Background
Since the Summer of 2005 I am an Assistant Professor in Computer Science at Dartmouth, an Ivy League University, where my research interests cover various areas of Computer Graphics. Before then (2004-2005) I was a Visiting Assistant Professor in Computing and Information Science at Cornell University. I also worked (2002-2004) in the research division of Pixar Animation Studios developing new algorithms used in various award winning feature films (Monster's Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars).
I received a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Cornell University in 2002, working at the Program of Computer Graphics, and a Laurea degree in Physics (equiv. to BS and MS) from the University of Parma, Italy. I have received an NSF CAREER award in 2008, and an Alfred P. Sloan fellowship in 2009.
Scholarly interests
The use of synthetic images is growing in importance in many applications, from engineering to fine arts, but it is often limited by the human labor and expertise required to create synthetic environments. My long term goal, as a scientist and educator, is to make the creation of synthetic imagery accessible to the largest possible audience.
Rather than attempting to address all aspects of scene modeling, a daunting task, my research interests focus on investigating methods that simplify the design of objects' appearance, which comes from the interaction of surface materials and scene lighting, through the development of interactive rendering algorithms and intuitive appearance design interfaces. This research led to various theoretical results and practical applications in the areas of interactive realistic rendering, user interfaces and visual perception. This website includes a description of research projects and a comprehensive list of publications.
To pursue my long term goal of making synthetic imagery more accessible, I have focused my teaching efforts on exposing students to the relationship between the conceptual, technical and aesthetic principles of image synthesis, through curriculum development, the creation of out-of-classroom opportunities for undergraduates and the mentoring of graduate students. To focus these efforts I co-developed a minor in Digital Arts at Dartmouth, that is taught by Computer Science together with members of the Studio Art, Film Studies and Theatre departments. This websites contains more information on the minor as well as teaching materials for all courses I have taught in the past.