ABOUT UAT
University of Advancing Technology is an elite, private college that serves its student body by fostering knowledge creation and academic excellence in an environment that embraces the young technophiles of the world. With three centers of research and a suite of technology-centered undergraduate and graduate degrees, the University is a recognized leader in technology education.
Every semester, University of Advancing Technology (UAT) in Tempe, Arizona, turns up the spotlight on bold ideas. The Provost Challenge is not just another student showcase — it’s a pressure-cooker where creativity, collaboration, and hands-on tech collide.
UAT's Provost, Dr. David Bolman, kicked off the event with energy: “Really glad you’re here. Really glad to see props and shirts. This should be a really great hour.” Students had five minutes on stage to pitch, demo, and defend their creations before the judges stepped out to deliberate.
The first team led with a project every pet owner wished they had. Their prototype, PlayPals, is a self-moving toy designed to keep cats and dogs active even when owners aren’t home.
“Our solution plays out’s interactive self-moving toy that you can just leave at home. It’ll move around, your dog can chase it, your cat can play with it, even without you there.”
Future visions? App control, AI-driven behavior, and durability fit for endless chew sessions.
Another team gamified student life with Masked Kits, a UAT-based trivia board game. Designed to help new students connect and learn about campus, it’s part engagement tool, part icebreaker.
One student summed it up best: “We thought this could potentially be a tool used as an engagement activity, something that helps us come together and learn a little bit more about each other.”
This team took on social impact with a browser game designed to discourage gambling among younger generations. The game frustrates by design — loud sounds, rage-inducing loops, and mechanics that make players want to quit rather than spend.
As the team explained: “We are trying to dissuade gambling, so the more you lose, the less you want to play.”
Campus navigation got a tech upgrade through Find Maxwell, a game built in Unreal Engine. Students recreated parts of UAT’s campus virtually, hiding the university’s beloved “Catscot” Max in different rooms.
The project aimed to transform traditional video tours into something immersive: an interactive orientation experience for new and prospective students.
Not all projects lived in code. Rescuing the Cursed Cat Max was a tabletop RPG-inspired board game where players battled enemies, uncovered artifacts, and ultimately cured a cursed version of UAT’s "Catscot", Max.
The team highlighted the collaboration: “Just how we became friends over this. Yeah. Struggle, yeah.”
Mashing classic games into something chaotic, Pikaro introduced golden treasure cards, purge mechanics, and the requirement to call out “Pikaro!” before stealing a win.
The team put it plainly: “We wanted to make a game that was for strategy. It would bring people together, but in the midst of chaos.”
Another pet-focused innovation, Brain Bark combined 3D-printed parts, sensors, and sound effects to create a chew toy that stimulates dogs physically and mentally.
One student broke down the build: “We decided to use TPU for the central column so the dog could squish it and it makes sounds, as well as the pressure sensors detecting activity.”
Closing out the showcase, TrashyAI impressed with an AI-powered recycling attachment for everyday bins. Using computer vision trained on 34,000 images, it can distinguish trash from recyclables and sort automatically.
“The objective is just keep it simple, cost effective, smart and viable. Reduce profit margin, increase effectiveness and efficiency, and create healthy habits.”
PlayPals impressed the judges with its practical, interactive, and pet-friendly design. Its potential for AI-driven behavior, app control, and durable play made it a standout project among the talented UAT students.
During feedback, Dr. David Bolman highlighted the team’s work:
“I really liked seeing your sketches and the development process that went into it. You had a basic prototype to show, and it was great to see how each team member spoke about their role. It made it really clear how you all contributed, and overall, the presentation was very well done.”
From AI-powered recycling to anti-gambling apps, these student-led projects spotlight UAT’s culture of innovation. Hands-on learning, teamwork across disciplines, and tackling real-world challenges define the Provost Challenge — and life at UAT.
Explore more Student Innovation Projects (SIPs) and see how students turn ideas into reality.
Q: What is the Provost Challenge at UAT?
A: It’s a student innovation showcase where teams pitch and demo projects in front of faculty judges.
Q: Where does the Provost Challenge take place?
