KAIST-University of Aizu Acoustic Workshop

On February 7th, The University of Aizu in Japan hosted an international acoustics workshop, led by Professors Julian Villegas and Michael Cohen. This event marked a collaborative effort to bridge acoustics research between KAIST, RIT and UoA. The workshop entailed seminars from the faculty and students from UoA and featured guest speakers Professor Kim Sungyoung, Akira Takeuchi, and Sean Koh. Their presentations aimed to foster a deeper connection between UoA, RIT, and KAIST, highlighting the latest advancements in their respective fields.

The workshop’s primary goals were to showcase ongoing research projects and encourage meaningful dialogue among students at RIT, KAIST, and the University of Aizu. The day was filled with insightful presentations, including:

• Akira Takeuchi (RIT PhD Student) on “EEG Measurement for Human Spatial Auditory Attention”
• Camilo Arevalo (UoA PhD Student) discussing the “Subjective Personalization of HRTFs”
• Sean Koh (KAIST PhD Student) on “AR Auditory Training for Speech in Noise Perception and Sound Localization”
• Dr. Julian Villegas (UoA) presenting the “Effect of Distortion on the Intelligibility of Speech in Noise”
• Dr. Sungyoung Kim (KAIST/RIT) on “Towards Individualization of Binaural Music Reproduction”
• Dr. Michael Cohen (UoA) on “Spatial Soundscape Superposition”

The event attracted students with a keen interest in acoustics, alongside members of the Computer Arts Laboratory and Spatial Media Group. Engaging discussions and Q&A sessions were particularly focused on the innovative approaches to EEG measurements for auditory attention and the application of gamification in AR auditory training.

Following the academic activities, attendees were introduced to the cultural and historical richness of Aizu-Wakamatsu, including a visit to the famous Tsuruga Castle and a delightful dinner at a local izakaya.

Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the continued academic exchanges and research collaborations between KAIST and UoA. We eagerly look forward continuing this series of workshops between these two institutions. Perhaps the next one hosted by the AIRIS lab at KAIST.