Edward Lank

Edward Lank (November 28, 1972 – March 21, 2022) was a Professor and Cheriton Faculty Fellow at the School of Computer Science, University of Waterloo. He was a renowned scholar in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), with research focuses including intelligent user interfaces, gesture interaction, multi-touch, and motion modeling. Together with colleague Michael Terry, he co-founded the Waterloo HCI Lab, advancing scholarly research in this domain. His work included designing gesture-based free-space input languages, exploring dynamic models of user motion, and developing the MathBrush software system for math formula input. He received numerous accolades, including the NSF Career Award, and was celebrated for his outstanding academic contributions as well as his generous mentorship and support for students and colleagues.

• 2019-2023·Inria Lille-Nord Europe, France·International Research Chair
  • Collaborated with the Équipe LOKI team on international research in the field of Human-Computer Interaction.
• 2018-2021·University of Waterloo, School of Computer Science·Cheriton Faculty Fellow
  • Focused on research in intelligent user interfaces and gesture interaction.
• 2006-2022·University of Waterloo, School of Computer Science·Professor
  • Founded the Waterloo HCI Lab and guided students in researching Human-Computer Interaction and related fields.
• 2002-2006·San Francisco State University·Assistant Professor
  • Taught and conducted research in HCI, earned the NSF Career Award.
• 2001-2002·Xerox Palo Alto Research Center·Postdoctoral Fellow
  • Investigated dynamics of user input motion and interaction interface design.

• 1997-2001·Queen’s University·PhD
  • Specialized in Computer Science, focusing on intelligent user interfaces and gesture interaction.
• 1990-1994·University of Prince Edward Island·Bachelor’s
  • Honors degree in Physics.