Professor John McGhee

Professor John McGhee

Professor

BSc (Hons) Design for Industry - Grays School of Art, The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. UK

MSc - Animation and Visualisation (with Distinction) Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD), University of Dundee, UK

PhD - Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD), University of Dundee, UK. UK based Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Fully Funded Doctoral Fellowship. Thesis title: ‘Visualise: An exploration of an artist’s approach to 3D computer visualisation in clinical radiology’

Post-Graduate Cert in Teaching and Assessing in Higher Education. University of Dundee, UK.

Arts,Design & Architecture
School of Art & Design

I am the Director and Founder of the award winning UNSW 3DXLAB . My academic research work explores arts-led and design-led modes of visualising 3D complex scientific data. My research investigates the application of creative practice, technical innovation and immersive platforms to new data visualisation challenges. Areas of research include 3D virtual world design, reality capture, 3D simulation, 3D computer animation, VFX, 3D biomedical visualisation & Animation and reflective practice.

Phone
0290658186
Location
C Block, UNSW 3DXLAB
  • Journal articles | 2022
    Ahmed-Cox A; Pandzic E; Johnston ST; Heu C; McGhee J; Mansfeld FM; Crampin EJ; Davis TP; Whan RM; Kavallaris M, 2022, 'Spatio-temporal analysis of nanoparticles in live tumor spheroids impacted by cell origin and density', Journal of Controlled Release, 341, pp. 661 - 675, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.12.014
    Journal articles | 2021
    Kadir SR; Lilja A; Gunn N; Strong C; Hughes RT; Bailey BJ; Rae J; Parton RG; Mcghee J, 2021, 'Nanoscape, a data-driven 3D real-time interactive virtual cell environment', eLife, 10, http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.64047
    Journal articles | 2019
    Kadir SR; Insall RH; Moffatt G; McGhee J; Livingstone D, 2019, 'Analogies in 3D molecular visualisations: development of a cell biology animation 'How cells move - a new interpretation of old data'', JOURNAL OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION IN MEDICINE, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17453054.2019.1671814
    Journal articles | 2019
    Thompson-Butel AG; Shiner CT; McGhee J; Bailey BJ; Bou-Haidar P; McCorriston M; Faux SG, 2019, 'The Role of Personalized Virtual Reality in Education for Patients Post Stroke—A Qualitative Case Series', Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 28, pp. 450 - 457, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2018.10.018
    Journal articles | 2018
    Johnston APR; Rae J; Ariotti N; Bailey B; Lilja A; Webb R; Ferguson C; Maher S; Davis TP; Webb RI; McGhee J; Parton RG, 2018, 'Journey to the centre of the cell: Virtual reality immersion into scientific data', Traffic, 19, pp. 105 - 110, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/tra.12538
    Journal articles | 2016
    Murray J; Williams B; Hoskins G; Skar S; McGhee J; Treweek S; Sniehotta FF; Sheikh A; Brown G; Hagen S; Cameron L; Jones C; Gauld D, 2016, 'A theory-informed approach to developing visually mediated interventions to change behaviour using an asthma and physical activity intervention exemplar', Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 2, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40814-016-0091-x
    Journal articles | 2015
    Butel AG; Faux SG; Bou-Haidar P; Bailey JB, 2015, 'Oral Presentations in Order of Conference Program. The role of personalised virtual reality in education for patients post stroke: A case series.', International Journal of Stroke, 10, pp. 40 - 51, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ijs.12584
    Journal articles | 2015
    Thomson F; McGhee JB, 2015, 'Seeing me: the role of transparent bodies in the medical consultation', STUDIES IN MATERIAL THINKING, 13, pp. 1 - 14, https://www.materialthinking.org/volumes/volume-13-0
    Journal articles | 2014
    Macduff C; Wood FK; Hackett C; McGhee J; Loudon D; Macdonald A; Dancer S; Karcher AM, 2014, 'Visualizing the invisible: Applying an arts-based methodology to explore how healthcare workers and patient representatives envisage pathogens in the context of healthcare associated infections', Arts and Health, 6, pp. 117 - 131, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2013.808255
    Journal articles | 2014
    McGhee J; Johnson N, 2014, 'Alternative ways of seeing the inner body: An arts-led approach to visualising mri scan data', Leonardo, 47, pp. 90 - 91, http://dx.doi.org/10.1162/LEON_a_00716
    Journal articles | 2014
    Murray J; Williams B; Hoskins G; Skar S; McGhee J; Gauld D; Brown G; Treweek S; Sniehotta F; Cameron L; Sheikh A; Hagen S, 2014, 'Can a theory-informed interactive animation increase intentions to engage in physical activity in young people with asthma?', Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics), 8512 LNCS, pp. 289 - 300, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-07227-2_28
