Alexander Etter

About Me

I'm a graduate student in Data Science at Stony Brook University with a background in applied mathematics and statistics. I build systems for processing, rendering, and interacting with large-scale visual and spatial data.

My work focuses on making high-dimensional datasets, particularly astronomical and spatial imaging data, navigable in real time through immersive and augmented interfaces. I combine computer vision, data processing, and interactive system design to develop tools that operate across both digital and physical environments.

Before returning to academia, I spent a decade in luxury architectural and landscape lighting design. That experience informs how I approach engineering problems: I design for real-world constraints, spatial accuracy, and execution, not just theoretical performance.

Current Research

I work within the Center for Visual Computing, collaborating with the Visualization Laboratory. My primary project, Xelnaga, focuses on building a pipeline for processing and interactively visualizing large-scale astronomical datasets from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

This work includes:

• Processing high-resolution imaging data (multi-gigapixel scale)
• Rendering data on the Reality Deck for large-format visualization
• Developing AR-based interaction systems for spatial data exploration
• Integrating real-time environment scanning to constrain and adapt user interaction

I am particularly focused on spatially-aware systems—where AR interfaces respond dynamically to physical geometry and user position.

Selected Projects

• Project Xelnaga: Designed and implemented a data pipeline capable of parsing and rendering multi-gigapixel astronomical datasets for real-time interaction across large-scale displays and AR environments. Focused on rendering performance, memory management, and spatial interaction models.
• Passive Solar Auxiliary Structure: Designed a 12' × 12' structure optimized for passive solar gain, incorporating solar orientation, thermal behavior, and material constraints into the planning process.
• Physical Prototyping & Fabrication: Developing precision-built architectural elements to bridge digital modeling with physical execution. Applying strict spatial reasoning, structural tolerancing, and material behavior constraints to physical builds.
• Data Management & Abstractions: Building and working with database systems and programming abstractions to support scalable data processing workflows.