Tomas Machac

Tomáš Macháč is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of West Bohemia in the Czech Republic and is currently a Fulbright Visiting Researcher at Virginia Tech's 3D Interaction Group. His research focuses on human-centred Augmented Reality (AR) and 3D user interfaces, specifically exploring the intersection of interface design, user perception, and performance in immersive environments. A key area of his work involves safety-oriented AR concepts, including the development of AR-based eHMI (external Human-Machine Interfaces) to enhance cyclist safety near parked autonomous vehicles. Prior to his research in the United States, he served as a Visiting Researcher at the University of Glasgow's Interactive Systems Section (GIST), where he focused on AR interaction design, experimental planning, and rigorous user-study evaluations. He combines his academic research with strong applied prototyping experience using tools like Unity 3D. Additionally, he has been recognised with the Award of the Governor of the Pilsen Region for Excellence in Science and Research.