    Journal articles | 2014
    Shorter M; Rogers J; McGhee J, 2014, 'Practical notes on paper circuits', Proceedings of the Conference on Designing Interactive Systems: Processes, Practices, Methods, and Techniques, DIS, pp. 483 - 492, http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/2598510.2602965
    Journal articles | 2012
    Williams B; Anderson AS; Barton K; McGhee J, 2012, 'Can theory be embedded in visual interventions to promote self-management? A proposed model and worked example', International Journal of Nursing Studies, 49, pp. 1598 - 1609, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2012.07.005
    Journal articles | 2010
    McGhee J, 2010, '3-D visualization and animation technologies in anatomical imaging', Journal of Anatomy, 216, pp. 264 - 270, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7580.2009.01165.x
  • Creative Works (non-textual) | 2023
    McGhee J; Strong C; Kadir S; Gunn N; Green R; Bailey B; Parton RG; Lilja A, 2023, Nanoscape 3D Animation, SCINEMA International Science Film Festival 2023, Online, 01 August 2023 - 31 August 2023, medium: Short Animated Film
    Preprints | 2021
    Ahmed-Cox A; Pandzic E; Johnston S; Heu C; McGhee J; Mansfeld F; Crampin E; Davis T; Whan R; Kavallaris M, 2021, Spatial-temporal analysis of nanoparticles in live tumor spheroids impacted by cell origin and density, , http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/2021.10.26.465839
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2021
    McGhee J; Kadir S; Gunn N; Lilja A; Bailey B; Strong C, 2021, Nanoscape Game Environment, N/A, Online STEAM Game Platform, 29 November 2021 - 31 December 2021, medium: Video Gaming Application, at: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1654050/Nanoscape/
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2021
    McGhee J; Lilja A; Strong C, 2021, DNA Barcode 3D Animation, DNA barcoding, Australian Museum, 01 October 2021 - 31 December 2021, medium: Video - 3D Computer animation, at: https://australian.museum/learn/teachers/classroom-activities/dna-barcoding-modules/
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2021
    McGhee J, 2021, Nanoscape VR, STEAM, medium: VR - Oculus Rift, at: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1634740/Nanoscape_VR/
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2020
    McGhee J; Lilja A; Strong C; Bailey B; Thordarson P, 2020, Soap Versus Covid-19, SiggraphAsia 2020 - Electonric Theatre, Computer Animation Festival (CAF), Online only 2020, 13 December 2020 - 13 December 2020, medium: 3D computer animated short film, at: https://sa2020.siggraph.org/en/attend/computer-animation-festival/sessions/22/4
    Conference Papers | 2019
    Bailey BJ; Lilja A; Strong C; Moline K; Kavallaris M; Hughes RT; McGhee J, 2019, 'Multi-user immersive virtual reality prototype for collaborative visualization of microscopy image data', in Proceedings - VRCAI 2019: 17th ACM SIGGRAPH International Conference on Virtual-Reality Continuum and its Applications in Industry, http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/3359997.3365730
    Theses / Dissertations | 2019
    Brown SA, 2019, Design for Togetherness: Neurodiverse conversation in interactive praxis, http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/67159
    Conference Posters | 2019
    Hughes RT; Strong C; McGhee J, 2019, 'Vox-Cells: Voxel-based visualization of volume data for enhanced understanding and exploration in Virtual Reality (VR)', http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/3306214.3338551
    Conference Posters | 2019
    Lilja AR; Kadir SR; Hughes RT; Gunn NJ; Strong CW; Bailey BJ; Parton RG; McGhee JB, 2019, 'Nanoscapes: Authentic scales and densities in real-time 3D cinematic visualizations of cellular landscapes', http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/3355056.3364567
    Conference Papers | 2019
    Patterson K; Lilja A; Arrebola M; McGhee J, 2019, 'Molecular Genomics Education Through Gamified Cell Exploration in Virtual Reality', in The 17th International Conference on Virtual-Reality Continuum and its Applications in Industry on - VRCAI '19, ACM Press, Brisbane, Australia, presented at The 17th International Conference on Virtual-Reality Continuum and its Applications in Industry, Brisbane, Australia, 14 November 2019 - 16 November 2019, http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/3359997.3365724
    Conference Papers | 2018
    Lilja A; Strong C; Bailey B; Thurecht K; Houston Z; Fletcher N; McGhee J, 2018, 'Design-led 3D visualization of nanomedicines in virtual reality', in Spencer SN (ed.), Proceedings - VRST 2018: 24th ACM Symposium on Virtual Reality Software and Technology, Association for Computing Machinery, Tokyo, Japan, presented at 24th ACM Symposium on Virtual Reality Software and Technology (ACM VRST), Tokyo, Japan, 28 November 2018 - 01 December 2018, http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/3281505.3281572
