research interests
I am an educator, a scientist, a researcher, and an inventor. My research is in human-centered data science, with a focus on visual computing and analysis, an area of computer science that handles images, 2D and 3D models, and the interaction between humans and data that can be represented visually. I am a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Illinois Chicago, a designated University of Illinois Scholar (Chicago, Springfield, Urbana-Champaign), a founder and Director of the UIC Institute for Health Data Science Research, and a designated Distinguished Contributor to the IEEE Computer Society.
affiliations
I am a chartered National Institutes of Health study section member (2024-2028). I am a UIC Senator (2023-2028) representing the College of Engineering, and I serve on the UIC Senate Research Committee. I am a Faculty Fellow in the UIC Honors College. I am a full member of the University of Illinois Cancer Center (UICC).
research awards
My research has been recognized by peers with a US National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award, and by multiple NSF research awards, and I lead multi-site US National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 awards. I have received multiple Oustanding Research Awards at conferences, including a Test of Time Award, along with my students. My research has been featured in textbooks, and on journal and newsletter covers. I have co-authored scientific open-source software adopted all over the world, from Ghana to Canada, and I am an inventor (a.k.a. patent co-author) whose ideas have been embedded in a medical instrument.
teaching
I teach regularly the following courses in the CS department:
I have received seven Teaching Awards for courses that blend teaching and research; although, or perhaps because, I often choose to experiment with my teaching and learn from the results. My lab's teaching portfolio showcases some of the work produced by my students.
service and outreach
Please see my CV for a complete list of professional service and outreach activities. I am currently the Director of Graduate Admissions and Co-Director of Graduate Studies in my department.