Facilitating Data-Driven Fundamental Discoveries using Immersive VR and 3DI Techniques

Abstract : Scientific data generated in 3D spatial format through various modalities such as CT, MRI, PET, etc. is called volume data. Analysts of such data in domains like medical biology, archaeology, geophysics, engineering, astronomy, neuroscience, etc. face a variety of challenges such as occlusion of hidden structures and clutter for visual analysis, and data cleaning for interactive analysis. This talk will present a three-pronged research agenda to address these problems: 1. Experimental research (empirical studies); 2. Design research (3D interaction); 3. Theoretical work (abstract task taxonomy). This research approach will be put in perspective using several successful interdisciplinary projects in medical biology, paleontology, and biomechanics domains. The talk will conclude with future research plans in virtual reality, 3D interaction, and volume visualization.

Bio : Bireswar Laha is a PhD candidate in the Department of Computer Science and the Center for Human Computer Interaction at Virginia Tech. His dissertation research is recognized by a NSF HCC award (2013-16). He is also an IBM PhD Fellow (2013-14) and interned thrice at the IBM's T.J. Watson Research Center. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, he worked for 4.5 years as a research scientist and software engineer for various companies in India and USA, including a nine month 3D Visualization training at a research lab of NASA, USA. Earlier, he graduated with integrated M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees in Mathematics and Computing from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. http://people.cs.vt.edu/blaha