Karl Jr. Ricanek

Karl Ricanek Jr., Ph.D., is a Professor of Computer Science in the College of Science and Engineering at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where he has served since 1999. He is the Director of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Identity Sciences (I³S) and was founding Co-Director of the National Intelligence’s first Center of Academic Excellence in Science and Technology (CASIS). Dr. Ricanek earned his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University, graduating summa cum laude and holding memberships in multiple engineering and academic honor societies. He is a Senior Member of both the National Academy of Inventors and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Ricanek is an internationally recognized leader in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision. His pioneering research in facial analytics, biometrics, and health intelligence from facial imagery has produced multiple patents and over 90 peer-reviewed publications. He has been invited to speak at more than 100 events across nearly 30 countires, and his work has been featured in leading scientific journals and global media outlets.

Dr. Ricanek’s career includes prestigious fellowships with NASA, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, and the NSA. As co-founder and former CEO and Chief AI Scientist of Lapetus Solutions, he helped deliver breakthrough AI solutions for insurance and financial services. A passionate advocate for innovation, he mentors students, faculty, and entrepreneurs, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that bridges academic research with real-world applications.

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Focus AI/ML Computer Vision, North Carolina A&T State University
MS in Electrical Engineering, Focus Software Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University
BS in Electrical Engineering, Focus AI/ML, North Carolina A&T State University

Specialization in Teaching

Dr. Ricanek teaches a broad range of undergraduate courses across computer science, electrical engineering, and computer engineering. His instructional expertise spans foundational topics such as systems engineering, digital signal processing, and image processing, as well as advanced specializations in computer vision, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

His focus areas include statistical machine learning, artificial neural networks, deep learning (DNN), convolutional neural networks (CNN), Transformers, genetic algorithms, and evolutionary algorithms. Dr. Ricanek blends rigorous theoretical instruction with practical, project-based learning, ensuring students gain both conceptual mastery and hands-on experience.

By integrating his research in AI-driven computer vision, biometrics, and intelligent systems into the classroom, he prepares students to solve complex, real-world problems. His teaching philosophy emphasizes innovation, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies, equipping graduates with the technical depth and problem-solving skills essential for success in engineering and technology careers.

Research Interests

Dr. Ricanek’s research centers on the development and application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to advance computer vision and biometrics—particularly in facial analytics, age, gender, and race estimation, periocular and iris recognition, and forensic biometrics. His work integrates signal processing and tabular data techniques within cyber-physical systems and cybersecurity contexts. A notable recent focus explores AI-empowered health intelligence, including non-invasive health assessments from facial imagery and emerging biometric modalities such as sweat metabolite analysis, as well as the examination of demographic bias in biometric health models.

Beyond technical innovation, Dr. Ricanek is passionately engaged in the translation of academic research into commercial ventures. He has co-founded and led faculty spinouts, most prominently Lapetus Solutions, which applies his facial analytics expertise to real-world health and insurance solutions. He also serves as an advocate for entrepreneurship and innovation at UNCW, supporting faculty in launching startups and commercializing interdisciplinary research.

Professional Service

Dr. Karl Ricanek, Jr. offers a comprehensive range of professional services built on decades of academic leadership and industry expertise. He serves as a trusted advisor to the insurance and regulatory sectors, providing guidance on AI-powered risk assessment, facial analytics, and health intelligence strategies. As an AI advisor to national insurance regulators, he contributes to shaping ethical, technical, and operational standards in rapidly evolving fields.

In the broader scientific community, Dr. Ricanek actively participates in international working groups dedicated to biometrics, computer vision, and face recognition technologies. His work supports the development of global best practices, technical standards, and policy recommendations that guide the responsible deployment of AI.

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Dr. Ricanek is deeply engaged in advancing faculty-led innovation and commercialization. He mentors students and faculty in the translation of research into practical applications, supports interdisciplinary collaboration, and advises on proposal development for research funding. His combination of technical expertise, applied research insight, and commitment to innovation positions him as a valuable partner for institutions and industries seeking to leverage AI-driven solutions for real-world impact.

Community Engagement

As Director of UNCW’s Institute for Interdisciplinary Identity Sciences (I³S), Dr. Karl Ricanek Jr. leads high-impact research partnerships with federal agencies, industry, and international collaborators, advancing public understanding of identity sciences, biometrics, and AI-based technologies. His leadership leverages a vast global network of researchers from higher education and corporate sectors to strengthen Wilmington’s position as an internationally recognized hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Ricanek has played a key role in securing and executing U.S. State Department–funded initiatives that expand educational opportunities, foster cross-cultural exchange, and promote global collaboration in science and technology. These efforts connect local expertise with global challenges, enabling UNCW students, faculty, and community partners to participate in projects with international reach and real-world impact.

Through his work, Dr. Ricanek demonstrates how academic leadership, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to innovation can enhance both the regional economy and the global profile of Wilmington, North Carolina.

Honors & Awards

Fellows
IEEE Senior Member
UNCW Distinguished Faculty Fellow
Department of Defense, Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, Academic Innovation Council Fellow
Joint Federated Assurance Center (JFAC), Hardware Assurance using Computer Vision and AI, Fellow
Ronald E. McNair NASA Fellow,
Naval Undersea Warfare Center Fellow,
National Security Agency Fellow,
Bonneville Power Association Fellow

Honor Societies
Sigma Xi (The Scientific Research Society)
Upsilon Pi Epsilon (Computer Science Honor Society)
Eta Kappa Nu (Electrical Engineering Honor Society)
Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honor Society)