SIGGRAPH Celebrates Women of Influence – Pioneers and Change Makers

SIGGRAPH Celebrates Women of Influence – Pioneers and Change Makers

Wednesday March 31 at 12 noon EDT

Join us for a conversation with some of the women who shaped SIGGRAPH and the computer graphics industry and community—and who are blazing new trails.

To register:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vkH6f3v6S4m66r7u2KxxOw

Panelists

Maxine D. Brown

Maxine Brown has a long history of service to the computer graphics and supercomputing communities, including: ACM SIGGRAPH Vice Chair for Operations (1985-1987) and Secretary (1981-1985); SIGGRAPH ’79 exhibits co-chair; SIGGRAPH ’84 Electronic Theater chair; general conference chair of SIGGRAPH ’92 in Chicago; co-chair of the SIGGRAPH ’94 VROOM event; a member of the IEEE/ACM Supercomputing ’95 conference Information Architect committee; and, organizer and host of the Supercomputing conference Visualization Theater (1988-1991).

She has contributed to many facets of ACM SIGGRAPH, notably: the development of its renowned trade show; the introduction of live performance into the Electronic Theater (as well as naming it the “Electronic Theater” from “Film & Video Show” to recognize all types of multimedia presentations); starting the Education Committee; an insistence on quality, both in terms of content and aesthetics, in ACM SIGGRAPH hardcopy publications; concern that the contribution of its volunteers be well recognized; and, co-editor of the ACM SIGGRAPH newsletter’s landmark “Visualization in Scientific Computing” report.

Maxine recently retired as director of the Electronic Visualization Laboratory (EVL) at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), responsible for the funding, documentation, and promotion of its research activities Along with Tom DeFanti and Bruce McCormick, she co-edited the 1987 NSF report, Visualization in Scientific Computing, which defined the field of scientific visualization.

Marie-Paule Cani

Marie-Paule Cani is a Professor of Computer Science at Ecole Polytechnique, Paris-Saclay, France. Her research interests cover both Shape Modelling and Computer Animation. She contributed over the years to a number of high level models for shapes and motion such as implicit surfaces, multi-resolution physically-based animation methods and hybrid representations for real-time natural scenes. Following a long lasting interest for virtual sculpture, she has been recently searching for more expressive ways to create 3D contents such as combining sketch-based interfaces with procedural models based on a priori knowledge or learning. She received the Eurographics outstanding technical contributions award in 2011, a Silver medal from CNRS in 2012, and was elected at the Academia Europaea in 2013. She was awarded the ERC advanced grant EXPRESSIVE (2012-2017) and joined the ACM SIGGRAPH Academy in 2019. She was elected at the French Academy of Sciences in 2020.

Marie-Paule was the Technical Paper Chair of ACM SIGGRAPH 2017, and program co-chair of Motion, Interaction and Games (MIG) in 2019. Before that, she served in the program committees of all major conferences in computer graphics and was program chair a number of times. She served in the steering committees of SCA, SBIM and SMI, and in the editorial board of ACM Transactions of Graphics (TOG), Computer Graphics Forum, IEEE TVCG and Graphical Models. She is now associate editor of Computers and Graphics. She was Director at Large in the EC of ACM SIGGRAPH from 2007 to 2011, and member of the ACM Publication Board from 2011 to 2014. In France, she served in the executive board of the GDR IG-RV (Informatique Géométrique et Graphique, Réalité Virtuelle et Visualisation) of CNRS and in the CA of the French chapter of Eurographics for many years. After being vice president from 2013, she was President of the Eurographics association in 2017 and 2018.

Maureen Stone

Maureen Stone began working in computer graphics in the early 1970s, as part of the PLATO project at the University of Illinois.  She is best known for her expertise in digital color and its applications, but has broad experience in digital design, interactive graphics and user interface design. She spent the first part of her career at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center working on projects related to the then new fields of desktop publishing, digital document design and digital printing. She is the author of A Field Guide to Digital Color.

Maureen was program chair for SIGGRAPH ‘87 and editor-in-chief of the journal IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications from 2007 to 2010.

She is currently Director at Tableau Research where she is focused on the interaction between visual perception and design. In addition to her research, she offers both scientific and practical advice to development teams on all topics visual, from color selection to map design.  Her research expertise is in digital color technology and applications, data visualization, information display, colorblindness accessibility, color specification and measurement.

Rebecca Strzelec

Rebecca Strzelec- Distinguished Professor of Visual Arts and Program Coordinator of Visual Art Studies at Penn State University, Altoona College, earned her BFA 2000 and MFA 2002 from Tyler School of Art, Temple University in Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM. Her work consists of wearable objects which are created via computer aided design, three-dimensional modeling, and 3D printing. Her work is included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Arts and Design, Fuller Craft Museum, and Racine Art Museum as well as the private collection of Former Secretary of State Madeleine Abright. Strzelec’s work has been featured in many exhibitions in prominent contemporary craft galleries in the US and abroad. Strzelec is a Penn State Alumni Teaching Fellow and the 2016-2017 Penn State Laureate. Strzelec served as Chair of the SIGGRAPH 2012

conference, an annual event that brought over 21,000 people connected to computer graphics and interactive techniques to Los Angeles. 

