Pi also listened for bluetooth messages from the stove's controller and converted them into MQTT messages which were sent back to the mobile app. This system allowed the user to read information from the stove and control the stove from the app. Additionally, the Pi connected to a Firebase database, which was capable of storing data from the stove over time. The mobile app was able to connect to that database to read the data from the stove, which was displayed as a time series. It was also able to add multiple stoves and users and connect the users to their stoves so that certain users could only read the data from their linked stove.
Synthesizing Green Solvents to Dissolve Plastic Waste
In the summer of 2022, I worked with a team of researchers from The University of Alabama's department of chemical and biological engineering in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) project. In this project, I assisted a graduate student in reading research papers and developing his solvents. While I do not have a great understanding of chemical engineering, this project taught me how to follow experiments from previous researchers to perform our own experiments. At the conclusion of this REU project, I developed a poster of our findings and presented it at the 2023 Emerging Researchers National (ERN) conference in Washington D.C.
The Effect of Community College Students' Mental Health on Future Generations
As the vice president of honors in action of our chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, I was tasked with leading the other officers and members in a research project. This project explored the effect of community college students' mental health on future generations. When brainstorming the target audience for our research, community college students were chosen because they will be the ones who raise the next generation of students. Also, this project took place at a community college, so we were able to easily access information from other community colleges in the nearby counties. We conducted a literature review to understand what research and field work had already been done. We also surveyed students from surrounding community colleges. Our findings led us to develop a comprehensive refresh of Shelton State Community College's community resource index. Additionally, we hosted a mental health fair on campus. This event served to introduce students to community resources that they may not have known about. Feedback from this program was overwhelmingly positive as students learned about valuable community resources for the first time.
Publications
PhysioBots: Engaging K-12 Students with Physiological Computing and Robotics
April, 2025
The popularity of applications involving physiological sensing (e.g., brain and muscle activity) and robotics has continued to grow in recent years. However, empirical studies evaluating ways to expose K-12 students to physiological computing are limited. To address this gap, we present PhysioBots, an educational tool designed to introduce K-12 students to physiological computing and robotics. We evaluated PhysioBots with 27 high school students between the ages of 15 and 17 to compare the use of physiological (e.g., self-induced changes in brain or muscle activity) and conventional control (e.g., keyboard) of a robot during a STEM education activity. Our preliminary results suggest that PhysioBots may improve students' self-efficacy and programming confidence. Observations from open-ended survey questions also indicate that PhysioBots may support students in exploring ways to gamify emotional state manipulation. We discuss these findings and offer insights for future STEM education work involving physiological sensing and robotics.
Read PaperPhysioML: A Web-Based Tool for Machine Learning Education with Real-Time Physiological Data
February, 2025
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning continue to increase in popularity. As a result, several new approaches to machine learning education have emerged in recent years. Many existing interactive techniques utilize text, image, and video data to engage students with machine learning. However, the use of physiological sensors for machine learning education activities is significantly unexplored. This paper presents findings from a study exploring students' experiences learning basic machine learning concepts while using physiological sensors to control an interactive game. In particular, the sensors measured electrical activity generated from students' arm muscles. Activities featuring physiological sensors produced similar outcomes when compared to exercises that leveraged image data. While students' machine learning self-efficacy increased in both conditions, students seemed more curious about machine learning after working with the physiological sensor. These results suggest that PhysioML may provide learning support similar to traditional ML education approaches while engaging students with novel interactive physiological sensors. We discuss these findings and reflect on ways physiological sensors may be used to augment traditional data types during classroom activities focused on machine learning.
Read PaperTowards a Brain-Computer Interface Framework for Multi-Party Robot Applications
April, 2024
Studies featuring electroencephalography (EEG)-based robotic systems controlled by the brain have predominantly concentrated on single-user applications. However, there is a growing interest in exploring novel ways to engage users with Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs). This research contributes an EEG-Based multi-party closed-loop architecture built using the Neurosity™ SDK. Furthermore, this work extends knowledge regarding how to use consumer-grade EEG tools to implement a multi-party BCI application. Our observations suggest that while new SDKs may enhance our ability to create novel BCI applications, additional research is needed to validate this approach further.
Read PaperService
SIGCSE Paper Reviewer
July, 2025
During SIGCSE TS (Special Interest Group in Computer Science Education, Technical Symposium) 2025, I volunteered to peer review 6 papers.
RET Sensors Workshop
June - July, 2025
During the summer of 2025, I taught a 7-week workshop in sensing. This workshop brought middle- and high-school teachers from the surrounding counties to the University. The workshop taught them about sensors and microprocessors. They received hands-on experience in programming and designing sensor-driven IoT systems. The culmination of this RET program had the teachers present posters of the materials they had learned. They were able to bring much of what they learned back to their schools to enhance the STEM curriculum in their schools.
ICRA K-12 Workshop
May, 2025
At the 2025 International Conference in Robotics and Automation (ICRA), I helped with a K-12 workshop. This workshop, operated by Thinquebytes, invited middle- and high-school students from the Atlanta area to the conference to experience cutting edge research in robotics. They were also lead through two collaborative projects designed to garner their interest in STEM.