    Conference Abstracts | 2018
    Shiner C; Thompson-Butel A; Bou-Haidar P; Bailey J; McGhee J; Faux S, 2018, 'Developing a novel, personalised stroke education tool using immersive virtual reality and 3D visualisation', in INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE, SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD, Vol. 13, pp. 18 - 18, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000440952200079&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Theses / Dissertations | 2017
    Baxter KA, 2017, Topography and flight: The creative application of aerial photography and digital visualisation for landscape heritage, University of Dundee, https://discovery.dundee.ac.uk/en/studentTheses/topography-and-flight
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2017
    mcghee J; bailey B; faux S; Thompson-butel A; Bou-Haidar P; Shiner C, 2017, Stroke: Occlusion and Flow, Blood Attract or Repel, SCIENCE GALLERY MELBOURNE, The University of Melbourne, 02 August 2017 - 23 September 2017, medium: 3D Interactive Virtual Reality Experience - Oculus Rift Head Mounted Display, at: https://melbourne.sciencegallery.com/blood/melbourne/exhibition-overview/
    Conference Papers | 2016
    Brown SA; Silvera Tawil D; Gemeinboeck P; McGhee J, 2016, 'The case for conversation: a design research framework for participatory feedback from autistic children', in Proceedings of the 28th Australian Conference on Computer-Human Interaction, ACM, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, pp. 605 - 613, presented at OzCHI '16 The 28th Australian Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, 29 November 2016 - 02 December 2016, http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/3010915.3010934
    Conference Papers | 2016
    McGhee J; Bailey B; Parton RG; Ariotti N; Johnston A, 2016, 'Journey to the Centre of the cell (JTCC): A 3D VR experience derived from migratory breast cancer cell image data', in SA 2016 - SIGGRAPH ASIA 2016 VR Showcase, http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/2996376.2996385
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2015
    McGhee J; Bailey B, 2015, Topologies of Stroke, People Like Us, UNSW Galleries, Sydney, Burnie Regional Gallery (TAS), Plimsoll Gallery (TAS), Geelong Art Gallery (VIC), Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery (VIC), Riddoch Art Gallery (SA) , Nautilus Arts Centre (SA), Bunbury Regional Art Gallery (WA), Geraldton Regional Art Gallery (WA), Araluen Arts Centre (NT), CDU (Charles Darwin University) Art Collection and Art Gallery (NT), Dogwood Crossing, Miles (QLD), Caboolture Regional Art Gallery (QLD), Moree Plains Gallery (NSW), Orange Regional Gallery (NSW)., 14 September 2015 - 14 September 2019, medium: VR Experience, at: http://mgnsw.org.au/articles/people-us/
    Recorded / Rendered Creative Works | 2015
    McGhee JB; Bailey B, 2015, Topologies of Stroke, Editor(s): Fenner F, 3D Virtual Reality - Oculus Rift, Published: 2015, Recorded / Rendered Creative Works, http://netsaustralia.org.au/whats-on/people-us/
    Conference Papers | 2015
    McGhee JB; Thompson-Butel AG; Faux S; Bou-Haidar P; Bailey J, 2015, 'The Fantastic Voyage: an arts-led approach to 3D virtual reality visualization of clinical stroke data', Japan, presented at VINCI, Japan, 24 August 2015 - 26 August 2015, http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/2801040.2801051
    Curatorial Outputs | 2014
    Fenner F; McGhee JB, 2014, Body Image, exhibited at: UNSW Gallaries, Sydney, 01 September 2014 - 01 November 2014, https://www.artdesign.unsw.edu.au/unsw-galleries/body-image
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Hoskins G; Williams B; Murray J; Skar S; McGhee J; Gauld D; Brown G; Treweek S; Sniehotta F; Cameron L; Sheikh A; Hagen S, 2014, 'CAN A THEORY-INFORMED INTERACTIVE ANIMATION INCREASE INTENTIONS TO ENGAGE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN YOUNG PEOPLE WITH ASTHMA?', in THORAX, BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP, ENGLAND, London, pp. A125 - A125, presented at Meeting of the British-Thoracic-Society, ENGLAND, London, 03 December 2014 - 05 December 2014, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2014-206260.250
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2014
    McGhee J; Bailey B; Faux S; Bou-Haidar P; Thompson Butel A, 2014, Immersion, Body Image, UNSW Galleries, Sydney, 06 September 2014 - 09 November 2014, medium: Computer based 3D Head Mounted Virtual Reality, at: https://www.artdesign.unsw.edu.au/unsw-galleries/body-image
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2014
    McGhee J; Bailey B; Faux S; Thompson Butel A; Bou-Haidar P, 2014, Immersion - VR Experience on Oculus Rift DK2 Artefact, Body Image, UNSW Galleries, 06 September 2014 - 08 November 2014, at: https://www.artdesign.unsw.edu.au/unsw-galleries/body-image
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2014
