A friend of mine bounced this info to me, though it may of interest to some of the Refresh people:
Joey Ponthieux, "3D Animation and Modeling for Aerospace"
Topic: This lecture revolves around 3D animation and modeling for the aerospace industry, from the 1980's until today. Mr. Ponthieux will discuss the equipment and capabilities (or lack thereof) from his early career through projects including Hyper-X, the Viking 25th Anniversary, TDT Tunnel, and his current efforts with the ATOL lab and their task to assist in the redesign of the National Airspace Management System.
Mr. Ponthieux will talk about the relevance and importance that 3D animation has played in providing promotional support for these projects and/or concepts and how CGI has taken on an increasing role in prototyping complex ideas rather than just promoting them.
Speaker Bio: Joey Ponthieux is a professional 3D animator with a background in Television Broadcasting, Aeronautics and Space Research, and traditional Graphic Arts. He is self trained in multiple CGI disciplines including Modeling, Motion, Texturing, Lighting, Scripting, and Compositing. He is currently a 3D animator employed by NCI Informations Systems assigned to the Data Visualization and Analysis Lab at NASA Langley Research Center.
The lecture will be webcast live here: http://www.newamerica.net/events/2010/joey_ponthieux
When: Monday, February 8 2010, 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Location: New America Foundation 1899 L Street NW Suite 400 (4th Floor) Washington, DC 20036
Near Farragut North Metro Station.
Parking is available until midnight at a garage on 19th between M and L streets for $6.00.
As of January 19, 2010, the DC Department of Transportation has extended parking meter enforcement hours to 10pm on weekdays downtown and set the maximum at 2 hours. Meters in the area of the DC ACM meeting places (Radio Free Asia and New America Foundation) may have even more severe restrictions, such as one-hour only parking. The rates are $2 per hour.
This lecture is free of charge and open to the public. ACM membership is not required to attend, nor is an RSVP necessary. Please feel free to bring friends and colleagues.