A: On the campus of University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Arizona.
Q: What kinds of projects do students present?
A: Everything from board games to AI-powered apps, robotics, and virtual campus tours.
Q: Who participates in the Provost Challenge?
A: Students across disciplines — game design, cybersecurity, robotics, advertising art, digital production, and more.
Q: How does the challenge connect to UAT degrees?
A: Many projects tie directly into majors like Robotics Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Game Design, and Cyber Security.
Q: Can prospective students see past Provost Challenge projects?
A: Yes — highlights often appear on UAT’s Student Accolades page.
Ready to turn bold ideas into real-world prototypes?
At UAT, innovation isn’t an elective. It’s the curriculum.
Most universities bolted cameras onto lecture halls and called it online learning. At University of Advancing Technology (UAT) in Tempe, Arizona, we flipped the script. We engineered our online degrees from the ground up to feel like the future—because they are.
On National Online Learning Day, we’re celebrating a fact our students already know: UAT Online doesn’t just deliver classes, it launches futures. From anywhere on the planet.
Build Games from Your Bedroom. Train AI in Your Apartment. Prototype Tech in Your Pajamas.
At UAT, you’re not stuck rewatching lectures or filling out busywork. You’re immersed in real-world project development that’s fast, flexible, and designed to build your career portfolio while you study.
Our platform isn’t a bolt-on—it’s built for collaboration, communication, and creation. You’ll:
Build a portfolio employers can’t ignore
Get mentorship from professors who work in the field
Join Student Innovation Projects (SIPs)—yes, even online
Study around your schedule, but never solo. Instructors respond quickly. Classmates are coding side hustles, running startups, and building simulations—just like you.
No watered-down courses. Every online student earns the same accredited degree as on-campus peers. From Cybersecurity and Robotics to Game Programming and Artificial Intelligence, you’re mastering skills industry leaders helped us design.
As a UAT Online student, you also unlock:
One-on-one support from Academic Advisors
Full career coaching and résumé review
Faculty-led virtual lab sessions
Tech concierge services
UAT-exclusive competitions, clubs, and meetups
And when your big idea is ready? Your SIP project gets its own digital spotlight in the Student Innovation Project Showcase—complete with faculty and industry judges.
Where is UAT located?
UAT is based in Tempe, Arizona, but our online degrees are accessible worldwide.
Are UAT Online degrees accredited?
Yes. Every online program delivers the same fully accredited degree as our on-campus programs.
How is UAT Online different from other online universities?
UAT’s programs are project-driven, tech-powered, and portfolio-focused, with direct faculty mentorship and industry collaboration.
Can military service members enroll in UAT Online?
Absolutely. Many of our online students are active-duty military or veterans. Our flexible online structure makes it easy to balance service, work, and study.
What careers can I pursue with a UAT Online degree?
Graduates launch into careers in cybersecurity, robotics, AI, software development, game design, digital marketing, and more.
Does UAT provide career support for online students?
Yes—career coaching, résumé reviews, and networking opportunities are part of the package.
Active-duty military. Working professional. Parent. Digital nomad. UAT Online meets you where you are, then launches you where you want to go.
Because innovation doesn’t care where you sit. It cares what you build.
Every September, National Coding Week shines a spotlight on the power of code—how it shapes the world, empowers creators, and opens doors to careers that didn’t even exist ten years ago.
But at University of Advancing Technology (UAT) in Tempe, Arizona, we don’t need a holiday to celebrate code. It’s the foundation of what we do, who we are, and how we prepare the next generation of tech innovators.
Learning to code isn’t just about becoming a programmer—it’s about unlocking the ability to build your own future.
At its core, coding is problem-solving in motion. Whether you’re:
Writing a game engine from scratch
Scripting bots to automate daily tasks
Securing networks against cyber threats
Building apps and tools that scale
…code is the universal toolset.
And it’s everywhere. From finance to healthcare, gaming to cybersecurity, entertainment to AI—every industry is being shaped by code.
Because we don’t do boring.
