Career

New Job At The Center for Environmental Visualization

My internship at Microsoft is nearing an end, which I will write more about later. So that meant I needed to find a new job.  Where to begin right? My previous vision included working at Joey’s as a bar back, or bar end making some quick and easy money.  Working in a place like that also meant I could meet fun loving free spirits and pretty much work leisurely for the next six or so months before heading off to Europe.  Knowing myself however, there had to be something that would be more constructive or fulfilling.  After spending countless late nights browsing the interweb on various design-oriented websites and discussion groups, nothing suited me (more like I wasn’t experienced enough to suit them).  Discouraging, I know. Then it wasn’t until I stumbled upon a Graphic Designer opportunity for the Center for Environmental Visualization.

Say wha??

“The Center for Environmental Visualization promotes new information technologies and advanced interfaces which integrate ocean research with geo-science education at the College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, by combining environmental modeling with applied technologies such as scientific visualization, virtual reality, interactive multimedia and Web development.

Okay, sounds cool right? Technology, visualization, interactive multimedia and Web development were all the right words that describe my interests. So what do Graphic Designers in a place like this do? I don’t know color theory or typography principles…

“Our efforts include innovative combinations of 4-D ocean maps, and networked GIS technologies that let learners interact with near real-time data using interfaces that produce highly visual, interactive exploration opportunities in the ocean sciences.”

Yahtezee! This place sounds bitchin’. A few clicks later, I was set to meet them for an interview. Yesterday morning I went in after a few nights of studying and reviewing my school material as a mental primer.  The result? “Wow,” “really?” “Interesting…”.  The work that CEV does is pretty great stuff.  They take research data from many places and parse it through various programming languages, outputing beautifully colored, high resolution images that are completely interactive.  Think Google Earth World Wind MSN Virtual Earth whatever 3-D planet simulation and on top of that, add in educational value and statistics.  The exciting part is that we are approaching a time where data can output on both a local application and web platform.  Scalability and reach is a big deal in education.  If these visualizations can make learning about the environment increasingly fun, then we’d all be more aware of our surroundings. People may truly see problems as opposed to making funny doodles in their minds, imagining how our world works.

Now I don’t believe the goal is to teach about how our own consumption habits deteriorates our habitat, but more to show how natural environmental processes work.  As a result of these statistics and visualizing them, researchers, and just about anyone else can make better judgement or predictions. So in sum, this opportunity sounds kick ass!  What’s even better is that they are ramping up to turn this “job” into an internship program. So ontop of becoming a savvy designer, I get to help build out their program. Being an evangelist is paying off.

CEV - Graphic Designer

On another note, I want to congratulate my friend Sarah Koss for being such a great person. Why? Well for one if you know who she is, then you’d already know that as a matter of fact. She has a contagiously fun personality that makes you feel better about life just talking to her for 30 seconds.  Anyways, she’s heading into the second round for a rotational program that will ultimately result in a full time position, so wish her the best of luck.  This is a dream of hers since she has been with the company so I applaud you Sarah for taking that step in living what you love and passionately express. I say this to all the other individuals who live their life this way. For those who still have not found success yet in that lifestyle, I encourage you to continue because your resilience will pay off, and it will be the most gratifying feeling.