Neil Bruce

Headshot of Neil Bruce
Associate Professor
School of Computer Science
Email: 
brucen@uoguelph.ca
Office: 
Reynolds 2222
Seeking academic or industry partnerships in the area(s) of: 
Machine learning, Deep learning, Computer vision, Image analysis
Available positions for grads/undergrads/postdoctoral fellows: 
Yes

Education and Employment Background

Dr. Neil Bruce received his PhD in Computer Science from York University in 2008. He then worked as a postdoctoral researcher at both the National Institute for Research in Computer Science and Control, Sophia-Antipolis, France, and at York University. Between 2012 and 2017, Bruce held a position as an Assistant Professor at the University of Manitoba and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2017. He subsequently held a position at Ryerson University from 2017-2020. Bruce joined the School of Computer Science at the University of Guelph in 2020 where he is now an Associate Professor.


Research Themes

Bruce’s research is focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and computational vision, with an emphasis on computer and human vision. Bruce aims to solve problems by applying machine learning and data science to draw inferences from complex data. Bruce applies interdisciplinary techniques from computation neuroscience, computational photography, sociology, chemistry, and psychology to understand domain-specific data and to build intelligent systems that address a variety of problems. Key areas of focus include:

  1. Neural Computation. Bruce and his team examine neural networks and deep learning, including applying deep learning to problems of computer vision. Bruce also examines neural encoding and learning, using observations of brain circuitry to better understand learning.
  2. Computer vision. In computer vision, there are a variety of different but related problems to explore. Bruce applies models that predict human gaze patterns, visual attention and visual saliency.
  3. Environment and new media. Bruce is also highly interested in exploring problems related to how to naturally integrate technology with perceptual considerations. Here, he explores the role of computer vision in controlling mobile devices and electronic appliances. He is also interested in determining how to display virtual content in a way that minimizes interference with the natural environment.

Highlights

  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grant, 2013–2019, 2019–2024
  • NSERC Engage Grant, 2014, 2018
  • Faculty Affiliate for Vector Institute
  • Office of Naval Research Funding, 2014–2018

Media Coverage

Centre for Advancing Responsible Ethical Artificial Intelligence (CARE-AI)

Research