Scientific visualization is a rapidly growing field which combines several disciplines—computational science, computer science, cognitive science, computer graphics systems, and the visual arts—in a common search for new scientific insight. This goal is achieved by using computer graphics tools and techniques to examine the enormous amount of data produced by modern scientific simulations or experiments. “Visualization” has become a buzzword, frequently misused. The important concept is that the information and insight gained from the use of computer graphics are important, not the graphics themselves.

My job is to consult with researchers to determine how their data might be visualized and to help bring their data into the available visualization software. What do I like about my job? My job is so exciting to me that I can hardly wait to get to work in the morning. Each project is a different challenge, and, although we can do some very good work on low-level equipment such as Macintoshes, more advanced workstations are now affordable. Working in a university environment offers both drawbacks and advantages. The drawbacks are in the areas of equipment acquisition and salary. Universities have less money than major industries, which means that major equipment acquisitions are more difficult to obtain and take longer, and university salaries are traditionally 10% to 50% lower than those in industry. On the other hand, flexible working hours, more vacation, and creative freedom in your job are common in the university environment.

My background is a mix of formal and informal training.