Dr. Amela Sadagic is a Research Associate Professor of Modeling Virtual Environments and Simulations (MOVES) at the NPS. She currently leads several research efforts as a PI ($6.5 M, three years), and co-PI ($1.8 M, three years); two largest research projects are the collaborative efforts with the institutions outside of NPS. Past and current research sponsors include The Office of Naval Research - ONR, Disruptive Technology Office - DTO (currently IARPA) and Navy Modeling and Simulation Office - NMSO. The research efforts have been focused on effective use of simulations in training and training transfer studies, use of game-based systems for tactical decision-making skills, novel training approaches and pedagogies used in conjunction with simulations and game-based systems, automated systems for sensor-enabled instrumented physical training ranges, and 3D virtual humans. All research efforts involved the work with domain (end) users; to date over 4000 USMC personnel were actively involved in those projects.

In the past Dr. Sadagic worked as a Co-director of the Partnership for Emerging Learning Environments, a provider of strategic consulting and training on the effective use of emerging technologies for learning and collaboration. Prior to that engagement she was as a Director of Programs for Advanced Network and Services company, Armonk, NY, where she designed and directed multiple projects for K-12 education that employed emerging technologies in learning. The initial work for the same company included a research and technical coordination of the National Tele-immersion Initiative (NTII) research consortium led by a Chief Scientist Jaron Lanier and supported by the company. Dr. Sadagic chaired Internet2 Application QoS Needs Design Team, and was one of the authors of Internet2 Videoconferencing Cookbook resource. She regularly publishes academic papers and serves as a reviewer of works submitted to professional conferences and other publications. Her expertise and research interests cover several areas: computer graphics and virtual environments, game-based systems, coupling of emerging technologies with systems for training and learning, human factors, presence in VR, multiuser collaborative environments and diffusion of innovation. Dr. Sadagic holds the degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the College of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, and PhD degree in Computer Science from the University College London, UK.