Tim McLaughlin is an Associate Professor and former Head of the Department of Visualization at Texas A&M University. Tim teaches, researches, and performs outreach in the use of 3D graphics for entertainment, design, education, training, and simulation. The Department of Visualization is home to the Master of Science in Visualization, Master of Fine Arts in Visualization, Bachelor of Science in Visualization, and Minor in Art and Minor in Game Design and Game Development programs. The department’s programs and Tim’s interest focus on the intersection of art, science, design, and technology.
Tim’s specific activities as a researcher include investigations into the uses of interactive and immersive 3D graphics for visual storytelling, collaborative tools for design, and animation systems.
Prior to joining the faculty at Texas A&M University, Tim worked in the visual effects and animation industries from 1994 to 2007. At Industrial Light & Magic, a division of Lucasfilm Ltd. in San Francisco, California, he led teams of artists and research scientists developing processes and producing groundbreaking award winning visual effects for films. His credit list includes 15 theatrically released feature film projects including Star Wars: Episode I, War of the Worlds, Van Helsing and Mars Attacks!. One of his last projects at ILM was supervising a performance capture test used by James Cameron to demonstrate the viability of Avatar as a motion picture. The work of Tim’s technical artists contributed directly to Science & Technology Awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Sciences being given to teams of ILM researchers in 1998 and 2001. These awards represent the highest film industry recognition for technical excellence.
Tim remains well connected with many of the leaders in visual effects and animation industry, research, and pedagogy. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the Visual Effects Society, and is an ACM SIGGRAPH Pioneer Member.