About Me
Hi, I am Xiangfei Kong! I am a Computer Science and Engineering Ph.D. student at the University of South Florida and joined the RARE Lab in October 2023 as a M.S. student.
Academic Background
I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree from Qufu Normal University in China and my dual M.S. in Marketing and Computer Science from USF. In addition, I received a Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate in Spring 2023 before transitioning from marketing to CS.
Research Interests
My main research interest is leveraging augmented reality (AR) for the replicability and reproducibility of empirical experiment results. Specifically, I am investigating whether AR virtual robots can be a possible replacement for physical robots in some empirical research focusing on subjective experience.
Recent Publications
Do Results in Experiments with Virtual Robots in Augmented Reality Transfer To Physical Robots? An Experiment Design
WYSD 2024 — 4th Workshop YOUR Study Design! Participatory critique and refinement of human-robot interaction user studies • March 2024
This workshop paper investigates whether experimental results with virtual robots in augmented reality can transfer to physical robots, presenting an experiment design to test this transferability.
Latest News
August 25, 2025
Started the PhD Computer Science program at University of South Florida!
August 14, 2025
Awarded the Rada Scholarship in AI and Healthcare for the 2025-2026 school year!
August 9, 2025
Graduated with dual degrees: MS Marketing and MS Computer Science from University of South Florida!
June 3, 2025
Successfully defended my MS thesis!
March 16, 2024
Presented research work at HRI 2024 conference!