About Me

I am a fourth-year University of Chicago joint Bachelor's and Master's student. For my undergrad, I am double majoring in computer science and mathematics with a focus on Human-Computer Interaction and XR within the CS major. My Master's degree is in computer science, specifically focusing on computer graphics and machine learning. My expected graduation date is December 2025. 

From June 2022- June 2024, I worked as a research assistant at the University of Chicago's Human Computer Integration Lab under Professor Pedro Lopes. In this position, I researched ways to give people new sensory experiences in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). While working in this position, I published 3 papers through the CHI tech conference, the most prestigious conference in the field of Human-Computer Interaction, and I also presented live demos of each of my projects at various other conferences.

In June 2024, I interned at Google in the Wear Companion SDK team. During this internship, I designed and developed new features using Kotlin for the Wear Companion app, the phone app that manages WearOS smartwatches.

Since September 2024, I have been a researcher in the University of Chicago's Threedle Lab under Professor Rana Hanocka. In this position, I use machine learning to research new ways of optimizing 3D data for computer graphics.

Outside of these research and internship experiences, I have taken a great interest in the intersection between computer science and mathematics. One topic in this area that particularly interests me is the various ways of mathematically representing geometry for use in computer graphics. For example, I am currently self-studying exterior algebra and (both discrete and continuous) differential geometry so I can better understand computer graphics research and, in particular, research on using geometric algebra to create new, more efficient, and easier-to-understand rendering methods.

In my free time, I enjoy designing, programming, and composing music for video games of various genres. I also regularly practice and compose music for the piano and trumpet. 

To contact me, please email me at jserf02@gmail.com

Research and Work Experience

Research Projects

CHI'24 - Haptic Source-effector - Full-body Haptics via Non-invasive Brain Stimulation: June 2023 - September 2023 (Honorable Mention)

Authors: Yudai Tanaka, Jacob Serfaty, Pedro Lopes

Affiliation: UChicago Human-Computer Integration Lab

CHI'24 - Stick&Slip - Altering Fingerpad Friction via Liquid Coatings: September 2022 - June 2023

Authors: Alex Mazursky, Jacob Serfaty, Pedro Lopes

Affiliation: UChicago Human-Computer Integration Lab

CHI'23 - JumpMod - Haptic Backpack that Modifies Users’ Perceived Jump: June 2022 - September 2022

Authors: Romain Nith, Jacob Serfaty, Sam Shatzkin, Alan Shen, Pedro Lopes

Affiliation: UChicago Human-Computer Integration Lab

Projects - In Progress

Chess-Like Board Game Engine + Anarchy Chess Engine (C++): January 2023-October 2023, Finalizing at Present 

Nearly complete, estimated completion by June 10, 2024

Projects - Completed

Activities

University Game Design Club: Board Member, Design Track + Development Track Educator (more info coming soon!)

Courses

Note: Ordered chronologically within each category

Computer Science:

Mathematics:

Other - STEM:

Other - Creative:

Other - Humanities:

Honors

Skills

Programming Languages:

Tools: