R. Michael Young is an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science at NC State University, where he directs the Liquid Narrative research group. Michael is also the co-director of the NCSU Digital Games Research Center. His work focuses on the development of core AI techniques for use within virtual environments, with applications to entertainment, training, education and other interactive contexts.
Before joining the faculty at NC State, Michael was a post-doctoral fellow at Carnegie-Mellon's Robotics Institute and has over seven years experience working in industrial research labs. He holds a Ph.D. in Intelligent Systems from the University of Pittsburgh and an MS in Computer Science from Stanford University. In 2000, Michael received a National Science Foudnation CAREER Award, NSF's highest honor for young scientists and engineers. In 2005, Michael recieved an NC State Outstanding Teaching Award from the NCSU OFfice of the Provost and was elected to the NCSU Academy of Outstanding Teachers.
Research Interests
Artificial intelligence, including planning and plan recognition, natural language processing and the development of computational models of human-computer interaction, task-related discourse, interactive narrative and the design of intelligent systems in computer games.
Education
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Ph.D. in Intelligent Systems, December, 1999
Stanford University, Stanford, CA
M.S. in Computer Science, December 1987
Concentration in Symbolic Systems
California State University, Sacramento
B.S. in Computer Science, June 1984
Awards
NSF CAREER Award (1999)
IEEE Senior Member (2003)
NC State Office of the Provost Outstanding Teacher Award, 2004
Inducted into the North Carolina Academy of Outstanding Teachers, 2004
IBM Faculty Award, 2007
Inducted into the North Carolina Academy of Outstanding Faculty Engaged in Extension, 2009
