PhD Recruiting: ACME Lab

Prospective PhD Student Opportunity: ACME Lab @ CU Boulder

The ACME (ACME Creativity Machine Environment) Lab in the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking motivated, creative PhD applicants for Fall 2027.

About the ACME Lab Directed by Professor Ellen Yi-Luen Do, the ACME Lab researches computational tools at the intersection of design, creativity, cognition, tangible/embedded interaction, and computing for health and wellness. We operate on the core belief that everyone can be creative because everyone has the ability to make things. We build physical, digital, and interactive models and machines to explain and augment human intelligence, design, and physical collaboration.

Our core research thrusts include:

  • Tangible & Embedded Interaction (TEI) & Novel Hardware: Physical-digital kits, playful robotics, and physicalization, including Make Your Own Game Controller!, ArUcoTUI, Lighting the Reef, Cartoonimator, Rig-a-Doodle, Rig-a-Docent, Paper Modular Robot, and the Robot Development Kit.
  • Creativity Support Tools (CST) & Cognitive Modeling (CM): Systems designed to explore, measure, and support physical, spatial, artistic, and data cognition, such as HyperDance, Data Walking, Netwalking, and Proteus.
  • Spatial Computing & Space CHI: Interactive mixed reality architectures, spatial interfaces, and telepresence research aligned with Space CHI, alongside systems like Editing Reality (in-situ generative AI co-creation in MR) and Guided Reality (spatial AR guidance).
  • Trustworthy AI & Domain-Specific XR: Developing trustworthy, Human-in-the-Loop AI systems and wearable spatial interfaces, including Smart AI Glasses for utility workers and real-world field deployment.

Funding Pathways We are committed to supporting doctoral students through reliable, competitive funding models throughout their degree:

  • Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs): Departmental TA lines in ATLAS and Computer Science providing full tuition coverage, health insurance, and a monthly living stipend.
  • Institutional & Departmental Fellowships: Nomination for CU Boulder recruitment fellowships, diversity awards, and top-off funding.
  • External Fellowships: Dedicated support for applicants bringing or applying for external funding (e.g., NSF GRFP, Fulbright, or international scholarships).
  • Research Assistantships (RAs): Opportunities to transition to grant-funded project lines as our research portfolio grows.

Who Should Apply We welcome applicants from Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design, Engineering, Information Science, or HCI. Ideal candidates have:

  • Strong prototyping and technical capabilities (e.g., Unity/XR, physical computing, web/AI stack, hardware fabrication, or robotics).
  • A passion for taking interactive AI, spatial computing, and tangible interfaces out of the lab and into real-world physical ecosystems.

How to Express Interest

  1. Explore Our Work: Visit the ACME Lab Webpage to review our publications and project portfolio.
  2. Submit an Inquiry: Email Professor Do with your CV, portfolio/website link, and a brief summary (2–3 paragraphs) of your research interests and why you want to join the ACME Lab.
  3. Formal Application: Apply to the PhD program in Computer Science or Creative Technology & Design (CTD) at CU Boulder, explicitly naming the ACME Lab in your statement of purpose.