
Unleashing the potential for scientific discovery, innovation, and creative play with immersive technologies.
The UCSIM | Center for Simulations & Virtual Environments Research develops world-class immersive technology applications for research, scientific collaboration, and higher education. We help researchers solve urgent real-world problems in safe virtual spaces, encourage faculty and administrators to re-imagine the university experience with virtual and augmented reality, and partner with industry to develop innovative data visualizations, training simulations, and user experiences. Our multidisciplinary approach combines subject matter expertise from the university’s scientific community with UCSIM’s technical expertise in augmented and virtual reality application development, computer simulations, 3D modeling, UX/UI, and instructional design to create applications that unleash the potential for scientific discovery, innovation, and creative play with immersive technologies.

Chris M. Collins
Chris M. Collins founded the UCSIM | Center for Simulations & Virtual Environments Research at the University of Cincinnati and serves as the Center’s technical lead. Her work focuses on the use of immersive technologies and virtual environments for scientific collaboration, academic research, and higher education in the UCIT Division of Innovation & Partnerships. Prior to her current position, Chris has worked in the University of Cincinnati Information Technology (UCIT) department for eighteen years in a variety of roles, consulting with faculty in the Faculty Technology Resources Center and as the Business Manager for the Presentation Technology Services Group. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Cincinnati.

Janusia Figueiredo
Janusia Figueiredo is a full-time 3D artist and animator at the UCSIM | Center for Simulations and Virtual Environments Research. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP). In addition to her professional work, she also creates comics and graphic novels, and is currently focused on animation and video game design.

Wiaam Suleiman
Wiaam Suleiman leads the Software Development team at the UCSIM | Center for Simulations & Virtual Environments Research through all the stages of the product lifecycle, from concept to release. Wiaam joined UCSIM from the game industry where he worked as a game programmer responsible for the development of games and game features in several commercial titles. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science.

Himanshu Ajmera
Himanshu Ajmera is a graduate student programmer for the UCSIM | Center for Simulations & Virtual Environments Research. He is exploring data analytics and visualization using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) while pursuing an M.S. in Information Technology. When not working on game-development projects, he prefers to play with data. To know more about his professional life: himanshuajmera8.weebly.com/

Scott Lanham
Scott Lanham is an undergraduate student UI/UX Designer for the UCSIM | Center for Simulations & Virtual Environments Research. Scott is studying Game Design and Simulation through the University of Cincinnati College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Resources. Outside of work he enjoys sleeping, traveling, and playing a variety of games both physical and virtual.

Hien Nguyen
Hien Nguyen is an undergraduate student programmer for the UCSIM | Center for Simulations & Virtual Environments Research. Hien is studying Information Technology – Cyber Security track and his anticipated graduation is May 2019. Outside of work, Hien loves travelling, exploring the nature, cooking and listening/ playing music.
Hien’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hien-nguyen-20ab20a5

Michael Rock
Michael Rock is an undergraduate student programmer at the UCSIM | Center for Simulations & Virtual Environments Research. Michael is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the College of Engineering and Applied Science as well as a master’s degree in Business Administration. His interests outside of software and programming include watching movies with friends, listening to music, playing the piano, and playing video games.

Caleb Smiley
Caleb Smiley is an undergraduate Sound Engineer and 3D Modeler for the UCSIM | Center for Simulations and Virtual Environments Research. Caleb is currently double majoring in Electrical Engineering and the Digital Media Collaborative. He enjoys creating stories of all kinds and in his free time loves to watch, write, and direct films.

Giang Ta
Giang Ta is an undergraduate student programmer at UCSIM | Center for Simulations & Virtual Environments Research. He is pursuing a B.S in Computer Science. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending his time learning new skills, playing videos games and watch cooking videos. Currently, he is looking more into algorithms and hopes to gain a better understanding of it.