Moderator

Adele Newton

Adele Newton has developed and managed a broad range of programs and strategic international partnerships in the university, technology and not-for-profit sectors across Canada, within North America and in Africa, Europe and China. Her career has focussed on connecting diverse partners from technology, science and the arts to work together on exciting and innovative projects. She is currently Executive Director of CS-Can|Info-Can. 

Adele has served in a range of SIGGRAPH roles, including Registration Chair in 1984, Conference Co-Chair for SIGGRAPH 88, chair of the Site Selection Committee, member of the Executive Committee as Chair of the Conference Planning Committee (precursor to the CAG), chair of the SIGGRAPH 2019 Business Symposium. She is currently Chair of the SIGGRAPH Communications Committee and a member of the SIGGRAPH 50th Conference Anniversary Executive Committee.

Adele is a graduate of the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Waterloo. 

ACM SIGGRAPH Frontiers “A Conversation With…” March 26/27 Events

ACM SIGGRAPH Frontiers “A Conversation With…” March 26/27 Events

Sign up here https://forms.gle/s3R3NpK3QjMfjpxy8

” A Conversation With… is a series of chats focused on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, within a small group of people. These conversations are intended to be a casual, intriguing, and interactive session that enables attendees to take part in the conversation. The sessions are intentionally limited to be around 8-10 people to make the conversation more personal. Each month, the conversation will feature different speakers including renowned academics, pioneers, practitioners, artists, animators, designers and anyone that is part of our SIGGRAPH community. So, whom would you like to have “A Conversation with…”?

DATE: March 26

TIME: Session#1 – 2:00-2:30pm Los Angeles / 5:00-5:30pm New York / 9:00-9:30pm London

           Session#2 – 3:00-3:30pm Los Angeles / 6:00-6:30pm New York / 10:00-10:30pm London

DATE: March 27

TIME: Session#3 – 3:00-3:30pm Los Angeles / 6:00-6:30pm New York / 10:00-10:30pm London

LOCATION: Zoom

DURATION: 30 minutes long per session

ATTENDEES: 2 speakers + 4-10 guests in each session

TOPICS: Freeform

PREP NEEDED: An open mind to engage in 30 minutes of enriching conversation!

Event registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. If spaces are still available, you will receive a confirmation invite to the event. Zoom link information will be sent out on Wednesday, March 24.

P.S : These sessions will not be recorded in any form.

SIGGRAPH 2021 Student Team Leaders Announcement

While the SIGGRAPH 2021 virtual conference continues to develop for the virtual conference this August, the Student Volunteers Program is honored to announce the team leaders group of student volunteers to help provide operational support to the conference. SIGGRAPH Team Leaders are selected based on their past experience as a Student Volunteer at SIGGRAPH and/or a SIGGRAPH Asia conference, their demonstrated leadership experience, and their ability to clearly communicate their motivation to lead others.

Andrew Demel

(He/Him)

School: 

Middle Tennessee State University

Bio: 

I am a 3D modeler and texturer who recently graduated from Middle Tennessee State University. I’ve known I wanted to be working in either animated movies or video games since I was in fifth grade. Outside of work I enjoy gaming with friends, volunteering with my archery group, and learning about as many topics as I can.

One Thing You’re Excited About SIGGRAPH 2021? 

I’m really excited to see what will be new at Real Time Live.

Elena R. Tovar 

(They/Them)

School

Tec De Monterrey

Bio: 

I’m a sixth semester student of the Animation and Arts career at Tec de Monterrey. I’m a big enthusiast of illustration, concept art, worldbuilding and literature. In my free time, I love playing DnD, baking and doing random research.

One Thing You’re Excited About SIGGRAPH 2021? 

I’m super excited for the many possibilities that the conference may have in a virtual format

Chanbin Lee

(She/Her)

School

University of British Columbia 

Bio: 

I am a fourth year student studying Cognitive Systems, psychology at University of British Columbia. I am interested in how media is related to our cognition, and I enjoy drawing and love watching animated films! I’ve recently learned how to ski, and I hope to do more of it in the near future.

One Thing You’re Excited About SIGGRAPH 2021? 

I’m excited to see all the new technologies and learn something new!

Cheryl Lao

(She/Her)

School: 

University of Waterloo

Bio: 

I’m currently in my first year of a master’s in computer science (human-computer interaction and computer graphics) at the University of Waterloo. My research is on using immersive tools to support artists and designers. Recently, I started taking pictures of the wild birds in the parks near me.

One Thing You’re Excited About SIGGRAPH 2021? 