At UAT, students code from day one. Forget years of theory before your first project—you’ll dive straight into:
Game builds in Unity and Unreal Engine
AI model training and prompt engineering
Cybersecurity labs and ethical hacking simulations
App and web development you can actually publish
You’ll be surrounded by other students who want to be here—passionate about tech, gaming, AI, and building what’s next. Small class sizes mean your professors know your name, your projects, and your goals.
And because UAT is an all-STEM campus, you’re not competing with non-tech majors. Every student here is immersed in the tech world. You don’t just learn code—you live it.
We’re not into pomp and circumstance—we’re into building, but National Coding Week is the perfect excuse to spotlight what’s already happening all over campus:
Student-created projects on display in the Commons
Pop-up sessions with faculty and alumni exploring new languages, APIs, and frameworks
Late-night debugging marathons (yes, caffeine is usually involved)
Collabs between first-years and advanced coders on prototypes, plugins, or app fixes
No dress code. No stage. Just passion, persistence, and the kind of creative chaos that happens when smart people chase great ideas.
Many UAT alumni have gone on to build careers in game development, cybersecurity, software engineering, and emerging tech fields. Some have launched startups, worked on recognized game titles, or joined teams at companies like Amazon, Lionbridge Games, Blizzard, and APS. Most started with a simple idea—and the drive to see where their code could take them.
Q: What is National Coding Week?
A: A global event held every September to inspire people to learn coding and highlight its role in shaping modern careers.
Q: Do I need prior coding experience to study at UAT?
A: Nope. Beginners are welcome. We’ll place you at the right level and help you build real projects from semester one.
Q: What coding languages will I learn at UAT?
A: Expect to work with C++, C#, Python, JavaScript, plus frameworks for Unity, Unreal, AI, and cybersecurity tools.
Q: How soon will I work on real projects?
A: Immediately. You’ll touch projects and code repos from your very first semester.
Q: What makes UAT different from other universities?
A: Our all-tech, project-based model. You don’t just learn theory—you graduate with a portfolio of shipped, working projects.
👉 [Explore Coding Degrees at UAT]
👉 [Schedule a Tempe Campus Tour]
👉 [Request Info Today]
👉 [Apply Now]
Don’t just celebrate National Coding Week. Live it—every day at UAT.
September 13 marks Programmers’ Day—the 256th day of the year. Why 256? Because it’s the highest power of two that fits inside a byte (2⁸). For developers, it’s a subtle nod to binary brilliance.
At University of Advancing Technology (UAT) in Tempe, Arizona, we celebrate programmers daily. Our students don’t just write code—they architect systems, debug at scale, and push software that powers games, AI, security, and beyond.
Game Programming (BS) – C#, C++, Unity, Unreal, tools, and network code
Advancing Computer Science (BS) – Algorithms, cloud computing, software engineering
Artificial Intelligence (BS) – Machine learning, neural nets, data pipelines
Cyber Security (BS/MS) – Pen testing, forensics, secure coding
Robotics & Embedded Systems (BS) – Hardware + software integration, IoT
👉 Every program culminates in a Student Innovation Project (SIP)—your coded capstone that proves you can ship.
Write production code. Not just tutorials—real commits, repositories, and sprints.
Collaborate across majors. Coders pair with artists, designers, engineers, and makers.
Push tech forward. From VR builds to AI prototypes, you’ll code the future.
Showcase to industry. Demo at UAT’s SIP Showcase and land internships with proof, not promises.
Tech corridor: Tempe and Phoenix host software startups, cybersecurity firms, and dev meetups.
Year-round events: Hackathons, coding bootcamps, and tech talks across the Valley.
Affordable launchpad: Lower cost-of-living than Silicon Valley or Seattle, but with access to the same pipelines.
Software Engineer • Gameplay Programmer • AI/ML Engineer • Cybersecurity Analyst • Full-Stack Developer • Robotics Programmer • Cloud Architect • DevOps Engineer
Q: Why is Programmers’ Day on the 256th day of the year?
A: Because 256 is the highest power of two that fits in a byte (2⁸). In leap years, it’s September 12; otherwise, it’s September 13.
