About ddiLab

Founded in 2012, NIU’s Data, Devices, and Interaction Laboratory (ddiLab) supports a range of computer science research projects, with an emphasis on visualization and data analysis coupled to high-performance computing in the support of science.

ddiLab director Joseph Insley (School of Art and Design) along with Michael Papka (Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois Chicago) are leading several collaborative research projects focused on the interaction between user and tools; specifically, how computers support and enhance knowledge and discovery. The ddiLab provides opportunities for NIU students to assist with research related to these and future projects.

Current research interests include:

• The life cycle of sensor and computer-generated data
• The use of high-resolution and interactive displays to analyze sensor and computer-generated data
• The application of virtual reality and augmented reality to scientific problems

ddiLab has been supported by Northern Illinois University’s Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships, Northern Illinois University’s Department of Computer Science, the National Science Foundation (OAC-1440797, OAC-1532133, OAC-1935984, CCF-2119056), the Department of Energy (via Argonne National Laboratory), with generous hardware donations from nVIDIA, Intel, and Atipa Technologies