Associate Professor John McGhee is Deputy Director of NIEA and Director of the 3D Visualisation Aesthetics Lab.  A practicing 3D CGI artist, researcher and senior lecturer, McGhee has background in design and 3D computer arts research.  His visual practice explores arts-led modes of visualising complex scientific and biomedical data using the 3D CGI techniques used in the visual effects and animation industries. His academic research builds on this theme - which was the basis for his doctoral thesis - and has since resulted in a variety of collaborative projects across the visual arts and sciences. Examples include projects in clinical imaging, microscopy, asthma care and infection control, with a view to improved models of working between artists, patients, the public and healthcare professionals.

In academic terms, McGhee's research portfolio is becoming well established, with two significant research grants secured as Co-Investigator. These include the UK based Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and government bodies such the National Health Service (NHS) and Chief Scientist Office (CSO). In all cases McGhee led the design research component in these multi-disciplinary projects. He was recently promoted to Associate Professor in early 2017.