Getting Help

The class staff are very committed to your learning. We’re here to help you, and we offer the following resources to support you:

• For administrative questions (e.g., regarding due dates, or interpreting assignment instructions); for technical questions about programming or the technology stack; for questions about ideas taught in lecture or broader questions about visualization, data analysis, and design: post publicly in the appropriate channel of the class Slack. This ensures that our answer will benefit the entire class!

• For help when you’re feeling confused on data analysis, visualization design, or programming issues, can’t formulate a question, or would like advice about your work: go to office hours (schedule posted below). Please do not email the TAs individually to ask for help.

• For a personal issue about grading, attendance, or team issues: send an email to the staff mailing list, vis-society-staff@mit.edu

• For a private problem or for friendly live advice: email the lecturers—we’d be delighted to chat with you!

Office Hours

Office Hours usually take place at the following times:

• Monday: 2:45-4:45pm (24-310)
• Tuesday: 4-6pm (5-415)
• Wednesday: 10-11am (CHECK-OFF ONLY, Zoom) & 2:45-4:45pm (24-317)

Please make sure to check the calendar below for any changes!

Course Staff

Instructors

Arvind Satyanarayan

Hi folks, I’m Arvind (he/him) and a faculty member in computer science. I lead the MIT Visualization Group where we study various aspects of data visualization including developing new tools for authoring visualizations, applying visualization to interpret machine learning models, and studying how to make visualizations accessible to blind and low vision people. I’m excited for our semester together because Catherine, Crystal, and I have spent a lot of time thinking about how to integrate our classes together so that you both learn core ideas of effective visualization, and then get to apply them in the context of a timely and important real-world issue with social impact. I’m looking forward to getting to know you all — please don’t be a stranger! And, feel free to reach out if you’d ever like to chat (about the class, or other things more generally)!

Catherine D’Ignazio

Hello everyone! I’m Catherine (she/her/ella) and I’m a professor of Urban Science & Planning in Course 11 (Dept of Urban Studies and Planning). I also run the Data + Feminism Lab where we use data and computation to work towards gender and racial justice, especially related to space and place. Some of our big projects right now look at citizen data science and grassroots data activism on topics like gender-related violence, housing, and reproductive justice. I’m always interested in thinking about and talking about how we can use data - and especially data visualization – for positive social change. If these are themes that interest you, too, you might be interested in the 11-6 major, in which we combine urban planning and computer science. Outside of work, I care for my three kids and two giant Maine Coon cats. I also love being outdoors - running, ultimate frisbee, camping and more. Looking forward to getting to meet everyone and see what kinds of projects you will put together!

Crystal Lee

Hello everyone! I’m Crystal (she/her) and I’m a professor of computational media and design at the Schwarzman College of Computing and Comparative Media Studies / Writing. I think a lot about all things data, social media, and inequity – especially when it comes to disability – and I’m especially passionate about combining humanistic perspectives with computational specificity. I love writing about the history of computing and how we can use visualization to advance social good. I’m of course happy to talk through concepts in the readings, give feedback on work, etc – but above all, I am excited to get to know you, about your academic interests / questions or just the things that excite you! One of the joys of being at MIT is having conversations with folks who are really excited by ideas, so please don’t hesitate to have a chat. Outside of work, I go on hikes with my rambunctious dog Laika and enjoy crafty hobbies like crochet, sewing, and cooking. I can’t wait to see what we learn together when we work with the magic that is data visualization!

Teaching Assistants

Dana Hua

Hi everyone! I’m Dana (she/her) and I’m an M.Eng student concentrating in HCI. I’m currently doing my research in the MIT Visualization Group looking at how people perceive data visualizations and where those perceptions come from. I was a 6-3 in undergrad and plan to be a software engineer after graduation. Outside of school, I enjoy trying new cafes, travelling to different places, reading, and photography. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you!

Sophia Zheng

Hi! I’m Sophia (she/her), an MEng student working in the Visualization Group on AI systems and tooling for streamlined data interaction. In undergrad, I studied 6-3 with a minor in 11. Outside of classes, I love running to BerryLine with my friends, baking, and reading. Excited to work with you all; don’t hesitate to reach out!

Simone Peter

Hey everyone! I’m Simone (she/her), a PhD student in Computational Science and Engineering and Civil Engineering in the Digital Structures Group. My research focuses on sustainable structural design, especially using structural optimization techniques to reduce embodied carbon in buildings. Before joining MIT, I studied Computational Mechanics at TU Munich in Germany, and worked on my Master’s thesis at BMW. Outside of academia, I love spending time outdoors 🏞️, baking 🍪, reading 📚, and playing music 🎶. I’m really excited to work with you all - feel free to reach out for help or just to chat!

Riccardo Fiorista

Ciao 🇮🇹, Hallo 🇦🇹, und Hello 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿! I am Riccardo (he/him), a current Master of Science in Transportation student at the JTL-Transit Lab and Zardini Group. While my background is in Aerospace Engineering, AI/CS, and Data Science, I love trains and anything that can transport more than 5 people at once. Therefore, my current research is on the prediction of rail platform crowding at the Washington D.C. Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA). In the past I worked as a software engineer at Continuum Industries. Looking forward to be part of your journey and make this course memorable for the both of us!

Ane Zuniga

Hello! I’m Ane (she/her), a third-year PhD student at the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department. My research focuses on developing scalable, reliable, and responsible AI. Before MIT, I earned my Bachelor’s degree at the University of the Basque Country in Spain. Outside the lab, I enjoy hiking, skiing, sailing on the Charles, and experimenting with new recipes at home.

Zoe De Simone

Hello! I’m Zoe (she/her), a first-year PhD student in EECS at MIT, working in the Visualization Group and Wilson Lab. My research focuses on Human-AI alignment—designing systems that make AI’s reasoning more transparent and aligned with human expectations. My background spans Architecture, Computer Science, Robotics, Computer Vision, and Energy Policy, and I love drawing connections across fields. In the past, I worked as a Quant at Point72. Outside of research, I love running along the Charles, playing soccer, and all things outdoors—hiking, skiing, and (hopefully soon) sailing! Looking forward to working with you all! 🚀