Dr. Feng Liu

Professor of Informatics
Chair, Department of Informatics and Mathematics
Program Coordinator, B.S. in Software Application Development and Human-Computer Interaction
Department of Informatics and Mathematics

Education

  • B.E., Jilin University
  • M.B.A., Mercer University
  • M.S., Georgia State University
  • Ph.D., Georgia State University

Dr. Feng Liu earned her master’s degree and Ph.D. in Computer Science from Georgia State University. Dr. Liu has presented at numerous computing conferences and has been published in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. Dr. Liu’s areas of professional expertise include computer graphics and algorithms, information visualization, real-time Web 3D, real-time platform-independent shading, human-computer interaction, user experience and usability studies, and user-centered applications development. Dr. Liu received a UX Certificate from Nielsen Norman Group and an Interaction Design Specialization Certificate from UC San Diego.

Courses taught

  • Capstone for Informatics
  • Client-Server Development
  • Computer Graphics Algorithms
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Programming Concepts
  • Research Methods and Project Management
  • System Level Programming
  • Usability Testing
  • Web Development and Multimedia Technologies

Dr. Feng Liu developed the Community Project Based Learning Model (CPBLM) for all informatics, software development, and human-computer interaction (HCI) course studies. The idea is to use local community, real-world service-learning projects as part of the software development and HCI class contents and assignments. It could potentially be a continuing project that could be carried over into the student’s capstone project. It is also called a scaffolding curriculum. This CPBLM helps engage and stimulate students’ learning and interest, and allows students to reflect on the meaningful impact technology can have on their lives, their community, and the society they live in. In 2017, Dr. Liu published a paper to define and practice the Concurrent Learning/Teaching Model (CLTM) for online and in-class students to communicate and learn seamlessly together. Concurrent teaching has now been adopted widely in remote teaching/learning environments. From 2011 to 2021, Dr. Liu developed or has been involved in developing numerous curriculum programs, such as Informatics, Computer Graphics, and Visualization; Computer Science, and Data Science. Dr. Liu believes learning should be joyful and her role as instructor is to facilitate students to learn how to learn and what to learn.

Areas of specialization

  • Computer Graphics and Algorithms
  • Information Visualization
  • Full-Stack Application Development
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • 3D Web and Multimedia Technologies
  • User-Centered Applications Development
  • User Experience (UX) and Usability Studies

Leadership positions in the profession/discipline

  • Co-Chair of User Experience Working Group, Web3D of Association for Computing Machinery

Recent publications

  • C. M. Musil; S. Jovanovic, F. Liu, and B. R. Muchnick; Civic Learning Through the Major: Getting the Departmental Conversation and Blueprints Started, A panel presentation at AAC&U Annual Conference 2019
  • F. Liu, C. Stapleton, A. Ben Ramadan, V. Baskaran, and Z. Vokhiwa; Redesigning an IT Program to Serve Needs of Non-Traditional Students for Academic Success with HIPs” A discussion at AAC&U STEM conference 2018
  • F. Liu, and C. Stapleton, Teaching an IT degree program, Informatics, with Concurrent Learning/Teaching Model (CLTM). ASCUE conference 2018
  • F. Liu, GoSync – An introduction of concurrent learning/teaching model for online education. AACE E-Learn 2017
  • F. Liu, and C. Stapleton, Using augmented reality and virtual reality to improve geology study for adult learners. In J. Sanchez & K. Zhang (Eds.), Proceedings of World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education 2010
  • Liu, F., Liu, Y., & Fordham, D. (2008). Interactive molecule construction with GPU acceleration. In J. Luca & E. Weippl (Eds.). Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2008
  • Liu, F., Fordham, D., Liu, Y., & Owen, G.A. (2006, August). Favicon Seeded Web Surfing. Poster on human factors and interaction presented at the Thirty-third International Computer Graphics and Interactive Technology Conference ACM SIGGRAPH, Boston, MA.
  • Liu, F. (2006). Platform independent real time X3D shaders and their applications in bioinformatics visualization.
  • Liu, F., Owen, G.S., Zhu, Y., Harrison, R.W., & Weber, I.T. (2005, August). Web based molecular visualization using procedural shaders in X3D. Paper presented at the Thirty-second International Computer Graphics and Interactive Technology Conference ACM SIGGRAPH, Los Angeles.
  • Liu, F., Owen, G.S. & Zhu, Y. (2004, August). Universal Converter for Platform Independent Procedural Shaders in X3D. Paper presented at the Thirty-first International Computer Graphics and Interactive Technology Conference ACM SIGGRAPH on Web Graphics. Los Angeles, CA.

Awards/recognitions

  • Excellence in Teaching Award, College of Professional Advancement, 2021
  • Mini-grant by Association of American Colleges and Universities with the Endeavor Foundation. Civic Learning and Personal Responsibility in the Informatics Major by Design, 2018

Contact Dr. Liu

678.547.6046
liu_f@mercer.edu