    McGhee J; Normoyle K; Faux S; Bou-Haidar P; Houston G, 2014, Brain Flow, Body Image, UNSW Galleries, Sydney, 06 September 2014 - 08 November 2014, medium: HD 1080 Video, at: https://www.artdesign.unsw.edu.au/unsw-galleries/body-image
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Shorter M; Rogers J; McGhee JB, 2014, 'Enhancing everyday paper interactions with paper circuits', in Wakkary R; Harrison S; Neustaedter C; Bardzell S; Paulos E (eds.), DIS '14 Proceedings of the 2014 conference on Designing interactive systems, ACM New York, Vancouver, BC, Canada, pp. 39 - 42, presented at DIS 2014 - ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference 2014, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 21 June 2014 - 25 June 2014, http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/2598510.2598584
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Thomson F; McGhee JB, 2014, 'The Claude Glass: the role of the transparent body during the consultation.', in Crowder J; Wright T; Price D (eds.), University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, presented at Visual images and Medical Humanities conference, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, 08 May 2014 - 12 May 2014
    Conference Papers | 2013
    McGhee JB; Thomson F, 2013, 'Seeing Me? Returning the Poetics of the Body to the Medical Consultation', in Wallace J; Yee J; Durrant A (eds.), Praxis & Poetics - Research Through Design. 2013 Conference Proceedings, Gateshead, UK, pp. 29 - 29, presented at Praxis + Poetics - 2013 Research Through Design Conference, Gateshead, UK, 03 September 2013 - 05 September 2013, http://www.praxisandpoetics.org/researchthroughdesign/programme/
    Conference Papers | 2013
    Murray J; Williams B; Hoskins G; McGhee J; Gauld D; Brown G, 2013, 'Developing a theory-informed interactive animation to increase physical activity among young people with asthma', in Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics), pp. 60 - 65, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-39420-1_7
    Conference Papers | 2013
    Murray J; Williams B; Hoskins G; McGhee JB; Gauld D; Brown G, 2013, 'Developing a Theory-Informed Interactive Animation to Increase Physical Activity among Young People with Asthma', in Find out how to access preview-only content Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality. Systems and Applications, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, Las Vegas, NV, USA, pp. 60 - 65, presented at 5th International Conference, VAMR 2013, Held as Part of HCI International 2013, Las Vegas, NV, USA, 21 July 2013 - 26 July 2013, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-39420-1_7
    Conference Papers | 2011
    McGhee JB, 2011, 'Body and Mind: 3D CGI artist’s Approach to MRI visualization.', presented at ISEA 2011 - The 17th International Symposium on Electronic Art, 14 September 2011 - 21 September 2011
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2009
    McGhee JB; Houston G, 2009, Animated 3-D digital screen-based sequence, The Art of Medicine’, British Institute of Radiology, London, UK, 16 March 2009 - 21 March 2009, at: http://www.bir.org.uk/the_art_of_medicine1.html
    Theses / Dissertations | 2009
    McGhee JB, 2009, Visualise: an exploration of an artist's approach to 3-D computer visualisation in clinical radiology, DJCAD, University of Dundee, http://discovery.dundee.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/visualise-an-exploration-of-an-artists-approach-to-3d-computer-visualisation-in-clinical-radiology%28fee334ad-c12e-4abf-ae7d-0e29c1209717%29.html
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2008
    McGhee J; Houston G, 2008, Integrity: structure and surface, New Esthetic Dimensions in Computer Visualization Technology, Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, 06 November 2008 - 18 January 2009, medium: Wall mounted prints, at: http://digitaleyes2008.org/
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2007
    McGhee J; Houston G, 2007, Integrity: structure and surface, Siggraph 2007 Art Gallery: Global Eyes, Siggraph 2007: Art Gallary, San Diego Convention Centre, 05 August 2007 - 09 August 2007, medium: Two wall mounted works, at: http://www.siggraph.org/s2007/attendees/art/
    Conference Papers | 2007
    Mcghee JB, 2007, 'SIGGRAPH '07 ACM SIGGRAPH ACM SIGGRAPH 2007 educators program Article No. 1', ACM New York, NY, USA ©2007, San Diego, CA, USA, presented at SIGGRAPH 2007 ACM SIGGRAPH 2007 educators program, San Diego, CA, USA, 05 September 2007 - 09 September 2007, http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/1282040.1282042
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2006
    McGhee J; Andrews P, 2006, Cancer Cell, Hyper Design, Hyper Design - Shanghai Biennale International Student Exhibition, 05 September 2006 - 05 November 2006, medium: Animated 3-D digital screen-based sequence - Video
    Conference Posters | 2005
    McGhee JB; Andrews PD, 2005, '3-D cancer cell visualization for patients and scientists', pp. 132, http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/1186954.1187103