Q: What coding languages will I learn at UAT?
A: C++, C#, Python, JavaScript, plus scripting for Unity, Unreal, AI frameworks, and cybersecurity tools.
Q: Do I need prior coding experience?
A: No. UAT welcomes beginners and builds you up through project-based learning.
Q: How soon will I code real projects?
A: Semester one. Expect repositories, prototypes, and playable builds within weeks.
Q: Can I combine coding with other disciplines?
A: Yes—UAT encourages interdisciplinary projects across art, robotics, AI, and cyber.
👉 [Explore Coding Degrees at UAT]
👉 [Schedule a Tempe Campus Tour]
👉 [Request Info Today]
👉 [Apply Now]
Code your future. Programmers’ Day is your reminder: the world runs on code—why not yours?
The job market is changing rapidly, with technology reshaping industries in profound ways. According to the LinkedIn Workforce Report | January 2025, sectors such as Technology, Information, Media, and Financial Services have seen a surge in hiring activity—driving demand for professionals with advanced skills.
At University of Advancing Technology (UAT), our degrees are designed to provide the knowledge and hands-on experience students need to meet these evolving demands. With a focus on technology, AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and innovation, UAT students build the adaptability today’s job market requires.
Technology and AI’s Role in Hiring
Hiring in tech, information, and media is fueled by demand for AI and related skills. UAT integrates AI into degree programs, giving students tools that align with industry needs.
The Importance of Adaptability
Today’s professionals change jobs more frequently than ever. UAT’s project-based degrees prepare students to navigate career shifts and stay competitive.
Regional Hiring Trends
Cities like Denver, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C. are seeing strong growth in tech and finance. With online learning and on-campus options, UAT students can connect to these opportunities from anywhere.
AI and Innovation Driving New Roles
As automation expands, new roles emerge. UAT programs in AI, Robotics, and Cyber Security equip students with specialized skills for these fields.
UAT’s degree families—Business & Innovation, Creation & Simulation, Cyber Security, Digital Arts, Game Studies, and Software Engineering—are built to help students thrive in a dynamic job market.
The future of work is here—and UAT is where you prepare to shape it.
Read more: LinkedIn Workforce Report | January 2025
Q1: What does “future of work” mean at UAT?
A: Emerging tech, automation, and AI are creating new career paths. UAT degrees align directly with these trends.
Q2: Which industries are seeing growth?
A: Technology, media, financial services, and regional hubs like Denver, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.
Q3: How does UAT prepare students?
A: Through hands-on projects, AI-driven coursework, cybersecurity labs, and portfolio-building experiences.
Q4: Can I study remotely?
A: Yes, UAT offers both online and on-campus programs, connecting students nationwide to industry growth.
Q5: Which programs best fit the future of work?
A: AI, Cyber Security, Robotics & Embedded Systems, Data Science, and Software Engineering.
Every September 12, the gaming community hits pause to celebrate National Video Games Day. At University of Advancing Technology (UAT) in Tempe, Arizona, we don’t just play—we build. Our students design worlds, code mechanics, and animate characters that leap off the screen.
Gaming isn’t just entertainment; it’s a $200+ billion industry hungry for talent. Analysts forecast the global video game market to reach $188.9 billion in 2025. At UAT, National Video Games Day isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a reminder that the controller in your hand could be the keyboard, stylus, or headset that builds your career. With UAT’s project-driven model, students ship prototypes and polished portfolios long before graduation.
Game Design (BS) – Level design, balancing, production, UX
Game Programming (BS) – C#/C++, networking, gameplay tools
Game Art & Animation (BS) – 3D modeling, rigging, PBR texturing, animation
Virtual Reality (BS) – XR interaction, spatial computing, optimization
Artificial Intelligence (BS) – NPCs, machine learning, procedural content
👉 Each degree ends with a Student Innovation Project (SIP)—a capstone prototype showcased to peers, faculty, and industry.
Prototype fast. Game jams and rapid sprints start in semester one.
Collaborate like a studio. Designers, programmers, artists—same table, same deadline.
Publish portfolio pieces. Public builds, Git repos, short videos, clear READMEs.
