GRI Employee Spotlight
John van der Zwaag
Title:
Research Engineer
Time at GRI:
Since 2000
Hometown:
Memphis, TN
Q: What is your academic background?
I earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in computer science from
Mississippi State University.
Q: What are your research interests?
Visualization - A lot of my early work was with scientific visualization such
as oceanographic and atmospheric models and computational fluid models. I’m
currently trying to bring my visualization expertise to GIS such as flooding
and inundation applications and real-time rendering.
Q: Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
Dr. Bernd Hamman was the professor who taught the computer graphics course at
MSU. It was my favorite class of my college career and got me into
visualization.
Greg Dismond was an animation teacher who I learned a lot from and a big reason
for my interest in computer graphics and rendering.
Dr. Robert Moorhead was a big influence and a one of the main reasons for my
interest in scientific visualization.
Q: What has been your favorite project while working at GRI?
GeoPanorama – GeoPanorama is a cutting-edge, web-based platform that allows
users to explore scanned locations in a 3D virtual environment using 360°
panoramic images and 3D depth data. This platform leverages high-resolution
panoramic imagery and depth mapping to create interactive 3D visualizations of
scanned locations. This means users can "step into" an area virtually, rotating
their view to observe details from multiple angles—just as if they were
physically there.
Q: What is the coolest thing you are working on right now?
Right now, I’m working on an Augmented Reality (AR) project for flood
visualization, which is very exciting. The goal is to create immersive,
interactive AR experiences that help people better understand the impacts of
flooding in specific areas.
WORKING AT GRI IS BOTH INTELLECTUALLY STIMULATING AND DEEPLY COLLABORATIVE. ONE OF THE BEST PARTS IS BEING SURROUNDED BY COLLEAGUES WHO SHARE SIMILAR RESEARCH INTERESTS—PARTICULARLY IN GEOSPATIAL SCIENCE, DATA ANALYTICS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES—BUT WHO BRING A WIDE RANGE OF STRENGTHS, EXPERIENCES, AND DISCIPLINARY BACKGROUNDS TO THE TABLE.
Q: What is something most people don’t know about you?
I can ride a unicycle!
Q: What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
In my spare time I enjoy reading, cycling, and fishing!