I help enable people literally being in other places across the globe. While we're not quite at the point of Star Trek-style transporters, it is quite possible for people to project themselves across the world and have conversations and discussions in real time audio and video. In some ways, this is much more advanced than displaying avatars. The visual quality of live video should have high fidelity to be especially effective. I help enable this sort of protection and communication.
I have long been fascinated by telepresence, literally the ability to be anywhere, whether in remote classrooms or the plains of Mars. See my Telepresence page for more.
Separate from my work at CMU, I have an interest in physical, quantitative and digital history.
The Energy and Society series features a series of presentations by experts and leaders concerning the application of energy concepts and science to the progression of human history and human's place in the cosmos, as well as the governance of society and the management of industrial and economic processes.