Barbara Mones

Barbara Mones is a Teaching Professor in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington. She serves as Director of the Reality Studio, part of the Reality Lab, and leads the Facial Expression Research Group (FERG) and the Octopus Research Group (ORG).

Education:

• Undergraduate degree from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
• Post graduate certification in Animation from Sheridan College, Oakville, Canada
• MFA from Rhode Island School of Design

Professor Mones specializes in Human-Centered Computing and Interaction with the Physical World, with expertise in Augmented, Virtual & Mixed Reality; Computer Graphics & Animation; and Computing Education Research. Her research focuses on the intersection of animation, storytelling, and immersive technologies, exploring how these can be effectively integrated into educational contexts and creative production pipelines. She has developed specialized curriculum for facial expression in animated characters and immersive storytelling environments.

Professor Mones has directed and produced more than twenty animated shorts throughout her career at the University of Washington. Her recent works demonstrate expertise in character animation, facial expression, and digital storytelling, often incorporating innovative techniques in virtual and augmented reality. These films showcase her commitment to advancing both the artistic and technical aspects of computer animation.

Scientific Awards:

• SIGGRAPH 2021 Distinguished Teaching Award
• NASA Group Achievement Award

Professor Mones has been instrumental in developing animation curriculum that has influenced programs worldwide. She serves on the ACM SIGGRAPH Executive Committee and the Education Committee, where she continues to shape computer graphics education globally. Her teaching approach emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning through the complete animation production pipeline.

She leads the Reality Studio, which focuses on research and development in immersive storytelling technologies, and oversees the Facial Expression Research Group which investigates the technical and artistic aspects of creating expressive digital characters for animation and virtual environments.