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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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 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.