Overseas Workshops

Mark Bannatyne, Clark Cory, and Kellen Maicher visited five universities in Russia , Poland , and Norway in two separate trips in May and September. The excursions allowed the group to introduce computer graphics technologies taught at Purdue University to the international institutions through a series of presentations and workshops. Content covered included 3D modeling, Raster Graphics, Animation, Vector Graphics, and Flash.

The first stop was in Russia at Tula State University with two days of workshops for their students. It was extremely difficult for the professors at the University due to the lack of technological advancements and the language barrier, however that hurdle was quickly resolved. The next destination was Rzeszow Poland , a small city close to the Slovakia , Ukraine border in the Southeast corner of Poland . Rzeszow by far was the closest curriculum match for our Department. It was unanimously agreed upon by the faculty that there was as need for an exchange program between Purdue University and Rzeszow . The entire group was invited back to do a four week summer course in computer graphics in 2004.

The gang from Rzeszow, Poland

The final stop was Krakow, Poland where Dr. Bannatyne and Professor Cory had been for invited presentations. They were so well received that they were invited back for a three day workshop. The University in Krakow is predominately an Engineering school with a strong emphasis on computer graphics.

The trio was off again in September to Moscow and Norway for workshops at conferences. They began in Moscow at the Graphicon 2003 Conference giving two workshops in modeling and animation. The workshop was attended by approximately 20 students and faculty from Moscow University and other universities in Russia and across Eastern Europe .

Next was Bergen, Norway for another conference and presentation, which was given at the University College of Bergen. The adventure in Norway started with the Bergen faculty demonstrating what Norwegian life is like during a fishing session in one of the local bays. The next day was all work though…8 hours of presentations followed by a brief question and answer session.

The trips were extremely beneficial in gathering data and providing international exposure for the Department of Computer Graphics Technology. The professors gained insights into international education and how computer graphics can overcome any language barrier. Each professor found colleagues to share and exchange ideas and techniques, as well fostering new relationships with peers from abroad