Description: (Computer scientist, Composer)
Jaron Zepel Lanier is an influential American computer scientist, visual artist, writer on computer philosophy, technologist, futurist, and composer of contemporary classical music. He is credited as a pioneer in the field of virtual reality, having co-founded VPL Research, Inc., which was the first company to market VR goggles and wired gloves. Lanier has a diverse background that includes working on Internet2 applications, serving as a visiting scholar at Silicon Graphics and several universities, and holding roles at Microsoft, such as Interdisciplinary Scientist at Microsoft Research. He is also known for his contributions to contemporary classical music and collaborations on documentary film soundtracks. Lanier's impact and intellectual work have been acknowledged by various publications, including Foreign Policy, TIME, Prospect, and Wired.