DIGITAL VISUALIZATION
“A Seminar to Describe How 3D Visualization Can Enhance Scientific Research”
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Institute of Materials Science
IMS #20, 2:00
The ever-accelerating growth and unique convergence of various digital imaging disciplines has resulted in a major shift in how research is conceived, produced, delivered, consumed and interpreted. It also provides an important new pedagogical tool to communicate in 3D knowledge of materials that cannot be seen without the aid of microscope systems. The evolution of digital media as a visualization tool in the arts, engineering, business, medicine and the sciences has constantly extending borders; it is now distinguishing itself as an important ally in a dynamic world striving to connect with an economically powerful research and commercial base.
The utility of 3D visualization is presently expanding exponentially. The time when the term evoked images of children in a movie theater wearing red/green glasses to view images in 3D is well behind us. Today, digital 3D visualization can provide: non-invasive methods to enhance medical imaging; visual images of abstract concepts or hypotheses, assisting in proof of concept; demonstrations of interactions at a cellular level; and modeling of materials and geological structures.
The opportunity to apply the benefits of digital visualization to contemporary research has inspired us to seek the establishment of a University of Connecticut Digital Media Center. This Center would be dedicated to establishing, advancing and promoting an internationally recognized program of trans-disciplinary research in digital media ideation, development, production, dissemination and technology. The goal is to catalyze interactions among faculty, students, digital industry leaders and nationally based corporate end-users. Additionally, such a center could be used to facilitate the development of interdisciplinary classes and seminars. It is envisioned that such a Center could become the University’s focal point for faculty cooperation and research in digital visualization, affording faculty the opportunity to expand into leading edge visualization and proof of concept studies that they might not otherwise have available to them within their schools or departments. Such a Digital Media Center can serve as the University of Connecticut’s point of convergence for investigation and discovery in the field of innovative visualization, serving to establish UConn as a State and national leader in this evolving industry.