Christos Gkoumas, new PhD student at the department

A short intro: Who are you and what’s your professional background?
My name is Christos Gkoumas, and I recently joined the Department of Business Development and Technology as a PhD student. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Cognitive Neuroscience. Before starting my PhD, I spent nearly 10 years conducting research in both academic and industrial settings across four different countries. These experiences have allowed me to develop a diverse skill set and gain insight into both fundamental and applied research practices.

What is your area of work?
My work lies at the intersection of cognitive psychology and human-computer interaction. Due to my background, I’m particularly interested in how people learn, think, remember and make decisions. In my research, I explore these cognitive processes using emerging technologies, especially virtual reality. My aim is twofold: to understand human behaviour in complex, immersive environments, and to contribute to the development of more usable and human-centred VR systems. This dual focus allows me to bridge fundamental psychological research with real-world applications in technology, computer science and design.

Why did you choose to work at BTECH?
BTECH is one of the few departments that actively promotes interdisciplinary research, while bridging theoretical knowledge with practical applications. I believe this approach is forward-thinking and increasingly recognised and valued at the European level. To me, BTECH represents a unique blend of academic rigour and applied focus, something that sets it apart within the European research landscape.

Another key reason for joining the department was the presence of the Extended Reality and Robotics Lab, whose work aligns closely with my own research interests in virtual reality, human behaviour and technology.

Would you like to share a bit about yourself, your family and your hobbies?
Outside of my academic work, I have co-founded a startup, and I also serve as a mentor for early-stage startups, something I find both rewarding and energising. In my free time, I enjoy watching football and basketball, especially at the European level. I also play basketball 🏀 with my son, which has become a fun way for us to connect (and compete). More recently, I’ve discovered a passion for e-biking, something I hope to explore further if the weather allows here in Denmark.