AWE USA 2026

Karl Smink
United States
CEO and Senior Researcher
VRTechs

Karl A. Smink, with a Master's in Computer Science, is the founder of VRtechs and a PhD student at Mississippi State University, focusing on VR Interfaces and human factors research. As a Full Stack xR Developer, he brings extensive experience from his time with the US Army Corps of Engineers and excels in multidisciplinary roles within 3D software design, including tech art, UX design, and programming. Smink's contributions to xR began with reducing VR sickness, evidenced in his Master’s thesis presented at HCI in 2019. His company, VRtechs, and his current PhD research focus on human factors in VR, aiming to enhance user interaction and efficiency. Smink’s expertise in cognitive science and UX design informs his approach, ensuring that his VR applications are technically sound and effective in achieving desired outcomes.