Abstract

Abstract: The Microsoft Research WorldWide Telescope (WWT) is a computational science innovation. It sets new standard for presenting (visualizing) large data sets. WWT enables a computer to function as a virtual telescope. It brings together the imagery from the best ground- and space-based telescopes in the world. It allows users to experience, interact, and create narrated tours to feature their favorite objects in the sky for astronomical research and science education. Through the WWT Academic Program, additional software tools are delivered to enable researchers and educators to integrate WWT with their existing astronomical research and science education platforms.

Biography: Yan joined Microsoft Research in March 2006. Her research has been focused on exploring technologies and pedagogical strategies that facilitate and enhance interdisciplinary computational research and education. She is responsible for the WorldWide Telescope Academic Program, which enables collaborations with academic researchers and educators in computer science and astronomy; the Transform Science–Computational Education for Scientists initiative, which enables collaborations with academia for infusing computational thinking into science education to create tomorrow’s scientists; and the Phoenix Academic Program for applying Microsoft Phoenix technology to computer science research and education. Prior to working at Microsoft Research, Yan was a Sr. Software Architect and worked for several startup software companies for over ten years. Yan received her Ph.D. in Physics from McGill University, Canada.