1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?
I’m a product manager at Cesium. I’ve only been here since early in the pandemic, but my career goes back a long way. This is the first time I’ve been entirely focused on product management. Previously I also led consulting and software services teams and product teams for various companies, including one I co-founded.
2. What was your first job?
I was a technical editor for a company that produced print and interactive diagnostic and repair information for the automotive industry. Within a couple years I moved into a role at the intersection of content development and technology – essentially defining product features for and leading the implementation of data-centric products, with lots of customer and end user contact and some hands-on software development.
3. Where did you complete your formal education?
The University of Miami. I thought I was going to study marine biology, but wandered around majors until I ended up graduating with a degree in writing and philosophy.
4. How did you first get involved with ACM SIGGRAPH?
Through Cesium – I was in a different software industry prior to that.
5. What is your favorite memory of a SIGGRAPH conference?
Shortly after joining Cesium, I presented a Cesium update as part of the Carto BOF at SIGGRAPH 2020 and was able to (virtually) attend other sessions. It was a great experience and opened my eyes to the breadth and depth of this amazing industry I’d joined.
6. Describe a project that you would like to share with the ACM SIGGRAPH community.
I’m part of a Cesium team building a VR app with Cesium for Unreal. Flying through real-world 3D data at geospatial scale in VR is breathtaking. Layer on visualization, semantic, and interactive tools, and the metaverse suddenly feels real.
7. If you could have dinner with one living or non-living person, who would it be and why?
My dad. I’m a voracious consumer of books and podcasts, so I feel like I already spend meaningful time with the deep thinkers and creative people I might consider having dinner with. But my dad died way too young, and there’s so much I want to ask him.
8. What is something most people don’t know about you?
I love making custom patterns and sewing clothing and costumes. Pattern-making in particular is a 3D design challenge that produces satisfyingly tangible results.
9. From which single individual have you learned the most in your life? What did they teach you?
My mother. I know, everyone says their mom, but mine modelled endless curiosity and a love of learning that has served me well throughout life, including as a relative newcomer to 3D graphics and geospatial. In our house, we inevitably pulled out the encyclopedias at the dinner table (pre-internet, of course) to answer questions that came up. She still gives me books every time I see her.
10. Is there someone in particular who has influenced your decision to work with ACM SIGGRAPH?
Cesium’s head of product, Shehzan Mohammed, gave me the opportunity to participate in SIGGRAPH 2020, and our CEO Patrick Cozzi promotes SIGGRAPH to the team.
11. What can you point to in your career as your proudest moment?
I love the sense of accomplishment from delivering a great product or presentation, but my most meaningful career experience so far was, as a business owner and leader, creating a joyful work environment that cultivated our team’s creativity and dedication while also supporting them and their families outside work.