Get real mentorship. Faculty who’ve shipped titles, tools, or pipelines know what studios want.
Campus in Tempe, AZ, minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Lower cost-of-living LA or Seattle, with the same skill pipelines
Community access: indie dev meetups, maker spaces, esports, and studio internships
Design: Systems, Level, UX Designer
Programming: Gameplay Engineer, Tools Programmer, Network Engineer
Art: 3D Artist, Animator, Technical Artist
XR & AI: XR Developer, AI/ML Engineer, Simulation Developer
Production & QA: Producer, PM, QA Analyst
Q: Do I need prior coding or art experience?
A: No. We’ll place you at the right entry point and build from there.
Q: Can I mix design, programming, and art?
A: Yes. Many students stack electives or minors across programs.
Q: What engines and tools will I learn?
A: Unity, Unreal Engine, Git/Perforce, JIRA, Maya/Blender, Substance, and profiling tools.
Q: How soon will I build my first game?
A: Semester one. Expect early prototypes and polished projects by mid-program.
Q: Can I study online?
A: Some coursework is online, but the Tempe campus experience gives you the full studio collaboration and lab access.
👉 [Explore UAT Game Degrees]
👉 [Schedule a Tempe Campus Tour]
👉 [Request Info Today]
👉 [Apply Now]
Turn National Video Games Day into your origin story.
Let’s be clear: National Video Game Day isn’t just about nostalgia, leaderboards, or flexing your KD ratio. It’s about recognizing the cultural—and commercial—juggernaut that gaming has become. It’s about acknowledging that the games you grew up with weren’t just fun. They were a gateway.
Welcome to University of Advancing Technology (UAT), where gamers become developers. Artists become architects of alternate realities. And coders write the future of interactive storytelling.
You speak it fluently. You’ve grown up problem-solving in open worlds, strategizing in real time, and building digital empires with strangers halfway across the globe. Now, it’s time to turn that fluency into fluency in Unity, C++, Python, and Blender.
This isn’t about “studying” game design. It’s about building games while you learn—about designing mechanics, coding AI, animating characters, and launching fully playable titles before you even graduate.
You don’t watch the industry evolve from the sidelines here.
You help define it.
UAT offers an ecosystem, not just a major:
Game Programming: Build engines. Break systems. Write logic like a boss.
Game Art & Animation: Design characters that move (and make people feel).
Game Design: Architect rules, stories, and psychology that hook players for hours.
Virtual Reality: Recode reality. Build experiences for worlds that don’t exist—yet.
Bonus level? We’re one of the only universities that blends hands-on dev work, studio collaboration, and real-world project launches into every degree.
Yes, you can game in our on-campus esports arena.
Yes, we host game jams, innovation showcases, and build nights.
Yes, your professors have built actual commercial titles.
But here’s the cheat code:
You’re not here to play. You’re here to level up.
👉 See the Programs
👉 Apply Now – Because your career shouldn't be on pause
👉 Schedule a Tour – And yes, the game labs are as cool as they sound
Because at UAT, we don’t just play games. We build them.
At University of Advancing Technology (UAT), leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about showing up — for your classmates, your community, and your future self.
This summer, that spirit was embodied by Avery Willets, a Bachelor of Science in Data Science major who somehow juggled completing three associate degrees in Advancing Computer Science, Network Engineering, an internship, and student ambassador duties — all while being known around campus as “everyone’s bestie.”
“Avery has a unique ability to brighten any room with just a smile.” — Student Services Team
It’s no wonder Avery was honored with the Brook Cayce Legacy Leadership Award, UAT’s highest recognition for students who lead with positivity, resilience, and innovation.
Avery’s path at UAT has been nothing short of ambitious:
Degree track: Bachelor’s in Data Science + three associate’s degrees in Advancing Computer Science, Network Engineering, and Network Security.
Student Ambassador: The go-to face of UAT for new and prospective students.
Internship Impact: As UAT’s Data Marketing Scientist Intern, Avery earned a HubSpot Reporting Certification and tackled multi-platform data integration projects that shaped how UAT uses insights to drive strategy.
