Department of Computer Science
Dr Mahes Visvalingam
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Myself
present status
about myself
Research History
(Under construction)
Research Topics
Hydrology (my
PhD)
Census Analyses
Algorithms
Spatial Data Models
Basic Spatial Units
CISRG
Research Students
Discussion Papers
Publications
pre-1985
1985-2003
2003+
Other Topics
Post-retirement postings
Last updated on
26/12/06
MYSELF Present Status About myself
Since my retirement in June 2003, I am continuing my independent research as a Reader Emeritus of the University of Hull, HULL HU6 7RX, UK.
About myself BA (Malaya, 1968), PhD (Hull, 1973)
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I was born in Malaysia to parents who valued personal and spiritual development above material possessions. Their liberal attitudes and my 8 free-thinking siblings made me appreciate the need to stand one's ground while constantly updating one's ever-tentative personal belief systems. I received an excellent education from dedicated teachers and affectionate class mates at:
A Commonwealth Scholarship (1969 - 72) enabled me to pursue a PhD on Well Point Techniques and the Shallow Water Table under Professor Roy Ward who forced me to think and work like an independent researcher. Thanks Roy. |
I then held a series of temporary positions from Tutorial Assistant in Geography (1973-74), Computational Assistant in the Computer Centre (1974-75) both at Hull; and then a Research Fellow in the Census Research Unit (1975-78) and Temporary Lecturer in Geography (1978-79) both at Durham; before my marriage in 1979, my husband encouraged me to continue my personal independent research.
In 1980, I became an Honorary Research Associate in the Geography Department at the University of Hull (my special thanks to Harry Wilkinson and to Roy Ward who were especially supportive Heads of Department). Professor Geoff Cook, then Head of Computer Science, also kindly offered a desk in Computer Science to enable me to supervise undergraduate and research students working on projects related to a EPSRC (then ESRC) grants and CASE studentships awarded to Graham Kirby and myself. In 1984, I founded and co-ordinated the Cartographic Information Systems Research Group (CISRG), co-edited the CISRG Discussion Paper Series and created the CISRG website. With my multidisciplinary background I set up research collaboration in 1985 with Peter Heywood and Neil Smith, who were spear-heading exciting ground-breaking research and development in Digital Cartography within the Ordnance Survey of Great Britain.
I was appointed to a Lectureship in Computer Science in Jan 1986. I taught Digital Cartography, Computer Graphics, Human-Computer Interaction, Transferable Skills and Project Skills at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
My personal and professional development received a boost in 1989 when I was co-opted onto the Council of The British Cartographic Society (BCS), which takes pride in fostering the development of its members. While I was Chairperson of the Research Committee, it founded the BCS Research Fund in 1991 to recognise and stimulate research by all categories of Independent Research Workers. I was privileged to represent the UK on two Commissions of the International Cartographic Association (ICA) and make modest contributions to its activities.
I am particularly grateful to the support I received from Professor Roger Phillips while he was Head of Computer Science and to my research students for their contributions.
The award to me of the title of Reader Emeritus is a tribute to all the people who have nurtured, challenged and assisted me - from my parents, siblings, husband and colleagues to my teachers and students from whom I have learnt much. My sincere thanks to all of you.
Last updated on 25/10/07