Title: Journey to the Centre of the Cell (JTCC)
Funder: ARC Centre of Excellence (CoE) Bio-Nano Science (CBNS)
Status: Chief Investigator and Area Leader                       
Start Date: 2015 - End Date: 2020

Title:  Cellular Genomics Visualisation in Virtual Reality
Funder: Garvan Medical Institute Sydney
Status: Chief Investigator
Start Date: Jan 2020 - End Date: Dec 2020

Title:  Acute Pain Management - Virtual Reality prototype
Funder: St Vincent’s Hospital
Status: Chief Investigator
Start Date: April 2018 - End Date: Sept 2018

Title:  Cellular Genomics Visualisation in Virtual Reality
Funder: Garvan Medical Institute Sydney
Status: Chief Investigator
Start Date: June 2017 - End Date: June 2018

Title:  VR Blood Exhibition Commission – University of Melbourne
Funder: Melbourne University
Status: Commissioned Artist
Start Date: Jan 2017 - End Date: Aug 2017

Title: 3D Visualisation Virtual Reality (VR) Suite
Funder: Major Research Equipment and Infrastructure Initiative (MREII) - UNSW Sydney
Status: Principal Investigator
Start Date: Jan 2015 - End Date: Dec 2015

Title: 3D MED-i – An exploration of immersive arts-led 3D visualisation approaches in stroke rehabilitation at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney (SVH)
Funder: UNSW Sydney and St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney
Status: Principle Investigator
Start Date: Jan 2015 - End Date: Dec 2015

Title: Acute Coronary Syndrome – Patient Visualisation Narrative
Status: Co-Investigator
Funder: Chief Scientist Office (Scotland, UK)
Start Date: Dec 2013 - End Date: 2016

Title: Young children cystic fibrosis – Patient Animation Narrative
Status: Co-Investigator
Funder: Chief Scientist Office (Scotland, UK)
Start Date: Dec 2013 - End Date: Dec 2015

Title: ‘Development of Interventions to Increase Physical Activity Among Inactive Young People with Long-term Conditions: MRC Complex Intervention Framework Phase I Study using Asthma as an Exemplar’.
Status: Co-Investigator, University of Dundee Principle Investigator
Funder: Chief Scientist Office (Scotland)
Start Date: Sept 2011 - End Date: Sept 2013

Title: Visualising the invisible: developing innovative approaches to visualisation to help NHS staff 
Status: Co-Investigator, University of Dundee Principle Investigator
Funder: Arts and Humanities Research Council: A Healthier Scotland
Start Date: Sept 2011 - End Date: March 2013

Title: INTERACT 
Status: Co-Investigator 
Funder: SINAPSE - Scottish Funding Council 
Start Date: Oct 2010 - End Date: Oct 2013


