Minas Katsiokalis

I am a passionate eXtended Reality (XR) Software Engineer and Researcher specializing in Augmented Reality (AR). I have experience on both handheld and Head-Mounted Display (HMD) AR applications and I continuously explore the vast potential of AR technology.

I am investigating collaborative experiences, multi-modal interactions, and perception in XR environments (AR/VR/MR). My goal is to contribute to the advancement of immersive technologies and uncover innovative ways to enhance user experiences.

Working experience in combination of constant improvement and education, is of high importance for me.

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EXPERIENCE

AR Software Engineer

Up2metric

October 2021 - Current

Main responsibilities:

  • Design & Implementation of Mobile AR applications using Unity Game Engine (Android/iOS).
  • Troubleshooting and problem-solving of AR related issues.
  • Integration of REST API calls into front-end interfaces
  • Responsible for prototyping, building and maintaining AR features.
  • Research on XR standards and specifications.

XR Software Engineer & Researcher

Technical University of Crete

September 2021 - Current

  • Design & Implementation of XR HMD applications using Unity Game Engine (Hololens2/Meta Quest Pro)
  • Research on XR Collaborative environments, and moltimodal communication techniques.
  • Prototyping and testing on AR HMD features.
  • Responsible for management of human resources and effective communication.
  • Publication and attendance on international conferences in the field of XR.
  • Paper reviewer in IEEE VR 2023 & 2024
  • Participation in HORIZON EU Research Projects ( SUN XR, VARCITIES)

Graphics Lab Assistant

Technical University of Crete | Electrical & Computer Engineering

Spring Semester: 2022, 2023

As post-graduate student I contributed to my M.Sc supervisor’s courses:

  • Graphics Course (Undergraduate - 4th year):
    • Teaching Unity3D to students for Desktop games.
    • Preparation and testing semester projects ( games in Unity3D )
  • Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Course (Postgraduate):
    • Organization & testing of semester project (use-cases, usability evaluation, personas, UX design, prototyping & implementation of a web app)
    • Preparation and evaluation of course’s material.

AR Researcher & Developer

Technical University of Crete | Electrical & Computer Engineering

Septemebr 2018 - May 2020

During my last years as undergraduate and as work for my diploma thesis:

  • Develop a Mobile AR application for Android devices with Unity Game Engine.
  • Integrate navigation system using Mapbox SDK.
  • Research and testing on various AR SDKs: Vuforia, Wikitude, ARCore, ARkit etc.
  • Research on the field of Mobile AR (MAR).

Website Developer

Freelance

January 2019 - August 2021

During my last years of studies, I started design and building websites as part-time job. I provided:

  • Website development using WordPress, HTML5/CSS and simple scripting using JavaScript.
  • Online E-shop using WordPress and WooCommerce.
  • Collaborated with customers to determine needs and design pages to meet goals.
  • Conducted testing and review of website design for responsiveness, clarity and effectiveness.
  • Server-side administration, hosting, maintenance and troubleshooting of server-side problems.

IT Support Technician (Mandatory Military Service)

Hellenic Army | Department of Research & Informatics

June 2020 - March 2021

During my nine-months military service, I was part of the IT department of the Hellenic army. My responsibilities were:

  • Technical Support and Network troubleshooting of the Headquarters of C Army Corps (An organization with over 250 employees working on computer devices)
  • Processed over 50 support requests weekly for technical assistance on wide range of issues related to Network and Hardware Issues.
  • Reproduce SQL queries for local users’ data base and retouching of the UI.
  • Trained support personnel to provide Tier I support to end users.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

M.Sc (Master of Science) in Computer Science and Engineering

Technical University of Crete (Start Date: 09/2021)

  • Research on the field of Augmented & Mixed Reality:
    • Interaction Techniques and User Interfaces
    • Multimodal AR
    • Collaborative AR
    • Human perception/cognition in AR

Integrated Masters in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MEng - 300 ECTS)

Technical University of Crete (Graduation Date: 05/2020)

  • Thesis: "Outdoors Mobile Augmented Reality for Coastal Erosion Visualization Based on Geographical Data" - An AR mobile application developed in the Unity3D game engine for Android and iOS devices. In the two-year period of research and development of my thesis, I gained valuable experience in Unity3D using the most modern packages and frameworks.

