Tim McLaughlin earned both the Master of Science in Visualization Sciences (1994) and the Bachelor of Environmental Design (1990) degrees from Texas A&M University. He joined the faculty of Texas A&M’s Department of Architecture as an Associate Professor in September 2007 and became Head of the new Department of Visualization in January 2008. Prior to joining the faculty at Texas A&M Tim worked in the visual effects industry at Industrial Light & Magic, a division of Lucasfilm Ltd. in San Francisco, California where he led teams of artists and research scientists developing processes and producing groundbreaking award winning visual effects for films. His credit list includes 15 theatrically released feature film projects including Mars Attacks! (1996) Star Wars: Episode I (1999), Van Helsing (2004) and War of the Worlds (2005). The work of Tim’s technical artists contributed directly to Science & Technology Awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Sciences being given to teams of ILM researchers in 1998 and 2001. These awards represent the highest film industry recognition for technical excellence. At Texas A&M, Tim’s undergraduate teaching focus is on computer graphics in animation production while his graduate teaching and research work involves digital character articulation methods and coordination of distributed teams of artists and technologists. As Department Head he has overseen the creation of the Bachelor of Science and the Master of Fine Arts in Visualization degree programs. He is active in a variety of research and outreach activities that involving blending art and science for STEM education.