ASU computing school director honored with prestigious award
Ross Maciejewski inducted into IEEE data visualization academy
Ross Maciejewski, director of the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, has been inducted into the prestigious Visualization Academy by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The accolade recognizes highly significant work in data analytics and computer graphics. Photographer: Tim Trumble/ASU
How can authorities make the best use of rescue boats in the aftermath of a serious storm? Can airport security screenings be faster and safer if it’s easier for transportation workers to spot threats on their screens? Will good maps help experts understand where to send vital resources in emergency situations?
Today, lawmakers and leaders must make big decisions, and they must often do so very quickly.
Because of this, data visualization is an increasingly important specialty of computer engineering. The science of taking in huge amounts of information and displaying it in maps, charts and graphics might be the key to helping the world rapidly understand complex issues to enable people to act on what they learn.
Ross Maciejewski, director of the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, is a leading authority in data visualization. He has been tapped for his expertise in creating visual analytics for homeland security, public health, social media and law enforcement. This week he was inducted into the Visualization Academy by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, or IEEE.
Each year, the Visualization and Graphics Technical Community, or VGTC, selects a handful of specialists to receive the top honor, which is designed to recognize highly significant work.
David S. Ebert, a professor of computer science and ECE Gallogly Chair at the University of Oklahoma who also serves as visualization awards program chair for VGTC, notes the special importance of the induction.
“The Visualization Academy highlights the accomplishments of the leaders in the field,” Ebert says. “Dr. Maciejewski was chosen for his long-term and continued contributions to visualization, visual analytics and social media analytics research.”
The induction was originally scheduled to be held as part of the IEEE VIS2024 conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida. However, Maciejewski instead received the award in an online ceremony after the event went virtual due to weather issues caused by Hurricane Milton.
Maciejewski celebrates with students at a watch party for the awards ceremony. Due to travel disruptions caused by Hurricane Milton, the induction that was originally planned as part of a conference in Florida moved to a virtual event. Photographer: Kelly deVos/ASU
Rewarding research and results
Maciejewski developed an interest in data visualization as a doctoral student at Purdue University, where he collaborated with the U.S. Coast Guard on an early career project. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, lawmakers wanted to know if they could send rescue boats and crews from the Great Lakes to assist in recovery operations without causing any new safety issues.
The resulting tools and graphics were used to brief Congress on staffing needs, the effects of station closures and ways to improve emergency response times. Maciejewski’s team received a meritorious commendation for its efforts. But he says the real lesson was that data analytics could be a powerful tool.
“I observed that this type of research could have real-world impact,” he says. “Good data visualization can prevent huge amounts of information from becoming overwhelming and help all kinds of people make better-informed decisions.”
Inspired by the experience, Maciejewski founded the Center for Accelerating Operational Efficiency, or CAOE, in 2017. The center is a consortium of 25 universities and partners led by ASU where Maciejewski puts his expertise to work. He oversees a dynamic portfolio of data-driven projects that span public health, social media, transportation and supply chain management. CAOE is also a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence and was recently funded by the agency for its eighth year.
Maciejewski is consistently in the top 3% of ASU faculty members for grant awards by dollar amount. During his tenure, he has been recognized with $16.8 million in personal awards, has been a collaborator on more than $300 million in research proposals and has directly contributed nearly $14 million in research expenditures.
Visualizing a pattern of success
The new recognition caps a string of successes for Maciejewski, who is also a professor of computer science and engineering in the Fulton Schools. In 2014, he received the Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) Award from the National Science Foundation for his data visualization work. He was subsequently named a Fulton Exemplar Faculty and an ASU Global Security Fellow.
In 2023, Maciejewski assumed the role of director of the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, one of the largest computer science schools in the county. The following year, the school broke records with a graduating class of historic size.
Kyle Squires, ASU senior vice provost of engineering and dean of the Fulton Schools, praises Maciejewski’s efforts.
“Ross Maciejewski exemplifies the rare combination of teaching excellence, innovative research and outstanding leadership,” Squires says. “This induction recognizes both the significant impacts of data visualization in computer science and Ross’ remarkable contributions to advancing the field.”
Lev Gonick, chief information officer for ASU Enterprise Technology, agrees and says Maciejewski’s new accolade is well-earned and is a key demonstration of the university’s dedication to continued advancement.
“At ASU, we recognize that leadership in the technology sector is not just a competitive advantage — it’s essential to fulfilling our mission of inclusion and innovation,” Gonick says. “We are proud to support and celebrate leaders like Ross who demonstrate the excellence and vision that align with our core values of advancing knowledge, fostering student success and impacting communities globally.”
Maciejewski says he is thrilled to receive the VGTC recognition.
“It’s a great honor to be inducted into the Visualization Academy,” he says. “I especially appreciate the efforts of the community to increase the visibility of computer graphics and its role in enhancing the information age.”