Skillset: Sharp analytical skills + genuine curiosity + the attitude of “I can figure this out.”
That mix of hustle and heart made Avery a stand-out leader in every corner of campus.
Numbers and dashboards may have been Avery’s tools, but people are his legacy. Whether it was breaking down complex insights for the marketing team or just brightening a friend’s day between classes, Avery made leadership personal.
“Positive, friendly, fun, eager to help — Avery’s presence will be missed around here, but we know he’ll go on to achieve greatness.” — Student Services Team
In other words: Avery doesn’t just crunch data. He connects people.
The Brook Cayce Award honors the spirit of a student who was driven, friendly, involved, and always ready to lend a helping hand. Avery’s story reflects that legacy perfectly — proving that leadership is as much about kindness as it is about accomplishment.
At UAT, we believe leaders aren’t just born. They’re built through community, opportunity, and innovation. Avery’s journey shows what that looks like in action.
Q: What is the Brook Cayce Legacy Leadership Award?
It’s UAT’s highest recognition of student leadership, honoring the legacy of Brook Cayce — a student remembered for her positivity, involvement, and generosity of spirit.
Q: Why did Avery Willets win the Summer 2025 award?
Avery was recognized for his academic excellence, work as a Student Ambassador, impactful internship contributions, and his ability to uplift everyone around him.
Q: What did Avery study at UAT?
Avery pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Data Science along with three associate’s degrees, while also completing certifications and internships.
Q: How does UAT prepare student leaders like Avery?
Through Student Innovation Projects (SIP), leadership opportunities, internships, and a tech-driven community where students practice real-world impact.
Want to launch your career, earn certifications, and lead like Avery?
👉 Apply to UAT Today
At UAT, you don’t just study tech — you lead with it.
As surprisingly cooler weather greeted our University of Advancing Technology (UAT) campus for the Fall 2025 Welcome Week, the energy was unmistakable. The Class of 2028 had arrived, ready to write the opening chapter of their technology-driven journey.
Families and new students poured onto campus for Move-In Weekend, turning tech tanks and our Large Commons into design, fabrication, and innovation labs. Parents were welcomed with orientation sessions designed to guide them through academic expectations and campus life—because the Class of 2028 doesn’t just step onto campus, they step into a community.
Then came CONNECT—UAT’s immersive orientation experience. Guided tours and break-out sessions revealed high-tech labs, collaborative workspaces, and hidden gems across campus. Interactive workshops like the Cyber Security scavenger hunt and AI mashup sessions gave students a chance to meet faculty, get key University and tech tips, and build early bonds with peers and mentors.
During CONNECT, students met the faculty and our world-class instructors who blend cutting-edge research with real-world technology challenges. Informative gatherings and casual sessions offered both academic insight and practical advice, creating a warm, encouraging atmosphere to begin the semester. As conversations unfolded, the room came alive. Students grew more confident, asking thoughtful questions and engaging deeply with their Subject Matter Experts across a variety of topics.
In true UAT fashion, the Provost Challenge officially kicked everything into high gear. As Dr. David Bolman, Provost puts it:
“When you're a new student, most, if not all of you, have ideas of something you've always wanted to build—and UAT is your sandbox to build it. What’s really fun about this challenge is that it is very open-ended. You can build anything you like.”
Cross-disciplinary groups—randomly formed from CONNECT cohorts—received playful, creative prompts and had just one week to design and deliver a minimum viable prototype that’s innovative, functional, and new.
This year’s creative themes?
Kip (Provost Bolman’s dog) 🐾
Max (UAT’s beloved “Catscot”) 🐈
Vibe Coding — where rhythm meets code
Memes — culture meets creation
Against each theme, teams leaped into hacking sessions, design sprints, and rapid prototyping—all before official classes even began.
By the time the first lectures started today, these teams had already bonded, brainstormed, and began building something innovative, proving that at UAT, innovation doesn’t wait for Day One. It ignites before arrival.
Class of 2028: this is only the beginning. The future you build starts now, and we can't wait to see what you accomplish!
