Curriculum Vitae

Michael Alden Roller
Professor, Computer Graphics Technology

Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D
May, 2012; Purdue University
Computer Graphics Technology
Dissertation Focus: Virtual  Spaces and Simulations for Education, Avatars, and the Metaverse

Master of Science, M.S.
May, 2003; East Tennessee State University
Emphasis: Engineering Technology & Digital Media
Thesis: “Dilapidation: A Case Study in Real-Time Interactive Three-Dimensional Design and Development”

Bachelor of Fine Arts, B.F.A.
December, 1997; East Tennessee State University
Concentrations: Graphic Design / Narrative Photography

Academic Positions

Assistant Professor of Computer Graphics Technology
August, 2005 – Present; Purdue University Calumet
Hammond, Indiana USA

Primary responsibility lies in developing and teaching traditional, distance education, and experiential learning courses in interactive design, multimedia authoring, web development and programming within the Computer Graphics Technology program. In addition to conducting scholarly research through grants, contracts and publications, I also provide local, regional and national service through committee membership and organizational representation on behalf of the department of Computer Information Technology, the School of Technology and for the University.

Courses developed and taught: HCI Design and Theory, Interactive Multimedia Design, Interactive Multimedia Development, Advanced Web Programming Development & Data, Ethical and Legal Issues in Information Technology, Senior Design Project, Contemporary Problems in Computer Graphics, Raster Imaging for Computer Graphics, Design for Visualization and Communication.

Graduate Assistant and Adjunct Instructor
August, 2001 – May, 2004; East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, Tennessee USA

Primary responsibilities included supporting faculty with undergraduate and graduate level courses and departmental research assignments. Additional responsibilities included one-on-one instruction to students, giving class demonstrations, preparing course lecture materials, and supporting faculty projects.

Courses Taught: Principles of Interaction, Vector-Based Imaging, Desktop Publishing

Industrial Positions

Creative Director; Interactive and Cross-Media Campaigns
June, 2004 – August, 2005; Marketing Impact, Inc.
Fort Wayne, Indiana USA

Responsibilities: Directed the artistic development of print and interactive projects for a diverse range of clientele in multiple marketing and promotional channels. Supervised illustrators, photographers and production artists on projects, worked directly with copywriters and vendors, developed strategies for advertising campaigns, managed creative projects from concept to completion, defined project workflow and technical specifications, established time and budget needs, and worked directly with clients on integrating and maintaining product solutions and applications.

Interface Designer and Developer
September, 2003 – April, 2004; New Source Solutions, Inc.
Kingsport, Tennessee USA

Responsibilities: designed and developed interactive components for corporate intranet and internet applications, determined technical specifications for various projects, and working with clients on integrating dynamic and e-commerce solutions for both proprietary and open-sourced technologies.

Production Designer
May, 2002 – September, 2003; King Pharmaceuticals
Bristol, Tennessee USA

Responsibilities: designed and produced technical communications and promotional materials for various product lines.

Interactive Developer and Consultant, Proprietor
January, 2001 – August, 2005; Module Eleven, LLC.
Johnson City, Tennessee; Fort Wayne, Indiana USA

Responsibilities: contract work designing and developing interactive marketing materials and applications for advertising, communication, and non-profit clientele.

Graphic Designer
December, 1997 – December, 2000; The Creative Energy Group, Inc.
Johnson City, Tennessee USA

Responsibilities: designed and produced brochures, catalogs, advertising campaigns, collateral, trade show materials, broadcast video and interactive media for a variety of clientele. Worked closely with senior art and creative directors, consulted clients and vendors on project development, directed photo shoots, edited video for broadcast, interfaced with clients, programmers and system administrators and served as the creative consultant for the agency’s new media partnerships.

Abramowitz, H., Ye, J., Xu, D., Johnsen, E., Hagen, T., Zhao, W., Roller, M. (2009). Construction of a Web Based Tutorial for 3D Visualization Ternary Phase Diagrams. Iron & Steel Technology: Vol.6, No. 10.

Abramowitz, H., Roller, M., et al. (2009), “Construction of a Web Based Tutorial for 3D Visualization of Ternary Phase Diagrams”. In proceedings for the 2009 AIST National Conference, May 2009. St. Louis, Missouri.

Roller, M. (2009). Utilization of Avatar Technology within Virtualized Learning Environments. Proceedings for the 2009 Distance Education Conference. Youngstown, Ohio.

Roller, M., Higley, J. (2008), “Innovation versus Analysis: A Case Study in Improving Technology Courses”. In proceedings for the 2008 IEEE National Conference, June 2008. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Roller, Michael A (2007). “Employing Interactive Three Dimensional Computer Graphics for the Visualization of Ternary Diagrams”. In proceedings at the 2007 ASEE Rocky Mountain Conference on Leadership and Innovation in a Global Environment. Bringham Young University; Provo, UT USA.

