Dr. Sharad Sharma Named Inaugural Sinha Endowed Professor in Data Science

Friday, August 15, 2025

"With their support, we are advancing groundbreaking research at the intersection of immersive technologies—VR, AR, XR—brain-computer interfaces, and neuroscience."

The University of North Texas College of Information is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Sharad Sharma as the inaugural Sinha Endowed Professor in Data Science. Funded by a generous gift from Dr. Vikas Sinha and Mrs. Anuradha Sinha, this prestigious position supports transformative research and education at the intersection of data science and immersive technologies.

Dr. Sharad Sharma Dr. Sharma’s appointment reflects his exceptional contributions to fields such as immersive virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), artificial intelligence (AI), data visualization, and software engineering. This endowed professorship also underscores the university's broader commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary excellence in the digital age.

Dr. Sharma is currently the Associate Dean of Research and a Professor in The Anuradha and Vikas Sinha Department of Data Science, with a distinguished research portfolio that includes extensive research in areas such as modeling and simulating human behavior in emergency response, VR, AR, XR, AI, human-computer interaction, and machine learning. His impactful contributions have garnered numerous prestigious awards, including the following:

Faculty Excellence Award for Most Awarded Grants, UNT College of Information (2023)
Outstanding Mentor Award, UNT College of Information (2024, 2023)
Presidential Achievement Award for Research & Grants, Bowie State University (2022)
Faculty Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship, University System of Maryland Board of Regents Award (2018)
Outstanding Researcher Award, Bowie State University (2013, 2011)
Outstanding Faculty Award, Bowie State University (2012)
Outstanding Publication Award, Bowie State University (2010)
Outstanding Young Faculty Award, Bowie State University (2009)

“I am honored and deeply grateful to be named the Sinha Endowed Professor in Data Science,” said Dr. Sharma. “I sincerely thank Dr. Vikas Sinha and Mrs. Anuradha Sinha for their continued partnership and for entrusting me with this important role. With their support, we are advancing groundbreaking research at the intersection of immersive technologies—VR, AR, XR—brain-computer interfaces, and neuroscience. Our work aims to transform how we understand and enhance human decision-making, particularly in high-pressure environments such as emergency response and crisis management. This endowment enables us to build systems that not only simulate real-world complexity but also enhance cognitive performance and resilience in the moments that matter most.”

Dr. Sharma is the founding director of the Data Science & Industry Innovation (DSII) Center and the Data Visualization and Extreme Reality (DVXR) Lab at UNT. His projects span virtual and augmented reality, health informatics, digital twin technologies, and software engineering. The DVXR Lab utilizes cutting-edge platforms including the HoloLens, Meta Quest, Apple Vision Pro, Magic Leap 2, HTC Vive, a 3D projection wall, and neurotechnology tools such as Galea and Emotiv.

In the year 2024, Dr. Sharma simultaneously held six active National Science Foundation (NSF) grants, while in 2025, he is leading four active grants. In his new role, he will lead initiatives to expand interdisciplinary research collaborations, mentor emerging scholars, and integrate immersive technologies and data science across undergraduate and graduate curricula.