Dianne Hansford facts for kids

Dianne Carol Hansford, born in 1964, is an American computer scientist. She is known for her important work in computer graphics. She also writes books about the math used in computer-aided geometric design and scientific visualization. These are ways computers help create designs and understand complex data. She teaches at Arizona State University. Dianne also helped start a company called 3D Compression Technologies.

What Does a Computer Scientist Do?

Dianne Carol Hansford studies how computers work. She focuses on how they can create amazing pictures and 3D shapes. Her research often uses something called "Coons patches." These are special math tools. They help designers create smooth, curved surfaces. Think of car bodies or airplane wings. She also writes textbooks. These books teach students the math behind computer design and showing data visually.

Her Journey in Education and Career

Dianne went to the University of Utah and graduated in 1986. She then continued her studies at Arizona State University. There, she earned her master's degree in 1988. She completed her Ph.D. in 1991. Her Ph.D. work was about creating smooth curves for computer designs.

After her studies, she became a Fulbright Scholar. This allowed her to do research in Germany. She worked at the Technical University Darmstadt. Later, she worked in the computer industry. In 2000, she helped start 3D Compression Technologies. This company uses her research to make 3D computer files smaller. She returned to Arizona State University in 2004. She became a lecturer in computing in 2016.

Books She Has Written

Dianne Hansford has written several helpful books. She wrote them with Gerald Farin, another professor. These books teach about the math used in computer graphics and design.

• The Geometry Toolbox for Graphics and Modeling: This book helps people understand the geometry behind computer graphics.
• The Essentials of CAGD: This book covers the basics of computer-aided geometric design.
• Mathematical Principles for Scientific Computing and Visualization: This book explains the math used to create scientific computer images.

She also wrote a very important paper about Coons patches. This paper is often used by other researchers.