Daniel F. Keefe

Daniel F. Keefe is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where he directs the Interactive Visualization Lab (IV/LAB). He is also recognized as a Distinguished University Teaching Professor, reflecting his excellence in both research and education. His work bridges computer science, art, and design, with a focus on ethical and creative approaches to data interaction in extended realities.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Computer Science from Brown University (2007)
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering summa cum laude from Tufts University (1999)
• Additional training at the Rhode Island School of Design and School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University

Professor Keefe's research centers on ethical, just, and creative human-data interaction in computer-mediated extended realities (AR/MR/VR). His work addresses high-stakes societal needs including human-in-the-loop data-driven medical decision making, Indigenous cultural revitalization, climate discourse, natural resource management, and computer-mediated creative work. His technological approaches span interactive 3D computer graphics, digital 3D drawing, multimodal sensing, spatial displays, digital fabrication with sustainable materials, and traditional craftsmanship. His research group, the Interactive Visualization Lab, is known for pioneering work at the intersection of art, science, and technology, producing over 80 research papers with numerous best paper awards at top ACM and IEEE venues.

Scientific Awards:

• National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2010)
• Best Paper Award at IEEE VIS 2024
• Best Paper Award at IEEE VIS 2015
• Best Paper Honorable Mention at IEEE VIS 2013
• ACM I3D 2011 Best Paper (Honorable Mention)
• IEEE VisWeek 2010 Best Panel Award
• 3M Nontenured Faculty Award
• McKnight Land-Grant Professor (2012-2014)
• Horace T. Morse-University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education (2019)
• Bowers Faculty Teaching Award (2021)

Professor Keefe has mentored eight Computer Science Ph.D. students and one Cognitive Science Ph.D. student to graduation, with his former students now holding positions as professors at institutions like Gonzaga, Macalester, Carleton, and UMN, as well as roles at companies including Google, 3M, and Abbott. He has also mentored more than 50 undergraduate students and advised over 20 undergraduate and master's theses. His research program is primarily funded by the National Science Foundation, with additional support from the National Institutes of Health, National Academies Keck Futures Initiative, Mayo Clinic, US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and corporate partners in the medical and computer industries.

The Interactive Visualization Lab (IV/LAB) serves as the hub for Professor Keefe's transdisciplinary research. The lab is known for its inclusive culture and collaborative approach, working closely with Indigenous scholars and communities, artists, designers, and scientists across disciplines. Recent projects include Sculpting Vis (an NSF-sponsored project on artistic design for scientific visualization), Back to Indigenous Futures, and various initiatives exploring the intersection of data, art, and social justice. The lab has also been involved in creating public art installations like Orbacles in downtown Minneapolis and the Augmented Paafu Mat exhibited at the Queensland Art Gallery. Professor Keefe is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, having founded and chaired the CS-IDEA committee and co-designed the department's Broadening Participation in Computing Plan.