Innovation Portal Scottish Enterprise Voucher
Title: Blood Flow
Status: Project Principle Investigator
Funder: Tayflow Technologies

 

2021 ARC CBNS Centre of Excellence - Distinguished Research Award

2020 Eureka Award Nomination - Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology for BioNanoVR https://www.unsw.edu.au/news/2020/09/unsw-finalists-announced-in-2020-eureka-prizes

2017 The Year’s Most Significant Publication – CBNS ARC Centre of Excellence

2016 St Vincent’s Health Group Australia - Innovation and Excellence – Award. ‘Fantastic Journey VR work’ – Winner

2016 Unite - Unity 3D – Finalist for Golden Cube and Best VizSim Project.

2015 UNSW Sydney 20 Rising Stars Who Will Change Our World

My research explores computer arts-led modes of visualising and experiencing complex 3D scientific and biomedical data. In my most recent research work, I have been using 3D computer visualisation approaches, with screen-based media and Virtual Reality (VR) Head Mounted Displays (HMD).

My vision has been to create a world-class research lab in the 3D biomedical visualisation art and design space. My focus has been to establish and grow the research team within the 3DVAL. As the Lab’s Director, I currently manage professional staff, Post-Docs and supervise PhDs, MPhils and MFA students. I have built this research capacity primarily through the Australian Research Council (ARC) and industry-led contract research funding awards.

The most significant funding award that I have received is as Chief Investigator and 3D Visualisation area lead on the ARC ‘Centre of Excellence’ scheme in Bio-Nano Science and Technology (CBNS). I have also attracted contract research funding through projects with Syngenta Australia, St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, the Garvan Institute, Melbourne Science Gallery and the Australian Museum. 
 
My work consists of both traditional and creative non-traditional research outputs (NTROs). I have published academic journal articles in ‘Leonardo’, ‘Arts and Health’, ‘Studies on Material Thinking’ and the high impact journal ‘Traffic’, amongst other publications. As a practicing 3D CG artist, I have also continued to grow my own creative outputs. My collaborative brain VR work ‘Topologies of Stroke’ was accepted for the national ‘People Like Us’ Exhibition, which toured Australia for three years. My VR work was also included in Siggraph Asia in 2016. In 2017, I had stroke VR work selected for the high profile international ‘Blood’ exhibition at the Melbourne Science Gallery. My artistic practice is also growing in the international computer graphics field, with work accepted in ACM conferences such as Siggraph 2019, Siggraph Asia 2019, VRST 2019 and VRCAI 2019.

The Lab’s VR ‘Journey to the Centre of the Cell’ work has been covered by Wired, Mashable, National Geographic, SBS, ABC, SMH and New Scientist. It also featured in ABC’s Catalyst TV show. I also actively participate in a number of public engagement events, and have presented at TEDx, Unite (Unity3D showcase), Nvidia GTXc and Vivid Ideas Sydney.  This has culminated in John being recognised as one of UNSW Australia’s 21 Rising Stars in research leadership and a nomination of the Eureka Prize in 2020.

My Research Supervision

UNSW Completions

PhD Completion 2019  UNSW Art & Design, Australia, Scott Brown Thesis title: Design for Togetherness: Neurodiverse conversation in interactive praxis.

PhD Completion 2017  DJCAD, University of Dundee, UK, Kieran Baxter - Thesis title: Topography and flight: The creative application of aerial photography and digital visualisation for landscape heritage.

MPhil Kate Patterson 2022 – Practice-based. Reflective practice and ways of working in 3D molecular computer animation and visualisation.

PhD Candidate 2023 . Hao Zhou. Illuminating Creative Practice in the Production of Virtual Reality: Three Case Studies in Australian Art Museums

MFA Bec Litvan 2022 -  Practice-based. The kitsch glitch: A practice-based exploration of the cultural shame and stigmatisation of cancer

UNSW Current PhDs

PhD Candidate. Stefanie Kuzmiski. A practice-based enquiry into the educational, conceptual and aesthetic significance of a 3D computer artist's intervention in the creation of an interactive VR educational experiences.

PhD Candidate. Benjamin Bailey. A practice-based PhD exploring visualisation authenticity in Real-time 3D gaming environment design.

PhD Candidate. Sarah Eddowes. The Digital Drip: Moving material-based art making between the physical and virtual making spaces.

Current Masters

 

Examinations

External PhD's examiner x 5

External MPhil examiner x 1