IPFW student and prof partnering on 3-D research project

The result of Henise's diligence and Kim’s guidance is a computer application that enables a user to interactively manipulate a three-dimensional object in three-dimensional space. Their initial results have been presented at the Indiana University Undergraduate Research Conference. In addition, they have received an IPFW research grant to expand their application to incorporate kinematics and dynamic axioms for physics.

Heniser's first experience with Kim was in a computer graphics class in which he was one of four students. His computer programs grew out of an assignment in that class.

“It felt like one-on-one instruction,” Heniser said. Never satisfied with the program he’d developed for the class, he kept working, and Kim kept helping him.

Heniser said Kim’s mentoring has been crucial. “If I get stuck with my work, I go to Professor Kim, and 90 percent of the time, he has the answer. If not, he gives me a book. Without him, I couldn’t do it.”

Kim knows why Heniser has been so successful. “Ryan has a willingness to do anything,” Kim said. “I like his imagination and the fact that he solves problems analytically.”

Heniser is certain that the experience he has received at IPFW will help him in the computer animation field. “I’m getting on-the-edge experience that I wouldn’t get other than on the job,” he said. “Most universities our size don’t have classes in computer graphics, much less a rare teacher like Professor Kim who’s knowledgeable in both computer science and computer graphics.”