Education

Master of Arts in Communication, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) (1995-1998)

GPA 4.87 on a 5.0 scale

Thesis topic "A Comparison of Face to Face, Avatar and Video in Collaborative Virtual Environments." Using the CAVE VR theater at the Electronic Visualization Laboratory (EVL) at UIC. I am combining my knowledge of communication, computing, networking, production, distance learning and video to evaluate communication effectiveness in collaborative virtual learning environments. I am also employed as a Research Associate at EVL to develop the technology I am using for my thesis research. (see Professional Experience below.) While at UIC and EVL I have gained experience programming in C, C++, OpenGL, VRML, IRIS Performer, HTML, CAVELib, pfCAVELib, and Visual Basic. While I don't consider myself a computer programmer, I do write code and have some level of efficiency at the above languages. I also have some working knowledge of Visual C++ and Java. My language of choice is C++ using OpenGL for graphics.

Bachelor of Arts, Organizational Communication, Fort Hays State University, Kansas (1983 - 1987)

Professional Experience

Research Assistant, Electronic Visualization Laboratory at UIC ( 1995 - 1998)

• Work on the development of human communication in virtual environments and advancement of networked virtual reality.
• EVL is considered one of the leading research laboratory's in the development of virtual reality including the CAVE, ImmersaDesk and InfintyWall.
• Collaborating with researchers at the National Center for Super computing Applications.
• One of the primary organizers of the Supercomputing '95 I-Way event in San Diego. Managing the presentation of 60 research groups and over 300 scientists from all over the US.
• Development of the I-Wall as part of the Supercomputing '95 convention.
• Produced GUI control class for the CAVE virtual reality theater.
• Have been involved in the production of several EVL MFA shows including Debra Lowman, Alan Millman, Maria Rousous, and Marcus Theibux.

National Sales Manager, Extron Electronics (1995)

Extron manufactures computer video interfaces, switchers and distribution amplifiers.

• Responsible for the supervision of all sales related activity.
• Development of new products for high-end computer display applications.
• Development of products for video routing and display.

Computer Show Specialist, AVW Audio Visual, Inc. (1990-1994)

• Position was created to make AVW a leader in the computer and high tech related AV industry.
• Responsibilities include soliciting, advising, providing training for and working on shows involving multi-scan rate equipment for AVW nationwide.
• Served as the informational resource to all branches and divisions.
• Was involved in the technical, financial and managerial production of many conventions including SIGGRAPH, NAB, HDTV World, Multimedia World, Supercomputing, Comdex Spring, Windows World and SME Autofact.
• Also involved in company related production for clients such as Silicon Graphic's, Sun Microsystems, IBM, Apple, Xerox, Microsoft, AT&T, Ameritech, Alcon, and Interleaf Software.

Senior Technician, Projection Video Services (1987-1990)

• Responsibilities included all operational aspects of conventions (including sales, pre-conference organization, production and billing) main tent events and customer service.
• Involved with the technical set-up, maintenance and operation of all high end sound, video, computer, lighting and graphic systems.

Sales & Development, Smith & Associates (1987)

• Sales and development for this small marketing and publishing company.
• Worked with government contractors organizing and publishing documentation in support of major grants.

Director/Producer, KAYS TV, Kansas Broadcasting System, CBS Midwest (1985-1987)

• Responsible for production of commercials for local and regional clients.
• Producer of news packages and director of the weekend news.

Associate Director of Activities, Philmont Scout Ranch (1984-1985)

This summer program held at the worlds largest high adventure camp provides 30, 000 participants two weeks of backpacking and camping in the mountains of New Mexico.

• Responsibilities included morale for the 700 member seasonal staff.
• Base camp routing for the participants and entertainment in the closing campfire for nightly crowds of 750 people.

Music Director, Memorial Union Activities Board, Fort Hays State University (FHSU) (1983-1987)

• Responsible for the budgeting, planning and production of 7 venues and an average of 2 shows per week. Venues include an 8,000 seat coliseum.

Undergraduate Instructor, RTV-Film Department, FHSU (1984-1987)

• Responsible for undergraduate education in audio production, video editing, and ENG workshop.

Professional Experience

Organizer, I-Way and GII Testbed events, Supercomputing 95, December 1995.

Organizer, Digital Communities Event, SIGGRAPH'95, August 1995.

Participant, Digital Pavillions, SIGGRAPH 98, July 1998

Exhibits and Demonstrations Chair,  The IEEE Seventh International Symposium on High Performance Distributed Computing, July 1998

Awards and Recognition

KAYS, Two Kansas Association of Broadcasters Awards for Video Production

RTV-Film, Kansas Association of Broadcasters for Network Radio

MUAB, Best Small Venue by National Association of Collegiate Activities

Boy Scouts of America, Honorary Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow

Publications

Johnson, A.E., Leigh, J., Costigan, J.T., "Multiway Tele-Immersion at Supercomputing '97 or Why We Used $6,000,000 Worth of VR Equipment to do the Hokey Pokey" to appear in In IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications.

Costigan, J.T., "Introduction: Forests, Trees and Internet Research" to appear in Internet Research edited by S. Jones, SAGE, NewYork.

Costigan, J. T., Judd, R.L., Mareda, J. & Gaunt R. " Computer Animation Using Digital Video for the Web, Multimedia and Broadcast." Course Notes, ACM Siggraph 97. ACM, New York.

Extracurricular Activities

Crew for Racing Sailboats, including Tribe 2, Measure for Measure, Slip Sliding Away & Most Wanted

Commuting by Bicycle

Chicago Hash House Harriers, a social running club.

St. Alphonsus Young Adult Ministry

Adult Advisor Boy Scouts of America