Personal profile

Biography

My research explores 3D modelling and virtual environments in research visualisation. I have developed a range of interdisciplinary collaborations, primarily in archaeology & history, with the Visualising Angkor Project, but also in Indigenous Studies with the Monash Country Lines Archive, in zoology, with colleagues at La Trobe University, and in ecology, working with CSIRO and the Australian Ecosystems Models Framework.

Working with academic partners, I have developed a suite of four interlinked, practice based units in 3D modelling, 3D animation and virtual world building in the Faculty of Information Technology. Many of my approaches to teaching are informed by my own research into evidenced based historical reconstructions; where virtual reality and 3D simulation technologies are first trialled before being introduced into the teaching curriculum. This nexus between teaching and research has brought about new opportunities in the development of immersive, interdisciplinary teaching materials for humanities undergraduates in Australia and in the United States.

Research interests

360502 Computer gaming and animation
430204 Digital heritage
430106 Digital archaeology
430102 Archaeology of Asia, Africa and the Americas 
430306 Digital history
460708 Virtual and mixed reality
460704 Interactive narrative
460207 Modelling and simulation

Supervision interests

3D Modelling and Simulation, Virtual Heritage, Digital Humanities, Virtual Reality, Archaeological and Historical Visualisation, 3D Animation

Unfortunately, due to capacity, I am not currently taking on any new graduate research students. 

Monash teaching commitment

Dr Tom Chandler has experience as the Chief Examiner for the following units in the Faculty of IT:

FIT1033 Foundations of 3D
FIT2169: Immersive environments 
FIT3187: 3D Character Animation 

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 13 - Climate Action
  • SDG 15 - Life on Land

Education/Academic qualification

Graduate Certificate in International Urban & Environmental Management, RMIT University

Award Date: 13 Aug 2013

Information Technology, Doctor of Philosophy, Monash University

Award Date: 9 Jun 2011

Fine Arts & Archaeology, Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of Melbourne

Award Date: 31 Mar 1995

Research area keywords

  • 3D virtual reconstruction
  • 3D Animation
  • Angkor
  • Archaeology
  • Historical research
  • Landscape Archaeology
  • Virtual Heritage
  • Virtual Reality and Simulation
  • Visualisation
  • Landscape Simulation
  • Landscape History
  • medieval history

Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or
  • ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous and Environmental Histories and Futures

    Ulm, S. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI)), Russell AM, L. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Fletcher, M.-S. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Nakata, N. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Bird, M. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Watkin Lui, F. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Crayn, D. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Grech, A. (Chief Investigator (CI)), McNiven, I. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Prendergast, A. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Bradshaw, C. J. A. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Wilson, C. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Saltre, F. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Tobler, R. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Stevenson, J. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Haberle, S. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Sharples, J. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Bashford, A. (Chief Investigator (CI)), McDonald, J. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Veth, P. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Turpin, G. (Partner Investigator (PI)), Helgen, K. (Partner Investigator (PI)), Mate, G. (Partner Investigator (PI)), Asmussen, B. (Partner Investigator (PI)), Faulkhead, S. (Partner Investigator (PI)), Henry, D. A. (Partner Investigator (PI)), Treble, P. (Partner Investigator (PI)), Gadd, P. (Partner Investigator (PI)), Levchenko, V. (Partner Investigator (PI)), Leavesley, M. G. (Partner Investigator (PI)), Slack, M. (Partner Investigator (PI)), Williams, A. N. (Partner Investigator (PI)), Nicholas, G. (Partner Investigator (PI)), Crabtree, S. (Partner Investigator (PI)) & Chandler, T. (Associate Investigator (AI))

    1/07/241/07/31

    Project: Research

  • Reuniting cargoes: Underwater Cultural Heritage of the Maritime Silk Route

    Polkinghorne, M. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI)), Van Duivenvoorde, W. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Pearson, N. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Forrest, C. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Nayati, W. (Partner Investigator (PI)), Tan, N. (Partner Investigator (PI)), Popelka-Filcoff, R. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Yukongdi, P. (Partner Investigator (PI)), Sato, Y. (Partner Investigator (PI)), Chandler, T. (Chief Investigator (CI)) & Staniforth, M. (Chief Investigator (CI))

    7/12/226/12/26

    Project: Research

  • 3D Plant models for Unity - CSIRO

    Chandler, T. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI)) & Laird, R. (Chief Investigator (CI))

    Project: Research

  • The Rippon Lea water story

    Harper, L. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI)), Melo-Zurita, M. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Chandler, T. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Bertram, N. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Murphy, C. (Chief Investigator (CI)), McCormack, J. (Chief Investigator (CI)) & Briggs, C. (Chief Investigator (CI))

    National Trust of Australia (Victoria)

    7/12/2031/08/21

    Project: Research