Roller, Michael A (2006). “Animation Technology: Applications and Workflow”. Invited presentation to Chinese students, government officials and business leaders. Shanghai, China.

Roller, Michael A (2006). “Using Interactive Three Dimensional Computer Graphics for Data Representation”. In proceedings for the Image and Meaning 2.2 Workshop on scientific representation and visualization. Illinois Institute of Technology; Chicago, IL USA.

Roller, Michael (2003). “Dilapidation: A Case Study in Real-Time Interactive Three-Dimensional Design and Development”. Master’s Thesis. East Tennessee State University, Department of Engineering Technology, Surveying, and Digital Media.

Roller, Michael A (1996). “Untitled”. The Mockingbird Art and Literary Magazine. East Tennessee State University; Johnson City, TN USA.

Roller, Michael A (1996). “Untitled”. Summer Arts Festival; Digital Art Exhibition. East Tennessee State University; Johnson City, TN USA.

Roller, Michael A (1992). Various Works. National Endowment for the Arts Scholastic Competition. Exhibition of 50 selected works from nationally submitted portfolios in photography and the visual arts. Work was selected out of 14,000 entries nationwide.

Purdue University Calumet 2008 Summer Research Grant
Grant Title: “Avatar Technology”
Duration of Funding: One (1) year (2008-2009)
Total amount of award: $3,000.00
Role: Principal Investigator

Summer Institute for Teaching Excellence
Purdue University Calumet
Duration of Funding: Summer Event (2008)
Role: Outstanding Scholar And Educator Fellow

Association for Iron and Steel Technology (AIST)
Grant Title: “3D Visualization of Ternary Diagrams”
Duration of Funding: Five (5) years (2005 – 2010)
Total amount of award: $25,000.00
Principal Investigator: Harvey Abramowitz
Role: Industrial Advisor

Creative

 Well-developed design sensibilities with a strong emphasis on detail; well-versed on the principles and processes in designing for both screen and print; solid understanding of branding, marketing and visual communication principles; proven time management and problem-solving skills; ability to give and take direction and effectively communicate within an individual or team-oriented environment.

Technical

Complete knowledge of Macintosh and Windows operating systems, servers, and networks; familiar with Linux and open-source systems including Joomla! and WordPress; exceptional web and multimedia production skills including design, usability, and optimization; solid programming skills with JavaScript, Lingo, Actionscript, PHP, and JSP; proficient in database design and application; Familiar with rich-media application development, Ajax, Soap, and ASP.net; extensive experience in commercial offset and digital print production technologies including two-color and four-color processes, preflighting and color matching and proofing.

Software

Adobe Acrobat, After Effects, Audition, Director, Dreamweaver, Flash, Flex, Fireworks, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Premier; Apple Aperture, Final Cut Pro and GarageBand; Autodesk 3D Studio Max and Maya; Joomla!; Microsoft Office Suite, Project and Visual Studios; Nvidia CG; OpenCMS; Processing; QuarkXpress, WordPress.

Distance Education Certification
2008; Purdue University Calumet

Certificate of Merit & Certification
Learning Maya Introduction
2003; Alias | Wavefront Education

Macromedia Certified Professional
Dreamweaver, Fireworks and Flash
1998; DB Basics, Incorporated

Web Design & Development Certification
Usability design, site production and project management.
1998; Thunder Lizard Productions

American Advertising Federation (AAF)
District 7 Gold Addy: Interactive CD-ROM (2003)

Tri-Cities Metro Advertising Federation (TCMAF)

Addy: Interactive Media-Online Macro or Mini Sites (2005)
Addy: Mixed Media Campaigns-National Cross Platform (2005)
Addy: Interactive Media-Promotional CD (2003)
Addy: Interactive Media-Web (2000)
Addy: Product Catalog Design (2000)
Addy: Series Packaging (2000)
Addy: Trade Ad (2000)
Addy: Direct Marketing – B2B Campaign (1999)
Addy: Single Poster Design – Campaign (1998)
Citation of Excellence: Outdoor Advertising (1999)
Citation of Excellence: Brochure Design (1998)
Citation of Excellence: Publication Design (1996)

Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana
Member, Technology Advisory Committee
2008-2009; Gary, Indiana USA

Sigma Xi, The Research Society
Member; Presentation and Workshop Committee
2006-2008; Chicago, Illinois USA

Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Honorary  Member: East Tennessee State University Chapter
2003; Johnson City, Tennessee USA