Dr Keith Nesbitt

Biography

Dr Keith Nesbitt is a Senior Lecturer in Information Technology at the University of Newcastle. His research interests include computer games, virtual environments, user-interface design, information visualisation, agent-based modelling and creative processes. With an applied focus in these areas of research, Dr Nesbitt explores how these elements can be employed to solve real world problems. In particular, he looks at how information can be shared and received through engaging the senses.

He has successfully secured funding for various projects, including the Strategic Initiatives Research Fund grant for his work in health informatics; the Teaching and Learning Project grant for the development of a virtual pharmacy; and the PRC in Physical Activity and Nutrition Seed Grant for his research in quantifying dysfunctional movement.

Dr Nesbitt previously worked as a research scientist for BHP, assessing emerging computing technology and their potential impact on BHP business domains. He currently teaches into the courses related to computer games and computer programming.

Dr Nesbitt is also a member of the School of Design, Communication and Information Technology’s research committee, as well as the Applied Informatics Research (AIR) Group. Outside of academia, Dr Nesbitt is a seasoned songwriter and painter, and has exhibited his artwork in Newcastle, Sydney and Boston.

Qualifications

• PhD (Computer Science), University of Sydney, 2003
• Master of Computing, University of Newcastle, 1993
• Bachelor of Mathematics, University of Newcastle, 1988
• Diploma in Technical Analysis, Australian Technical Analysts Association, 2000

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Research

Research keywords

• Agent-based modelling
• Complex Systems
• Information systems
• Multi-sensory Display
• Perception and Cognition
• Software Engineering
• User Interface Design
• Virtual Reality
• Visualisation

Research expertise

Computer Games

Information Visualisation

Multi-sensory User Interfaces

Virtual Environments

Human Perception and Cognition

Intelligent Agents

Complex Systems

Conceptual Modelling

Creativity and Patterns

10 years - applied research BHP Research investigating advanced computer technologies applied to BHP business domains (Minerals and Petroleum Exploration, Mining, Manufacturing, Transport)

12 months - Post-Doc - New England Complex Systems Institute (NECSI) - Boston - Information Visualisation of Complex Systems in the domain of Health

Languages

• English

Fields of Research

Code	Description	Percentage
080699	Information Systems Not Elsewhere Classified	55
080299	Computation Theory And Mathematics Not Elsewhere Classified	25
080399	Computer Software Not Elsewhere Classified	20

Centres and Groups

Group

• Applied Informatics Research Group (AIR)

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Teaching

Teaching keywords

• Computer Games
• Computer Programming
• Process Modelling
• User Interface Design
• Visualisation

Teaching expertise

Computer Languages (Java, C++, VB, Actionscript, Python)

Computer Game Design

Computer Game Production

Software Engineering

Process Modeling

User Interface design

Visualisation

Teaching interests

• Aug 2007 – Senior Lecturer University of Newcastle
• Jun 06-Jun 07 – Post Doctoral Researcher New England Complex Systems Institute, Boston USA
• Jul 03-Jun 06 – Senior Lecturer (Level 7, Step 1), Charles Sturt University, School of IT, Bathurst
• Feb 03-May 06- - Research Programming Contract, University of Sydney, School of IT
• Feb 03-May 06 – Casual Lecturing, University of Newcastle, Computer Science
• May 99-Jan03 – PhD, University of Sydney
• Mar 92-99 – Research Scientist, BHP Research Newcastle
• Apr 99-Apr 92 – Software Engineer, BHP Research Newcastle
• May 99-Jan 03 – Master of Computing, University of Newcastle
• Feb 88-Jan89 – Computer Programmer, Comsteel Waratah