Graph Drawing
Algorithms and models for layered graphs, hypergraphs, and multi-perspective network layouts.
Computer Science / Data Visualization
Sara Di Bartolomeo
I am a Senior Postdoc working in data visualization and graph drawing.
I am currently working in the Algorithms and Complexity research unit at TU Wien. My current work is funded by the FWF ESPRIT project Simultaneous Multiprojection Graph Visualization, where I am principal investigator.
A link to my old website can be found here: <old website>.
Research
My research is about how to draw complex data so that people can read structure, compare alternatives, and reason about change. I work between graph drawing and information visualization, combining algorithm design with empirical evaluation.
I am especially interested in layered and multi-layer graph layouts, network visualization, temporal event sequences, and visualization techniques that can be studied both formally and with users.
Temporal Data
Visual representations for event sequences, timelines, and patterns that unfold over time.
Evaluation
Studies and reviews of how visualization techniques are assessed, compared, and used in practice.
Selected Publications
A complete list is available on Google Scholar.
- Optimizing Staircase Motifs in Biofabric Network Layouts EuroVis 2025 honorable mention Sara Di Bartolomeo, Martin Wallinger, Martin Nöllenburg. Computer Graphics Forum, 2025.
- NODKANT: Exploring Constructive Network Physicalization EuroVis 2025 best paper Daniel Pahr, Sara Di Bartolomeo, Henry Ehlers, Velitchko Filipov, Christina Stoiber, Wolfgang Aigner, Hsiang-Yun Wu, Renata G. Raidou. Computer Graphics Forum, 2025.
- F2Stories: A Modular Framework for Multi-Objective Optimization of Storylines with a Focus on Fairness IEEE VIS 2025 honorable mention Tommaso Piselli, Giuseppe Liotta, Fabrizio Montecchiani, Martin Nöllenburg, Sara Di Bartolomeo. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 2025.
- Evaluating and Extending Speedup Techniques for Optimal Crossing Minimization in Layered Graph Drawings Connor Wilson, Emilia Puerta, Tarik Crnovrsanin, Sara Di Bartolomeo, Cody Dunne. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 2025.
- Quality Metrics and Reordering Strategies for Revealing Patterns in Biofabric Visualizations Johannes Fuchs, Alexander Frings, Marie-Violaine Heinle, Daniel A. Keim, Sara Di Bartolomeo. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 2025.
- Evaluating Graph Layout Algorithms: A Systematic Review of Methods and Best Practices Sara Di Bartolomeo, Tarik Crnovrsanin, David Saffo, Emilia Puerta, Connor Wilson, Cody Dunne. Computer Graphics Forum, 2024.
- Exploring the Design Space of Biofabric Visualization for Multivariate Network Analysis Johannes Fuchs, Franziska L. Dennig, Marie-Violaine Heinle, Daniel A. Keim, Sara Di Bartolomeo. Computer Graphics Forum, 2024.
- Unraveling the Design Space of Immersive Analytics: A Systematic Review David Saffo, Sara Di Bartolomeo, Tarik Crnovrsanin, Lauren South, Joseph Raynor, Caglar Yildirim, Cody Dunne. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 2024.
- Six Methods for Transforming Layered Hypergraphs to Apply Layered Graph Layout Algorithms Sara Di Bartolomeo, Anastasia Pister, Paolo Buono, Catherine Plaisant, Cody Dunne, Jean-Daniel Fekete. Computer Graphics Forum, 2022.
- STRATISFIMAL LAYOUT: A Modular Optimization Model for Laying Out Layered Node-Link Network Visualizations Sara Di Bartolomeo, Mirek Riedewald, Wolfgang Gatterbauer, Cody Dunne. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 2021.
- Sequence Braiding: Visual Overviews of Temporal Event Sequences and Attributes Sara Di Bartolomeo, Yixuan Zhang, Fangfang Sheng, Cody Dunne. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 2020.
Publication Visualizations
Two compact views of my publication record: venues over time, and coauthors connected to papers.
Venues by Year
Each dot is one publication, positioned by publication year and venue. Larger dots mark major journal or conference venues.
Coauthors and Papers
Each vertical mark is one publication, connecting the coauthors who appear on that paper. Bolder vertical lines indicate major publications, thinner lines indicate short papers and workshops. Bold horizontal lines indicate frequent coauthors (>=3 publications). Colored dots indicate coauthor affiliation country. Authors are sorted by year of first publication.
Experience
Senior Postdoc, TU Wien
Principal investigator of the FWF ESPRIT project Simultaneous Multiprojection Graph Visualization.
Postdoc, University of Konstanz
Worked in the Visual Computing Group, taught data visualization courses, and supervised a small group of PhD students.
Research Intern, Microsoft Research
Worked on data comics for representing network incidents.
Research Intern, INRIA
Studied layout algorithms for hypergraphs.
PhD Student, Northeastern University
PhD in Computer Science advised by Cody Dunne. Dissertation: Layered Graphs and Their Layouts, Evaluations, and Applications.
Research Assistant, Sapienza University of Rome
Worked on SPARQLING, a graphical interface for SPARQL queries over GRAPHOL ontologies.
Google Summer of Code, Processing Foundation
Developer and mentor on Processing for Android projects, including APDE.
Awards and Funding
- FWF ESPRIT Grant, principal investigator, 2024-2027.
- Best paper at EuroVis 2025 for NODKANT: Exploring Constructive Network Physicalization, and honorable mention at EuroVis 2025 for Optimizing Staircase Motifs in Biofabric Network Layouts.
- Best paper honorable mention at IEEE VIS 2025 for F2Stories: A Modular Framework for Multi-Objective Optimization of Storylines with a Focus on Fairness.
- Best Dissertation Award, EuroVis 2024.
- Northeastern Dissertation Completion Fellowship, 2022.
- Selected as one of the Huntington 100 at Northeastern University, 2022.
- Excellence Path Award, Sapienza University of Rome, 2017.
Teaching and Outreach
I teach and mentor students across data visualization, graph drawing, and creative computing. At TU Wien, I teach the Seminar for Master Students in Logic and Computation. At the University of Konstanz, I taught Advanced Topics in Data Visualization and Basic Topics in Data Visualization. At Northeastern, I was a teaching assistant for CS7250 Data Visualization.
I have also taught coding and creative computing to children and teenagers, and mentored students through Google Summer of Code and research supervision.
Service
I regularly review for EuroVis, IEEE VIS, CHI, PacificVis, and Graph Drawing. I have served on program committees and organizing teams for venues and workshops including EuroVis, PacificVis, Graph Drawing, alt.vis, VISGuides, and the Graph Drawing Contest.
Art
I used to keep a small art portfolio on my old website. A few pieces are below; more are archived on the old art page.
Contact
The fastest way to reach me is by email. You can also find code and older projects on GitHub.