Dr. Chad Steed
Computer Science and Mathematics Division
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Integrating Human and Machine Strengths in Scientific Analysis Through Visual Analytics

ABSTRACT: Visual analytics techniques integrate interactive data visualizations with automated computational assistance to couple and mutually enhance human and machine strengths. When designed effectively, visual analytics tools empower scientists to flexibly explore, interpret, and communicate patterns and trends in data. In this talk, I will introduce the visual analytics process, its history, and strategies for designing effective solutions. Then, I will present two visual analytics tools with applications to real world data analysis challenges at ORNL. The first tool, called Falcon, is a general-purpose time series analysis tool developed for exploring 3D printer logs at the ORNL Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF). The second tool, called CrossVis, is a multivariate data analysis tool that was developed for understanding neural network-based classifications of microscopic imagery at the Center for Nanophase Materials Science (CNMS). I will conclude with a brief overview of the new ORNL Visual Informatics for Science and Technology Advances (VISTA) data exploration laboratory.

BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Chad A. Steed is the Director of the ORNL Visual Informatics for Science and Technology Advances (VISTA) Laboratory and a senior staff researcher in the Computer Science and Mathematics Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). He holds a Joint Faculty Appointment with the University of Tennessee's Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department. Before joining ORNL in 2010, he served nine years as a scientist with the Naval Research Laboratory. Dr. Steed has a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science from Mississippi State University, where he studied visualization and computer graphics. He also received a B.S. in Software Engineering (Fine Art minor) and a M.S. in Hydrographic Science from the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Steed's research spans the life cycle of data science including interactive data visualization, data mining, human-computer interaction, visual perception, databases, and graphical design. His current focus is to design systems that combine automated analytics with interactive visualizations to enhance human exploration and comprehension of complex data.