If you'd like to join in on the excitement and dive into a world of limitless innovation with UAT, request more information here or apply today!
Every fall, new innovators step onto University of Advancing Technology (UAT) campus in Tempe, Arizona. They bring laptops, sketchbooks, game mods, and bold ideas—and each has their own reason for choosing UAT.
Their stories prove what our postcards say best: Wish you were here. Because here is where passion meets purpose, and freshmen don’t just imagine the future—they build it.
Uriah Yellowhorse (Mesa, AZ): “It was the best choice for me. A rep came to my school. I am passionate about creating games, computers, 3D modeling, digital art, and 2D art.”
“Do or do not, there is no try.” – Master Yoda
Carter Honor (Mesa, AZ): “I chose UAT because I love the small class sizes and the chance to get hands-on experience. It’s the perfect place for me to learn, create, and be part of a tech-focused community.”
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln (allegedly)
Daniel Burton (Houston, TX): “I chose UAT because of its curriculum. It directly aligns with my ambitious goal to create an EV retrofit system to aid in upcycling aging vehicles.”
Charley Silbergleith (Gilbert, AZ): “I chose UAT because I know an alumnus who works in game development and because I have been talking with a few recruiters from Riot Games. I am passionate about video games, comics, and LitRPGs.”
“If you’re able to entertain, you’re doing a good thing.” – Stan Lee
Ruby Vaughn (Chandler, AZ): “I chose to come to UAT because it’s a nice small campus and has multiple degrees that fit my interests. I am passionate about coding and making others happy through entertaining content.”
Jonathan Mejia-Vanegas: “I grew up around computers and that early exposure piqued my interest in them. I chose UAT because being part of a university that specializes in tech as a whole is important to me.”
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11
…and that’s just a handful of the new faces. From robotics engineers to digital artists, every freshman is already building something that matters.
Ask ten freshmen why they picked UAT, and you’ll hear ten different answers:
Hands-on learning from the start.
Small class sizes that feel more like a creative lab than a lecture hall.
24/7 access to makerspaces, robotics labs, and game studios.
A community of creators who push each other forward.
Different stories. Same theme. They wanted a place where their ideas could thrive—and that place is here.
📍 Where is UAT located?
In Tempe, Arizona—minutes from downtown Phoenix in one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the Southwest.
⚡ What makes UAT different?
Small class sizes, accelerated degree options, and 24/7 makerspaces where students launch projects from day one.
🎓 What is campus life like?
Close-knit and collaborative. Students describe it as coding sessions, game jams, robotics builds, and friendships forged over late-night ideas.
💻 What degrees are offered?
Cybersecurity, Robotics Engineering, Game Design, Game Programming, Game Art & Animation, Advertising Art, Artificial Intelligence, Advancing Computer Science and more!
These freshmen chose UAT for a reason. The next move is yours.
👉 [Apply to UAT]
👉 [Schedule a Campus Tour in Tempe]
👉 [Explore UAT Degrees]
At UAT in Tempe, Arizona, the Student Innovation Project (SIP) Showcase isn’t about final exams — it’s about prototypes that work. Students spend months designing, building, and refining technology that challenges industries from cybersecurity to robotics, game design, and AI. The Summer 2025 Showcase proved one thing: on-campus students are shaping the future right here in Arizona.
UATf – Mitchell Moss & Andrew Barkan (Network Security)
A Capture the Flag platform designed by hackers, for hackers. Affordable, addictive, and made to replace overpriced subscriptions. “I wanted to build a platform that would make it easier for UAT students to host, play, and learn from CTF challenges — made by students, for students.”
Shield of Dawood – Mahmoud Hamadah (Network Security)
A cultural and technical leap in cybersecurity — designed to protect users from Man-in-the-Middle attacks. “My purpose is to protect the user in the digital world,” Hamadah said.
Fusion Storytelling Format – Daniel Villa (Advertising Art)
Comics, novels, and graphic storytelling collide in a single hybrid format. A new language for content creators and advertisers.
