Dina Garatly
Culver City,CA
Summary
Dina is a proficient 3D artist with expertise in animation, scientific visualization, digital environment creation, and special effects. Her skill set encompasses 3D animation, modeling, data visualization, and virtual reality. She has played a pivotal role in numerous prestigious scientific initiatives, facilitating archaeologists' exploration of 6000-year-old artifacts in VR and enabling neuroscientist to immerse themselves in understanding neuron functionality within a fully immersive CAVE environment.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
3D Artist (Summer Residency)
Lowell Observatory
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Developed a series of impactful animation sequences showcased at the Astronomy Discovery Center
- Transformed 2D characters into 3D models for projects at the Astronomy Discovery Center, ensuring captivating visual experiences
- Crafted visually compelling visualizations in close collaboration with scientists and astronomers, effectively translating complex concepts for diverse audiences
- Achieved aligned goals by closely collaborating with the Communications team to produce characters that precisely met their vision and objectives.
VFX Artist
Viterbi Engineering - USC
07.2022 - 08.2022
- Produced a dynamic animation sequence depicting the Earth's transition into USC's building and further into the quantum machine, captivating viewers with a journey through outer space
- Utilized the Niagara system within Unreal Engine to intricately design atomic structures and nebulae, enhancing visual quality and immersive storytelling.
Visualization Scientist
Visualization Lab - KAUST
07.2016 - 08.2021
- Developed streamlined workflows for transforming large-scale scientific datasets into VR visualizations across multiple platforms
- Utilized image segmentation algorithms and tools like ilastik and Avizo to reconstruct 3D image stacks into complex geometries
- Fostered collaboration with local universities by leading workshops in VR development, utilizing tools like Unity 3d, Avizo, and ilastik to empower students and professionals in the field.
Scientific Visualization VR Developer
Visualization Lab - KAUST
07.2014 - 08.2016
- Transformed intricate scientific simulations into immersive Virtual Reality experiences and applications using Unity 3D
- Designed user interfaces and conducted user testing for VR applications, enhancing usability and user experience
- Built VR experiences for multiple platforms including HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Google Cardboard, and a fully immersive six-sided cave environment
- Simplified and optimized complex models through re-meshing techniques
- Applied UV mapping and Substance materials to high vertex count models, ensuring realistic textures
- Animated complex physiological processes such as neuron growth, blood cell flow, and cell mutation, enriching scientific understanding through immersive visuals
- Orchestrated a multidisciplinary team of artists and developers, maintaining artistic and design oversight to achieve the highest aesthetic quality and user satisfaction.
3D Scientific Content Specialist
Visualization Lab - KAUST
07.2013 - 07.2014
- Developed compelling 3D visualizations of scientific data optimized for desktop and large-scale display environments, enhancing data comprehension and presentation
- Successfully delivered an engaging introductory workshop in Maya and 3D modeling, equipping participants with foundational skills for creative expression and design.
3D Scientific Communication Producer
Visualization Lab - KAUST
02.2009 - 07.2013
- Produced dynamic digital content in both 3D and 2D using Maya and AE
- Led the Cyber-Archaeology Project (Madain Saleh in VR), overseeing modeling, texturing, lighting, and interaction development for VR
- Engineered a VR application with 360 panoramic photography for immersive environments
- Developed interactive digital content using various software packages, including game engines, for engaging experiences.
Education
Master of Fine Arts - Expanded Animation Research and Practice
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, USA05.2024
Master of Science - Computer Animation
University of Kent
Canterbury, UK09.2006
Bachelor of Science - Multimedia Technology and Design
University of Kent
Canterbury, UK09.2005
Skills
- 3D creation: Houdini, Maya, Cinema 4D, Z-Brush, Houdini
- Adobe Creative: Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere, Audition
- Game engine: Unity 3D, Unreal Engine
- Projection mapping: Touch Designer
- VFX creation
- Project Management
- Self-motivated with good communication skills
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Storytelling
- Time Management
Accomplishments
Earned the Women in Animation Award in 2024, recognizing outstanding contributions and leadership in the field of animation
Timeline
3D Artist (Summer Residency)
Lowell Observatory
05.2023 - 08.2023
VFX Artist
Viterbi Engineering - USC
07.2022 - 08.2022
Visualization Scientist
Visualization Lab - KAUST
07.2016 - 08.2021
Scientific Visualization VR Developer
Visualization Lab - KAUST
07.2014 - 08.2016
3D Scientific Content Specialist
Visualization Lab - KAUST
07.2013 - 07.2014
3D Scientific Communication Producer
Visualization Lab - KAUST
02.2009 - 07.2013
Master of Fine Arts - Expanded Animation Research and Practice
University of Southern California
Master of Science - Computer Animation
University of Kent
Bachelor of Science - Multimedia Technology and Design
University of Kent
Similar Profiles
Rowan JonesRowan Jones
Visitor Experience Associate at Lowell ObservatoryVisitor Experience Associate at Lowell Observatory
Jeff GehringJeff Gehring
Technical Facilities Manager at Lowell ObservatoryTechnical Facilities Manager at Lowell Observatory
Sarah KammerSarah Kammer
Front Office Administrative Assistant at Observatory OCFront Office Administrative Assistant at Observatory OC