Lindsay Ward

Research Interests:
3D interactive learning environment for mRNA transcription (visualisation of biological processes, focusing on mRNA transcription).

Keywords:
Bioinformatics, computer graphics, OpenGL, simulation, interaction, scientific visualisation, learning environment, XML, animation, object oriented techniques, data integrity, molecular dynamics, DNA, RNA, mRNA, transcription, translation, replication.

Multimedia:
One of the things I have found most enjoyable and rewarding in teaching multimedia has been developing experience with some of the leading software packages for multimedia development. I have developed extensive skills in Macromedia Director and Flash for interactive multimedia CD-ROM and web site development, including the scripting languages for them, Lingo and ActionScript. I develop my course web sites using Dreamweaver, and utilise Fireworks and Photoshop for web graphics and Flash for animation and interactive site features. I have also greatly enjoyed working with NewTek’s 3D animation package, Inspire, which is a cut-down version of LightWave 3D, which I have teamed with other software to create 3D model files usable for programming in C++/OpenGL. Recently, I have added Adobe Premiere for video editing to the growing list of multimedia software I am skilled in.

Programming Languages:
I have a solid understanding of programming languages and related concepts. My Honours project in 1998 was written in C, and I have taught and tutored C++ at first and second year university level. I have had exposure to many other programming languages such as Java, JavaScript and Perl, as well as multimedia scripting languages such as Lingo and ActionScript. I have also taught the use of programming libraries such as OpenGL and SRGP. I have experience in several different programming environments including UNIX, Microsoft Visual Studio and Borland’s IDE.

My honours project was in the field of document analysis, working with an existing program to improve its performance and to extend its functionality to produce HTML output from different image sources.

Interactive visualization of biological process (related to DNA)

An interactive tool for visualising biological processes such as DNA transcription would be beneficial for learning environments. Often students (and researchers) find it difficult to grasp aspects of biology if they are not familiar with the field, and things like size, relationships, and overall processes can be particularly hard to understand. Animations of various process make it easier to follow, but interactive animations (visualisation) would allow the student to really get a feel for what is goingon and how it relates to other biological issues.