Member of SURREAL TEAM

Technical University of Crete

SKILLS AND ACHIEVMENTS

TOOLS

  • Programmaing Languages: C#, Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, C/C++, SQL
  • Game Engines: Unity3D, Unreal Engine
  • XR SDKs: AR Foundation (ARCore/ARKit), Vuforia, MRTK (OpenXR, OculusXR), Meta XR SDK, Lightship ARDK
  • Versioning Control: Git- Github/Bitbucket
  • DataBases: PostgreSQL, MySQL
  • Web Platforms/E-Commerce: Wordpress, Woo-Commerce
  • Photo/Video Editing: Photoshop, Paint.net, Premiere Pro
  • Server Management Environments: CPanel, Plesk, Native Win R2012

PERSONAL PROJECTS

  • XR Collaboration: Research project that aims to evaluates the effectiveness of audio and visual cues in XR collaborative environments. The experience is designed for Hololens2 and Meta Quest Pro and acts as a cross-reality medium where users interact both in AR and VR. [Under Development].
  • GoNature AR: An AR experience, designed for Hololens2 & Meta Quest devices, tailored for non-expert users utilizing mostly speech and audio interactions. The app communicates with a network of sensors through a REST API, and adapts dynamically the visual & audio effects and alternates the narration: Hololens2 Github Link, Meta Quest Github Link
  • CZAR: Georgioupolis: a Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) application for coastal erosion visualization on-sight and in real time. User can use his/her smart-device to experience possible disastrous outcomes to the beach of Georgioupoli due to coastal erosion phenomenon: Github Link
  • AlphabetARy: an AR mobile application for helping young children learn the Greek Alphabet alongside the teachers guidance. The user can scan a number of cards (one for each greek letter) to enable a virtual experience where an animal/object pops up with numerous animations and sounds: Github Link
  • IndoorNav: an AR mobile application for testing on Vuforia Area Targets for Indoor Navigation: Github Link
  • UnSentenced: A game that created for a the Brackeys GameJam 2023.1 with the theme "An end is a new Beginning". It was a collective effort of 8 person-team. Available on: WebGL and Windows. Role: Lead Developer: Itch.io
  • A random generated dungeon-like map, using 3D Binary Space Partitioning (BSP) algorithm. It separates planes randomly based on BSP creating smaller rooms and routes between them. Can be used as a random generated map creator on numerous applications: Github Link
  • 3D Mini Games made in Unity3D: Bowling 3D Game , Ball Racer 3D Game
  • 3D Mini Games made in Unreal Engine 4: Crystal Cavern, Marble Run

* More on my GitHub

PUBLICATIONS

  • ACM International Conference on Interactive Media Experiences (IMX’ 23)
    • "GoNature AR: Air Quality & Noise Visualization Through a Multimodal and Interactive Augmented Reality Experience" - ACM Library
  • 7th International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Technologies (SpliTech)
    • "On the integration of nature-based solutions with digital innovation for health and wellbeing in cities" - IEEE Xplore
  • International Workshop on Cross-Reality (XR) Interaction @ ACM ISS 2020
    • "Outdoors Mobile Augmented Reality for Coastal Erosion Visualization, based on Geographical Data" - Workshop Proceedings

* Google Scholar

AWARDS

  • Best Demo Award - ACM International Conference on Interactive Media Experiences (IMX’ 23)
    • Received "Best Demo Award" of the conference by Tobbi for the demo: "GoNature AR".
  • Winner of "Innovation" Category - Brackeys GameJam 2023.1
    • Category winners for the game: "UnSentenced".

VOLUNTEERING

  • Paper reviewer in IEEE VR 2023 & 2024
  • Participation as a volunteer in Open Science Days held by Technical University of Crete, showcasing AR/VR applications to young audiences. As a member of SURREAL TEAM. | 04/2017,2018,2019
  • Participation as a volunteer in The Mediterranean Researchers’ Night, MEDNIGHT 2021 as a member of SURREAL TEAM showcasing AR and VR experiences to the public audience in the streets of Chania in Crete. | 24/09/2021

SOFT SKILLS

  • Good communication and contact skills gained through my participation in conferences and presentations.
  • Excellent collaboration in teams, gained through my experience in my current positions.
  • Experienced in physical and online presentations.
  • Highly self-motivated and eager to learn new technologies and investigate solutions.
  • Problem-solving and learning ability.
  • Accountable.
  • Good sense of humor.

LANGUAGES

  • English (Fluent)
  • Greek (Native)

DRIVING LICENSE

Full European (type B)