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Bo Rodda is Assistant Professor of Experiential Media and Design at Illinois Tech, where his research and practice explore the intersection of design, emerging technology, game design and data-driven storytelling. An internationally exhibited designer and co-founder of ChiLab Design Studio, Rodda leads cross-sector collaborations that bridge the arts, science, and innovation. His work has been supported by the NSF, Infosys, United Airlines, Wilson Sporting Goods, among many others. He engages audiences through both public exhibition and applied research.

Rodda previously held a research appointments at University of �糵����’s Urban Center for Computation and Data and Argonne National Laboratory, where he contributed to major initiatives in sustainability, smart infrastructure, and energy systems. These experiences continue to inform his academic work, which integrates rigorous inquiry with creative practice and technological innovation.

Education

BFA, Rhode Island School of Design, Studio Arts | Painting

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

DVS, Data Visualization Society

Publications

Rodda, B., Muhlensein, M., Guzowski, L., Bergerson, M., Ozik, J., & Auld, J.

Designing Future Cities – LakeSIM Integrated Design Tool for Assessing Short- and Long-Term Impacts of Urban Scale Conceptual Designs. ISOCARP Review 11: Reinventing Planning: Examples from the Profession, October 2015.

(International Society of City and Regional Planners Annual Review)

Projects

LakeSIM – Urban Simulation and Planning Platform

Lead architect of a data-driven tool developed in collaboration with the University of �糵���� and Argonne National Laboratory, designed to connect urban design concepts with scientific modeling. Funded in part by the NSF, and featured in ISOCARP Review.

The Array of Things

Senior personnel on a groundbreaking urban sensing project co-developed with Argonne National Laboratory and the University of �糵����. Contributed to sensor design, public engagement strategies, and educational workshops.

The �糵���� City Model – Dynamic Data Projection Mapping

Lead developer and technical advisor for the �糵���� Architecture Foundation’s City of Big Data exhibition. Created a projection system mapping real-time urban data onto a 3D model of the city.

Expertise

Experiential Media & Emerging Technologies

Development and critical exploration of immersive media, AR/VR, physical computing, and sensor-based systems.

Human-Centered Design & Prototyping

Expertise in rapid prototyping, user experience design, and microcontroller-based development (Arduino, IoT, etc.) for both physical and digital systems.

Data Visualization & Urban Informatics

Design and implementation of data-driven tools and visual narratives for public understanding, planning, and civic engagement; special focus on smart cities and geospatial systems.

Game and Media Studies

Research and teaching at the intersection of interactive media, ludic systems, and cultural critique.

Media Appearances

The New York Times

“Going for the Remix” by Julia Lasky (May 23, 2013)

Featured in a design-focused piece exploring remix culture and innovative design practices.

Scientific American

“Empathetic Mapping: Redrawing �糵���� to Examine School Choice” by Karna Gowda (August 8, 2013)

Coverage of your work on civic data visualization and community-focused urban mapping.

Next City

“What Happens When Developers, Scientists and Super-Computers Connect on Urban Design” by Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow (December 6, 2014)

Profiled for your work on LakeSIM and interdisciplinary smart city simulations.

Curbed �糵����

“Using a Real-Life SimCity to Design a Massive Development” by Patrick Sisson (January 16, 2015)

Highlighted your leadership in data-driven urban design collaborations with academic and industry stakeholders.

U�糵���� News

“South Pole Telescope Exhibit Headed for Washington, New York” by Stephen Kopes (April 27, 2012)

Featured your collaborative exhibition design project involving cosmological data and public science engagement.

Inhabitat

“2000 Watt Living by GFRY Studio” by Diane Pham (May 6, 2009)

Covered your work on sustainable design showcased in Milan during Salone del Mobile.

Fast Company

“Living on 2000 Watts” by Cliff Kuang (May 6, 2009)

Spotlighted your energy-conscious design concepts and student-led innovation.

Presentations

• Zurich International Executive Committee Summit (2017)
• Lafarge-Holcim Executive Global Summit (2017)
• KIN Global Summit, Kellogg Innovation Network (2016)
• Seoul Venture University, ETRI, Hanbat University (2014)
• Open Government Hacknight, �糵���� Architecture Foundation (2014)
• ICiS Summer Workshop, Park City, UT (2012)