David Lee's Weblog

Programming not required

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 00:17:48 -0500

One common question from prospective students is regarding programming. The ability to program is not required for admission into the program. Although there are no admission requirements, there is a two semester programming requirement if you do not have any previous experience. Learning basic programming enables you to actually build applications the way that you want them to be, and also enables you to interface with programmers in an intelligent manner.
So you don't have to come in with experience, but be prepared to learn something about it. Currently, Java, some advanced web programming, and database programming courses are available within the SI curriculum.

On Vacation!

Wed, 27 Dec 2006 19:45:36 -0500

Sorry for the lack of posts. Finals and the Christmas holiday have been very busy! I am visiting family in Hawaii, but will continue to reply to emails and questions regarding Human Computer Interaction or student life at SI throughout the holidays.

One of the best things about going back to school are the long breaks!

Second year free time

Sun, 19 Nov 2006 02:35:46 -0500

Just a thought... Compared to first year, there's really a lot more time for personal hobbies during your second year. At least that's the case for me.
I just spent an hour playing Gears of War, a new game for the xbox360. Something I probably wouldn't have been able to do last year. At least not without feeling a bit guilty =) I've also picked up trying to learn how to fly a remote control helicopter. There are quite a few parks in Ann Arbor especially as you move away from downtown and the immediate campus area. You're sure to find a perfect (and safe) place to smash your helicopter into a tree on a windy day.

Hello World!

Mon, 13 Nov 2006 01:04:40 -0500

Hello World. My name is David Lee, and I am a second year student at the School of Information specializing in Human Computer Interaction (HCI). With this blog, I would like to introduce myself personally and professionally, describe how I fit into the program now, and to contribute weekly insights into the program from the perspective of an HCI student.

Writing your own profile is an awkward task, balancing a desire to disclose relevant information and at the same time not trying to sound like a dork. Fortunately, I am a dork with nothing to hide… With roots as a computer “enthusiast” beginning from middle school, to eating lunch in the computer lab during high school, my passion for technology took an interesting turn when I discovered neuroscience in my first year of college. Fortunately, at my undergraduate college, the University of California San Diego offered Cognitive Science as a perfect blend of computer science and the neurosciences. This is where I was able to first experience the potential of multidisciplinary study (To be further matured at SI).

Beginning around my junior year in college, I started working at the National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research (NCMIR), which eventually turned into a full time job, where over five years I grew into a Sr. Applications Engineer position developing visualization and computational systems for computer aided discovery in the neurosciences. One aspect of my position at the NCMIR included the development of high resolution tiled displays using a matrix of desktop LCDs and a computer cluster to drive the display. The technology was exciting when applied to the visualization of biomedical datasets, but I really wanted to work on these technologies to connect people, not just computers and instruments.

Having worked in a successful research laboratory provides the opportunity to become exposed to other successful research institutions, projects, and individuals. During my work experience, I was hearing bits and pieces about a place called the School of Information. First Joseph Hardin regarding portal technologies, then Dan Atkins regarding CyberInfrastructure, John King at Supercomputing, Charles Yun from Internet2, and then Tom Finholt and the Connection Project. After deciding that I want to be a part, I applied and to my amazement I got in!

Fast forwarding to today, SI is a great place for interdisciplinary study where you can even as a masters student engage in original research through Directed Field Experience. It’s been a great experience so far, and hope to provide more detailed and personal experiences through the rest of the academic year!