Dr Karina Rodriguez Echavarria - computing and cultural heritage

The development of computational technologies to advance the study, preservation and communication of cultural heritage is what motivates the research of Dr Karina Rodriguez Echavarria.

After completing an undergraduate degree in Computer Systems Engineering in Mexico, Karina received an Overseas Research Student Award to undertake a PhD in the UK. Thereafter, she joined the University of Brighton as a postgraduate researcher in 2004.

Growing up in Mexico, a country rich in history, instilled in Karina an early interest in cultural heritage. This is reflected in her research interests which combine her expertise in computing with the challenges faced by heritage professionals and communities around the world to protect and preserve their shared history. As her research interests required more humanities training, Karina undertook an MA in Histories and Cultures at the University of Brighton in 2008.

Dr Karina Rodriguez Echavarria

Together with a multidisciplinary team of researchers as well as practitioners from heritage organisations across the world, Karina led various activities within two major EC-funded European projects: the EPOCH network of Excellence (2004-2008) and the 3D-COFORM Integrating project (2009-2012), both led by the University of Brighton.

These projects had the overarching aim to advance the computational technologies available to heritage practitioners to document tangible heritage and improve access. Some of the developments included visualisation technologies, such as virtual reality for people to experience historical reconstructions of Brighton.

Inspired by the many challenges across the heritage sector, Karina went on to lead EPSRC-funded research on visual analytics that deals with the ongoing challenges created by the rise of big data and the increasing generation of visual digital content, including images and 3D content. The research also investigates the creative re-use of heritage-related visual content by using 3D technologies, including 3D printing.

Inspiring others

Karina’s research has established a bridge between practitioners in sectors related to heritage, including museum, art, crafts and the creative industries, and researchers in computing. Her research continues to be collaborative and interdisciplinary in nature. Whilst not losing sight of advancing scientific knowledge, she strives to develop research that has an important utility: to inspire current and future generations through a better understanding of our cultural heritage.

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