Computational Simulations, nD Visualization & Mixed Reality: Engineering Health Care Education, Training & Practice

With the advent and rapid development of high performance computing and communication  (HPCC) and robust and efficient numerical and graphics algorithms, high fidelity computational  simulation and visualization and virtual environment have rapidly emerged as essential tools for  scientific and engineering education and research. Simulation based visualization and mixed  reality (Virtual/Augmented/Physical combination) environments, traditionally applied in military  and aviation training and research are now being explored in universities, industry, and  research laboratories for enhancing education, training, design, and analysis and evaluation  process. In response to this paradigm change, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)  has developed a strategic education and research program focusing on the core areas of high  fidelity simulations, visualization and high performance computing and associated enabling  technologies. In a highly collaborative environment, wide spectrum of applications from  aerospace, automotive, energy, environmental and health sciences as well as health care  involving biomedical, dentistry, nursing, public health and other related health care disciplines  are being researched. The hardware/software and human expertise infrastructure will be described along with  progress realized in the development of tools and technologies and associated applications in  health-care with emphasis on education/training/diagnostics/research. Computational and  associated enabling technology tools will be presented. Future directions will be described  emphasizing recently initiated Mixed Reality Medical Simulation Training Center, Virtual  Interactive Presence System and Education Content System development.