Kwan-Liu Ma

A leader in transformative education for the digital age, Kwan-Liu Ma is a Distinguished Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Davis. At UC Davis, he spearheads the VIDI Labs and serves as the director of the Center for Visualization. His pioneering work in the fields of visualization, computer graphics, human-computer interaction, and high-performance computing has positioned him as a prominent figure in the academic and research communities. Professor Ma's academic journey began with a Ph.D. from the University of Utah, a foundation that propelled him into a research scientist role at NASA Langley Research Center. His tenure at NASA provided him with invaluable experience and insights, which he brought to UC Davis in 1999. Since then, he has been instrumental in advancing the university's research capabilities and educational offerings in computer science. In addition to his primary role, Professor Ma is an active faculty member of the Graduate Group in Computer Science (GGCS), the Graduate Group in Engineering (GGE), and the Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Program (ECEGP). His interdisciplinary approach has fostered collaborations across various departments, enriching the academic environment and broadening the scope of research at UC Davis. Professor Ma's research has garnered significant recognition, including induction into the prestigious IEEE Visualization Academy. His work has far-reaching applications, impacting diverse fields such as business, medicine, engineering, and scientific research. By developing innovative visualization techniques, he has enabled more effective data analysis and decision-making processes across these domains. Under his leadership, the VIDI Labs have become a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation. His commitment to mentoring the next generation of computer scientists is evident in his dedication to teaching and guiding students through complex research projects. Professor Ma's contributions to the field are not only academic but also practical, as his research findings are applied to solve real-world problems. Through his extensive body of work, Professor Kwan-Liu Ma continues to shape the future of computer science and visualization, inspiring both his peers and students to push the boundaries of what is possible in the digital realm.