Bill Ribarsky, the Bank of America Endowed Chair in Information Technology, is the 2015 recipient of the First Citizens Bank Scholars Medal, UNC Charlotte’s most prestigious faculty award in recognition of excellence in research.
Ribarsky’s research has greatly influenced the field of visualization and visual analytics. He has been lauded by peers for advancing the way in which individuals visualize data and approach real-world problems.
“Bill is clearly at the forefront of rapid developments in visual analytics as a field and practice,” said Chancellor Philip L. Dubois. “He epitomizes what the First Citizens Scholar Medal represents through his innovative research, remarkable scientific impact, and steadfast commitment to preparing undergraduate and graduate students for their future careers.”
Breakthroughs in visual analytics of the type Ribarsky researches are crucial in propelling the widespread utilization of “big data”—data science and business analytics—in the marketplace.
Ribarsky is the founding director of the Charlotte Visualization Center. From 2008 to 2014, he served as chair of the Computer Science Department. Ribarsky is principal investigator for the Department of Homeland Security SouthEast Regional Visualization and Analytics Center.
Colleagues of Ribarsky are lavish in their praise. One of them said, “Ribarsky is a clear leader internationally in visualization, computer graphics and virtual environment communities.” Another noted, “It is difficult for me to envision anyone whose record comes even close to matching the quality, quantity and sustained excellence of Bill’s research contributions.”
He has published more than 170 scholarly papers, book chapters and books. He has received competitive research grants and contracts from the National Science Foundation, Department of Homeland Security, National Institutes of Health, Environmental Protection Agency, NASA, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Education, National Institute of Justice and several institutions and companies.
Ribarsky completed a bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. in physics from the University of Cincinnati.
“First Citizens Bank is delighted to continue our 28-year relationship with UNC Charlotte to honor an exceptional faculty member with the Scholars Medal,” said Marc Horgan, wealth regional managing director for First Citizens Bank. “The presentation of this award is a reflection of our bank’s Forever First commitment to the people, businesses and communities we serve. It’s a great privilege for us to join with the University in recognizing Dr. Ribarsky and his prestigious work.”
The First Citizens Bank Scholars Medal, presented by First Citizens Bank and UNC Charlotte since 1987, was created to spotlight the important contributions UNC Charlotte and its faculty are making – not only in its community, but also throughout the Carolinas, the nation and the world. Past award recipients have influenced scholarship in a number of academic disciplines and fields, including engineering, psychology, microchip technology, anthropology, sociology, biology and art and photography.
An award ceremony was held Thursday, April 2, at the Harris Alumni Center to formally honor Ribarsky.