Manu Mathew Thomas, PhD student.
Manu explores machine learning techniques for real-time rendering applications. His research interest includes deep learning models for image reconstruction, ray tracing, and visualization. Before joining the PhD program, Manu worked at Intel’s advanced graphics research group investigating deep learning-based rendering techniques. Manu has a Master’s in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he worked in the Electronic Visualization Lab (EVL) on several visualization projects.
David Abramov, PhD student.
David is interested in data visualization
and machine learning, as well as the intersection between science and art. Current research
projects include visualizing astrophysics data, developing a platform for linguists to
generate and store annotations, and designing a diagram creation tool to represent
biomolecular patterns and rules. Before joining UCSC, David
lived in Chicago and worked as a data analyst in the biotech industry. He has a Bachelor’s in
Biology and Physics from DePaul University.
Montana Fowler, PhD student.
Montana’s primary research interest is building tools for artists at the intersection of computer graphics and human-computer interaction. Her work explores the space between artists and engineers to discover where gaps in communication and expertise create problems in tool design and use. Montana’s artistic pursuits are documented on her
website and on her
instagram.
Jeffrey Weekley, PhD student.
Jeffrey’s research focuses on data-driven narrative, generative media, and game-enabled science communication. He was a principal researcher in the research consortium (CineGrid) to develop, demonstrate, and commercialize 4K digital motion picture technology during his time at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. Jeffrey has given invited talks on virtual reality, autonomous systems, advanced streaming media applications, and research IT throughout the world. Jeffrey serves as the UC Santa Cruz ITS Director of Research Consulting while concurrently pursuing his PhD. For fun, Jeffrey volunteers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium as an interpretive guide, telling stories about ocean conservation, climate change, and marine biology.
Hongwei (Henry) Zhou, PhD student.
Henry has done research in software engineering practices, video games and artificial intelligence. He has a wide range of interests, which include computer graphics, artificial intelligence, video games, and the liberal arts. His current research interest is to explore the potential of artificial intelligence and linguistics.
Ran Xu, PhD student.
Ran’s research interests include data science,
data visualization, and machine learning, and she is currently developing a VR application to
analyze dynamic networks. She draws and paints
during her free time. Ran completed both her undergraduate degree and her MS degree in Technology and Information
Management at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Kyle Bryant Gonzalez, PhD student.
Kyle’s research engages the history and theory of computational media through the lenses of critical theory, science and technology studies, and media theory, with a current focus on the historical development of computer graphics and data visualization technologies and their uses. When not reading theory or the technical research literature, Kyle likes to spend time working with algorithmic composition and sound design.
Milad Hakimshafaei, PhD student.
Milad is interested in generative, algorithmic, and procedural approaches to producing complex forms and simulations, and his area of research is to explore the intersection of complex and intelligent systems with art, science, and technology. He studied architectural engineering and digital architecture in Iran and Spain. Before joining UCSC, he worked at SPECS lab as a digital heritage developer deploying procedural technics in VR, AR to reconstruct and visualize historical sites. In his free time, he enjoys creating visual effect content and documenting them on his
Instagram page.
Stefany Arevalo Escobar, MS student.
Stefany obtained her Bachelor’s in Applied Mathematics with a Computer Science emphasis at the University of California, Merced. After working with numerics as an undergraduate, she developed an interest in data visualization and how it can be applied to facilitate interactive education. At UCSC, she is exploring machine learning, AR, and the psychological effects of human-computer interaction. Outside of academics, I enjoy digital art, video editing, and painting.
Akash Chaudhary, MS student.
Akash has worked for the past 3 years as an HCI researcher, with a focus on designing a speech improvement application and critiquing dark design patterns on online platforms. Akash is currently interested in exploring the use of deep learning through novel forms of audio generation for the use of films and games. He is further interested in exploring creative visualization techniques to find intuitive forms of data representation, especially paralinguistic speech data. As hobbies, he likes content writing and sound designing.
Drew Ehrlich, MS student.
Drew is looking to discover new ways to use technology to interact with the world around us. He has interest in human-computer and human-robot interaction, 3D printing, microcomputers, software creation, and exploring new areas he has not been exposed to previously. Drew completed his undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and Film and Digital Media at the University of California, Santa Cruz. His previous work can be seen at
https://deehrlic.github.io/.