Catching up with old friends online and making new ones!

Trinity Quintanilla 

(She/They)

School:

Regent University

Bio: 

As a junior at Regent University, Virginia Beach, I’m pursuing my Bachelor of Arts in animation. My favorite past-time is contributing to fan-zines and multi-animator projects, where I’ve been an illustrator, merch artist, and reanimation co-producer. This will be my first year with Siggraph as a TL, and I’m looking forward to serving among my fellow volunteers!

One Thing You’re Excited About SIGGRAPH 2021? 

I’m excited to connect with new volunteers and form new interests outside of my usual!

Gabrielle Robinson

(She/Her)

School: 

Savannah College of Art and Design

Bio: 

I am a recent graduate from Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, currently pursuing a career in Game Production. This is my first time as a TL but I love working in teams and helping others so I can’t wait! My hobbies are making jewelry, watching funny Youtube videos, and anything that combines Art and Technology.

One Thing You’re Excited About SIGGRAPH 2021? 

Looking forward to seeing the Electronic Theater and reconnecting with friends from last year!

Arden Allen

(She/Her)

School: 

University of British Columbia

Bio: 

I recently graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and am now working as a Software Engineer at Microsoft. I am passionate about the ways in which technology can be used to support creativity and accessibility. Outside of work, you’ll find me playing board games, hiking, or baking cookies!

One Thing You’re Excited About SIGGRAPH 2021? 

I’m excited to see what new advances have been made in the field of Computer Graphics and learn about new technologies.

Rogelio Hernandez

(He/They)

School: 

Texas A&M University 

Bio: 

I recently graduated from the Visualization program at Texas A&M University! I now work as a 3D Generalist at DAW Creative. I am passionate about 3D character art and diversity and representation in contemporary media. I am also a huge fan of Video Games, 3D Printing, and Dungeons and Dragons!

One Thing You’re Excited About SIGGRAPH 2021? 

I’m excited to see my siggraph friends and meet new people.. and the CAF of course!

Call for Nominations for ACM SIGGRAPH Membership Chair

The Membership Committee is a new committee established to better serve the needs of our membership and our volunteers. It coordinates all ACM SIGGRAPH activities designed to benefit our members and explores new ways to enhance the value of membership. The Membership Committee will include representatives from the other Standing Committees and facilitate communication between the membership and the different parts of ACM SIGGRAPH. It should investigate, identify, and recommend to the EC better ways to recruit, retain, and support members and volunteers and to ensure responsiveness, inclusiveness, and diversity. It shall work with the ACM SIGGRAPH Executive Committee to define member benefits and membership rates. It is in charge of the SIGGRAPH Village, both at the SIGGRAPH and SIGGRAPH Asia Conferences and year-round.

The Membership Committee Chair will recruit and lead a committee to accomplish the above goals. The Chair should contact the other Standing Committee Chairs and ask them to designate representatives to serve on the Membership Committee.

Some of the issues the committee should address include the following:

  • Explores and proposes new Membership benefits.
  • Works with the Communications Committee to engage with our membership.
  • Develops and distributes a Membership Welcome Packet that includes a clearly designed, accessible, and useful guide that explains the activities of ACM SIGGRAPH including roles and responsibilities of each leadership role and committee. 
  • Provides a point of contact for membership and member questions. 
  • Provides a point of contact for questions related to volunteering and contributing to ACM SIGGRAPH.

Here are the current ACM SIGGRAPH Member benefits: https://www.siggraph.org/participate/membership/

and

https://www.acm.org/special-interest-groups/sigs/siggraph

The Chair must submit a budget request to the Executive Committee every January and submit an annual report in June. The Chair can expect to spend 5 or more hours/week on the chair activities. 

For those interested in applying for this position, please contact Rebecca Strzelec, Chair of the Nominations Committee. Provide a CV and vision statement (why you’re interested in being chair and what you hope to accomplish in this volunteer role). The Nominations Committee will review all the candidates, conduct interviews, and make recommendations to the ACM SIGGRAPH Executive Committee in order to identify the next Chair.

The deadline for applying is February 1, 2021 but applications will be accepted until the position is filled and the term will begin as soon as possible. The term is three years, renewable in September.

SIGGRAPH FRONTIERS Presents “A Conversation with…”

SIGGRAPH FRONTIERS Presents “A Conversation with…”

A Conversation With… is a series of chats focused on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, within a small group of people. These conversations are intended to be casual, intriguing, informative and interactive sessions that enable attendees that sign up to take part in the conversation. The sessions are intentionally limited to be around 8-10 people to make the conversation more personal. Our speaker list includes renowned academics, pioneers, practitioners, artists, animators, designers and anyone that is part of our SIGGRAPH community. So whom would you like to have a conversation with … ?

The sessions are on 4th and 5th December, 2020 and are spread across 4 time zones.

To register for one of the events, please visit the registration page here.

Speaker line up!