What does an 'informaticist' do?

The possibilities are endless

Informatics students choose their areas of specialization from a number of diverse fields, such as: new media, health sciences, apparel merchandising and interior design, biology, chemistry, cognitive science, computer science, communication and culture, economics, fine arts, geography, instructional systems technology, journalism, linguistics, mathematics, political science, psychology, public and environmental affairs, and telecommunications.

IU's graduate programs organize the field into five focus research areas: bioinformatics, human-computer interaction (HCI), chemical informatics, health informatics, and media arts and science.

Bioinformaticists design systems for storing, retrieving and analyzing biological data in many formats. In practical application, the bioinformaticist could interpret the complex data derived from the computerized gene maps used in the biotech industry to develop hardier plants and livestock, not to mention treatments for genetic disorders.

An HCI informaticist studies and supports the design, development and implementation of usable and socially acceptable information technologies. In applying HCI research findings, informaticists will shape new media and develop more human-friendly tools that will support human use, assist human learning, encourage communication and lead to more acceptable technological developments.

Information challenges facing chemists are huge. Massive amounts of data have been collected from known chemical substances, and chemists are increasingly combining molecular simulation, chemical informatics and data analysis techniques with high quality graphic visualization. In applying information technology, a chemical informaticist can organize and analyze this type of scientific data, sharing chemical information and developing novel compounds, materials and processes.

A health informaticist solves health-care related information problems. He or she might design better ways for health-care providers to access and manage patient records, systems for telemedicine, patient-flow and billing, and consumer health information over the Web.

New media blends the technology of digital images, sounds and data with the art of communication. In this area, an informaticist might be a virtual set designer, combining computer images and physical spaces so media companies can use the same studios over and over again. Or he or she could take video editing, animation, two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics and special effects skills into the entertainment industry. These informaticists also could design and manage Web sites or be involved in distance learning.

E-mail: informat@indiana.edu

http://informatics.indiana.edu/

http://www.informatics.iupui.edu/