This year’s convocation speaker, Dr. Brent Seales, paradoxically works with cutting-edge technology as well as some of the world’s earliest artifacts. Dr. Seales received his doctoral degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Currently, our guest speaker is a professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science and what’s more, the director of the Center for Visualization and Virtual Environments (VIS Center) at the University of Kentucky. Another notable period in his career trajectory occurred in 2012-2013, when he was a visiting scientist with Google in Paris.
His work researching digital imaging in the fields of cultural heritage at the enviable VIS Center (basically a Visual Resources Center on steroids), is what makes Seales such an exciting and timely addition to this year’s program. The VIS website describes the Center as having produced fascinating research using advanced technologies that incorporate
“computer vision and image processing, data acquisition, graphics, human-computer interaction, multimedia, and networking that are dedicated to research and development of computer-generated immersive environments, ambient environments, dynamic scene acquisition and preservation, advanced telepresence and telecommunications, and visualization applications in such areas as education and training, medicine, manufacturing, security, and daily life.”
Receiving international acclaim, the VIS Center has partnered with such renowned institutions such as the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, The British Museum, IBM, FBI, Archivision, and a number of universities.
One of his most compelling projects developed at the VIS Center is known as EDUCE (Enhanced Digital Unwrapping for Conservation and Exploration). It aims to produce readable images of ancient texts too fragile to open by using a virtual unwrapping tool similar to X-ray technology. Fortunately, (spoiler alert) for one particularly damaged ancient scroll from Ein Gedi, which resembles a lump of coal, Seales and his research team achieved the seemingly impossible by developing a software that involves layering digital images over the primary source, then altering the documents color and resolution. Thanks to Dr. Brent Seales for having securely laid the groundwork, we can only hope that such emerging technologies become common-place in the future within our field of visual resources.
The Volunteer Studio is open to everyone and is designed to be a multi-directional learning space that will address professionals' (new, established, and prospective members) questions regarding how they can contribute their skills to the VRA without overcommitting themselves, feeling overwhelmed, or feeling uncertain about whether their valuable skills and time would be well spent. The Volunteer Studio will also provide a forum for potential volunteers to hear from committee, chapter, and association leadership about the nitty-gritty of Association work as well as the tremendous (and practical) benefits/opportunities that this work has provided them in return. I hope for this to be a high-energy, thoughtful, and interactive event (with a free lunch!).
A highlight of the Conference, the Members & Awards Lunch brings colleagues together for an opportunity to relax and socialize over lunch in an elegant setting. The festivities include recognition of the Association’s honors and awards recipients along with the generous donors who have made these awards available.
*PLEASE NOTE: The cost of this event is included in your conference registration fee. However, prior registration for this event is required for purposes of room scheduling and catering arrangements.
