When
Monday, February 9, 2026, 12:00 p.m.
Sandra Bae
Assistant Professor
Computer Science
The University of Arizona
"Communicating Complex Data through 3D Data Representation"
Keating 103 | Zoom link
Hosts: Swarna Ganesh and Kellen Chen
Abstract: How can we make complex data more accessible, engaging, and meaningful? This talk introduces the research vision of the D-REP Lab (Data Representation Lab), which explores data representation as the bridge between abstract data and human understanding. Data representation is how raw data takes form—whether as a 2D visualization, a 3D model, a physical object, or an immersive environment. I will present recent projects that investigate novel forms of 3D data visualization and tangible interfaces. These include (1) Cosmic View of Life on Earth, an immersive planetarium-scale visualization which employs a 3D dimensionality reduction method to hierarchically depict biological diversity; and (2) interactive 3D-printed data physicalizations built using a computational design pipeline that integrates form and interactivity as a unified fabrication workflow. Together, these works demonstrate how new forms of data representation can expand our capacities for communicating and engaging with complex data.
Bio: Sandra Bae is an assistant professor in computer science at the University of Arizona. Her research seeks to broaden how we interact with data by using 3D+ data representations and multi-modal interactions, addressing the human and data factors of data visualization. Bae's research goal focuses on understanding the contexts of when data should be presented as 2D versus 3D and, similarly, digitally versus physically. Her interdisciplinary research combines techniques from human-computer interaction (HCI), data visualization and digital fabrication. Her work has been presented at top HCI and visualization research venues, including ACM CHI and IEEE VIS, and has been awarded multiple paper awards. She was recognized as a Rising Star in EECS (2023).
Accessibility: Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting the Disability Resource Center at 621-3268 (V/TTY).