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.
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 received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning in 2015.
Janusia Figueiredo
Janusia Figueiredo is a 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.
Rebecca Drury
Rebecca Drury is the senior 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.
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.
Andrew Block
Andrew Block is a 3D Modeler and Environmental Artist at the UCSIM | Center for Simulations and Virtual Environments Research. He received an associates degree in Graphic Communication Design from the University of Cincinnati and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Game Development at the University of Cincinnati College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. Andrew’s work includes scene scaling and lighting, and modeling environments and props. He enjoys spending time outside, climbing, and playing Frisbee Golf and also pursues VR game creation outside of work. His favorite games include Legend of Legaia, Skies of Arcadia, and the Halo Series.
Mitchell Camfield
Mitchell Camfield is an undergraduate student programmer for the UCSIM | Center for Simulations & Virtual Environments Research. Mitch is studying physics, information technology, and education within his Interdisciplinary degree program. Outside of the world of programming and physics, he enjoys cooking, planning dream vacations, and catching up on the latest Netflix series.
UCSIM | CENTER FOR SIMULATIONS & VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH
