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, BA 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, and she also oversees grant proposal development and pre- and post-award management for the UCIT Division of Innovation & Partnerships, Research & Development department. 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. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Cincinnati.
Ian Anderson
Ian Anderson leads the art team at the UCSIM | Center for Simulations & Virtual Environments Research. Ian‘s group inspires, designs, storyboards, and creates the visual elements of UCSIM’s virtual environments and 3D spaces, including art assets, 3D models, textures and materials, shading, lighting, and architectural design. Ian also manages UCSIM’s 3D Printing service for research prototyping, including 3D model design, 3D scanning, and fabrication techniques to deliver rapid prototyping capabilities for faculty and student researchers across the institution. Ian received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning in 2015.
William Burke
William Burke is an undergraduate student programmer at the UCSIM | Center for Simulations & Virtual Environments Research. He is currently in his junior year, pursuing a B.S. in Information Technology. In addition to his work at UCSIM, his interests include developing and playing video games, and exploring how video game technology can be a force for social good.
Jared Burton
Jared Burton is an undergraduate student programmer for the UCSIM | Center for Simulations & Virtual Environments Research. Currently, Jared is studying for an undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering through the College of Engineering and Applied Science. His interests include virtual and augmented reality, the associated physics and algorithms, and engineering.
Rebecca Drury
Rebecca Drury is a full time co-op student programmer at the UCSIM | Center for Simulations & Virtual Environments Research (UCSIM). Rebecca is pursing a B.S. in Information Technology at the University of Cincinnati College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, and their professional interests include virtual reality, gamification, game design, and artificial intelligence. Their free time is mostly spent writing, playing games, and writing music.
Janusia Figueiredo
Janusia Figueiredo is a graduate student 3D artist and graphic designer 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. In her free time, she also writes stories that rarely ever see the light of day.
UCSIM | CENTER FOR SIMULATIONS & VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH
