Dr. Zahra Montazeri

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Zahra Montazeri is an Assistant Professor at the University of Manchester in the Department of Computer Science. Her research focuses on physics-based computer graphics, particularly photorealistic rendering and appearance modeling of complex materials, including cloth, hair, and fur. Zahra has collaborated as a research consultant with Disney Research and Weta Digital on joint projects and has received credits for her work in the Star Wars franchise. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of California, Irvine, where she was advised by Shuang Zhao under the supervision of Professor Henrik Wann Jensen. Furthermore, Zahra interned at renowned companies such as Pixar Animation Studios and DreamWorks Animation, contributing to projects that significantly impact the field. She has received multiple awards, including the EGSR Paper Award in 2023 and competitive fellowships throughout her academic career. Zahra is also engaged in public science communication and actively participates in initiatives related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of education in her work.

Research Interests

Experience

Research Consultant

2022-04-01 — 2022-11-30

Disney Research •

Research & Development

2021-08-01 — 2021-12-31

Industrial Light & Magic •

Research Assistant

2019-06-01 — 2021-01-31

Luxion (Makers of KeyShot) •

Research & Development Intern

2018-06-01 — 2018-09-30

Pixar Animation Studios •

Research & Development Intern

2017-06-01 — 2017-09-30

DreamWorks Animation SKG •

Research Assistant

2014-06-01 — 2015-08-31

Koc University •

Awards

#

EGSR Paper Award

2023-01-05
#

EGSR Doctoral Fellowship UCI (Fully Funded)

2015-09-08
#

LightSpeed Venture Partners Summer Fellowship

2016-07-23

Courses

Computer Graphics Virtual Environment Introduction to Computer Science - Welcome Week Year Tutorials Year Project

Requirements for University of Manchester

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or science subject Strong background in mathematics and physics
Application Checklist
  • Academic transcripts
  • Two academic references
  • Personal statement
  • CV/Resume
  • English language proficiency certificate
Specialization Notes

Includes MSc in Advanced Electrical Power Systems and MSc in Communications and Signal Processing.