Dr. Maffei received his Ph.D. in Plasma Physics in 1984 from the University of Maryland. Prior to working in 3D graphics he was involved in many research projects including proof-of-principle fusion devices, airport security systems, and the design of large-scale radiation generators. In 1994 Dr. Maffei founded Applied IDEAS, Inc., a software consulting firm servicing the high-tech industry. Since the late 90's he acted as a consulted in the field of 3D graphics and animation programming.

Dr. Maffei has designed creative software solutions for various companies that include Microsoft and Right Hemisphere. These tools included special polygon reduction routines and parametric modeling applications. In recent years he developed an unmatched, patent pending technology for the creation of clothed 3D avatars as the Director of Graphics Technology for Bandalong Entertainment. This work entailed developing creative methods for the display, appearance, and user modification of these avatars.

Dr. Maffei is also the developer of Applied IDEAS' Ignition Game Engine, a full-featured game engine specifically designed to address the complexities and challenges that 3D artists face when working with modern game technology. The Ignition system expedites the processes of transferring 3D assets from programs such as 3ds Max and Maya to a game environment, and simplifies the difficult scripting requirements normally found in building a game level.