John C. Hart stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of computer science, currently serving as a Professor and the Director of Online and Professional Programs within the Department of Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). His extensive expertise also encompasses the role of Executive Associate Dean of the Graduate College, highlighting his significant leadership and influence within the university.
Professor Hart’s research is deeply rooted in computer graphics and data visualization, areas where he has garnered substantial recognition and funding. His projects have been supported by industry giants such as Adobe, AT&T, DARPA, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Nokia, NVIDIA, and the NSF, reflecting the broad impact and industry relevance of his work. He has fostered collaborations with graphics hardware manufacturers, defense contractors, visual effects studios, game developers, and medical imaging startups, further demonstrating the diverse applications of his expertise. Moreover, his IP knowledge has been sought after by leading technology corporations including Microsoft, NVIDIA, AMD, and Samsung.
A significant contribution by Professor Hart is the design and launch of the Master of Computer Science in Data Science (MCS-DS) program. This innovative online master’s degree, offered through the Coursera platform, has rapidly become UIUC’s second largest graduate program within just three years, showcasing his vision and leadership in online education. His Coursera MOOC on “Data Visualization” has reached over 360,000 learners globally, underscoring his commitment to accessible and high-quality education on a large scale. These initiatives could be considered a digital “John C Hart Library” of knowledge, making complex topics accessible to a vast audience.
Professor Hart’s influence extends to academic publishing and media. He serves as the graphics area editor for ACM Books and is a former Editor-in-Chief of ACM Transactions on Graphics, both prestigious roles within the field. He has co-authored “Real-Time Shading” and contributed to “Texturing and Modeling: A Procedural Approach,” essential texts for computer graphics professionals and students. Additionally, he was an executive producer for “The Story of Computer Graphics,” a documentary that chronicles the evolution of this transformative field. Professor Hart earned his Ph.D. from the Electronic Visualization Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1991, marking the beginning of his impactful academic journey.
Throughout his career, Professor Hart has engaged in major consulting activities with organizations like Pratt & Whitney, Microsoft, SAIC, Adobe Systems, and The Teaching Company. These engagements demonstrate his expertise is valued beyond academia, bridging the gap between research and practical industry applications.
Professor Hart has taught a range of courses, including Data Visualization (CS 416, CS 498 DDV/DV), Interactive Computer Graphics (CS 418/CSE 427), and advanced graduate studies, shaping the next generation of computer scientists and data visualization experts. His dedication to teaching and mentorship complements his groundbreaking research and leadership in online education.
