Faculty & Research

Education

M.S. Media Arts & Science, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
B.A. Psychology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

Research Interests

Three dimensional simulation recreations, historical visualizations, 3D scanning and polygon optimization, medical visualizations, character motion analysis

Research Statement

My research has centered on finding a more satisfactory methodology of polygon reduction for three dimensionally scanned geometric meshes. Due to the enormous number of triangulated polygons present in scanned models we often cannot use them in visualization animations since most virtual reality systems tend to get sluggish at ~ 10,000 polygons. My research has focused on developing a new setup that combines the best features of several current approaches into one workable structure. By doing so, we are beginning to develop the ability to use more accurate models in simulations which give a far more realistic experience to it’s viewers.

Other areas of research have focused mainly on working with the medical field in enhancing their knowledge base with more accurate medical visualizations. The latest project I was involved in was the Robotics for Rehabilitation Therapy Paper which combined physical therapists, computer scientist faculty, 3D simulation designers, and robotic engineers. The project’s proposal was to design a robotic arm that would provide therapeutic exercise in the post operative phase for the knee, hip, and ankle for improving impairments and returning the individual to normal function. I created several prototype 3D visualizations for how the robotic arm might perform it’s interactions with a human subject. Another project we designed for a medical presentation was a visual recreation of sports concussion injuries which gave the medical community valuable information in this field.

Awards:
2003 Robert H. Shellhamer IUPUI Student Assembly Educator of the Year
2005 School of Informatics Board of Trustees Teaching Award