ASEF Podcast
The American Slovenian Education Foundation (ASEF) is the leading foundation fostering talented individuals and higher education of deserving Slovenians worldwide through its exchange Fellowship programs and promotion of Slovenian culture and language. In the ASEF Podcast, we interview professors about their research, best practices in their field, and their vision for the development of the field in Slovenia as well as collaboration amongst Slovenians worldwide.
Visit us at https://www.asef.net/ or reach us at podcast@asef.net.
The podcast's introductory theme is the "C Minor Jazz Blues Backing Track" by Quist.
ASEF Podcast
Episode #34: Understanding Deformable Objects in Computer Graphics - Jernej Barbic
We explored Jernej Barbič’s journey from mathematics to computer science, highlighting key moments in his academic career. We discussed the simulation of deformable objects, their application, and their challenges. The discussion touched on the metaverse’s potential to transform human interaction, advancements in medical technology through digital replicas, and ethical considerations around AI. Jernej also talked about the development of Vega FEM and Ziva Dynamics, which revolutionized filmmaking by enhancing digital creature realism.
Jernej Barbič is a Full Professor of computer science at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, United States. He is also a startup entrepreneur, having co-founded and led a successful technology startup company “Ziva Dynamics”. He is also a Sloan Fellow. In 2011, MIT Technology Review named him of the Top 35 Innovators under the age of 35. His research interests include computer graphics, computational mechanics, applied mathematics, interactive physics, medical imaging, biomechanics, neural networks, digital humans, film visual effects, haptics, virtual reality and the metaverse, intellectual property law, and more.
This conversation was conducted by ASEF Junior Fellow: Tanja Janko
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Jernej Barbič, his background, and the start of his career
00:20:30 - Physics-based simulation / Simulation of deformable objects
00:27:55 - Physics-based simulation / Applications
00:28:10 - Virtual reality
00:29:55 - Metaverse
00:38:15 - Eternal You - keeping people alive through their digital avatars
00:38:45 - Ethics and morality using AI
00:40:35 - Biggest achievements / Proudest moments in academic career
00:44:19 - Vega FEM library
00:48:00 - Ziva Dynamics (origin of the name, applications)
00:51:50 - How Ziva influenced character creation in the entertainment industry and future outlook
00:55:48 - Favorite part of entrepreneurship
01:00:18 - Working on The Hobbit @ Weta Digital (as a visiting professor)
01:04:38 - Podcast recommendations
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