Dr. Villano serves as the Assistant Director of the eMotion and eCognition Laboratory where he conducts research in human robotic interaction and applications of video game and robot technology to a variety of health and social issues. Current projects include using VR for the treatment of acrophobia, rehabilitating stroke patients using Wii Balance boards, and investigating moral decision-making of drone pilots in a simulated 3D game environment.
Prior to returning to the academic environment, Dr. Villano conducted research and development for various industries in e-commerce, web-based electronic performance support systems, human-computer interaction, ergonomics and computer-based simulation and training. Dr. Villano is also the faculty supervisor for the Psychology Department’s undergraduate and graduate computer clusters and provides research computer consulting to the Psychology Department.