Unprocessed – Ryan Canepa (Advertising Art)
Raw, unpolished media that critiques consumer culture. One instructor called it “an anti-advertisement that makes you rethink what you buy.”
VR/AR Asymmetric Multiplayer – Alexander Caraway (Game Programming)
In this VR/AR prototype, imbalance isn’t a flaw — it’s the feature. A rebellion against the obsession with fair play.
Animation App Improvements – Faith Morales (Game Art & Animation)
Smoother animation tools, stripping away workflow frustrations so animators can focus on creativity.
Into Each Situation – Jay Jorgensen (Game Art & Animation)
Interactive cartoons that teach life lessons without sacrificing fun. “I am practicing to bring cartoons to life,” Jorgensen said.
ReBa.Moco – Mykaela Ali (Game Design)
Reading-Based Motion Commands: a system where gameplay and story move forward in sync.
Lore Byte – Jordan Burke (Game Design)
A web tool solving the “where was I?” problem in games. Gamers finally get a memory checkpoint outside the console.
Koipond’s Finest: Freelancers – Luc Thomajan (Game Design/Art/Programming)
A simulation of the gig economy, equal parts brutal and brilliant. Thomajan joked: “I like creating things, but there’s one thing I like more — destroying stuff.”
Resonate – Samantha Bryant (Game Design)
A point-and-click story where interpretation drives outcomes. Narrative design that respects player agency.
G.E.S.T.U.R.E – Curran Rose (Robotics)
Robots that read gestures instead of keyboards. A glimpse of how natural control will replace controllers.
CoPay – Dylan Maxwell (Advancing Computer Science)
Fintech stripped down and reimagined by students. Proof that banks aren’t the only ones who can innovate in payments.
Fate Finder – Zyriyah Stoker (Advancing Computer Science)
Predictive storytelling where algorithms guide destiny. A marriage of narrative and data science.
A.I.M.D. – Adam Warren (AI/Robotics)
An AI-powered detection system that automates dangerous, repetitive measurement tasks.
In Tempe, UAT students aren’t waiting to join the tech industry — they’re rewriting it. The SIP Showcase proves that innovation isn’t confined to Silicon Valley; it’s alive in Arizona’s desert labs.
What is SIP at UAT?
A student innovation expo where undergraduates present working prototypes as their capstone projects.
Where is UAT?
UAT
is in Tempe, Arizona, near Phoenix.
Who attends SIP Showcases?
Students, faculty, alumni, industry partners, and the public.
What fields are represented?
Cybersecurity, robotics, AI, digital media, advertising art, and game design.
🔥 Curious what’s next? Check out the Online SIP Showcase projects to see how remote UAT students innovate worldwide. Or better yet, learn more about UAT and start building your own future.
At University of Advancing Technology (UAT), innovation isn’t limited by walls. The Online SIP Showcase allows students studying remotely to present their Student Innovation Projects (SIPs) live, proving that creativity and disruption can happen from anywhere. Summer 2025’s cohort took on challenges in AI, cybersecurity, robotics, advertising art, and game design, showing that distance doesn’t dilute ambition.
Eye-Fi 3D – Sullivan Weiss (Network Security)
A 3D heat mapper that makes wireless interference visible. “I have created the Eye-Fi 3D… a diagnostic tool that scans and visually maps the wireless environment,” Weiss said.
Spiced Hexes – Marina De Castro (Advertising Art)
Digital design infused with magical realism — surreal visuals blended into practical, modern storytelling formats.
CogniMan – Savannah Marxx (Advertising Art)
A gamified therapy app for memory loss. “My product is called CogniMan, and it focuses on innovative ways to combine memory loss related to mental illness in a fun, engaging manner.”
Sacred Spirit – Trinity Herbst (Game Programming)
A VR experience designed for spirituality and reflection — immersive tech built to slow you down instead of speed you up.
Snapshot Run – Darian Rutledge (Game Art & Animation)
A puzzle-platformer where players capture and paste the environment to solve challenges. Creative, fast, and clever.
Union Reforged – Christopher James (Game Art & Animation)
A co-op side-scroller that disguises literacy as adventure. “This is more than a game. It’s a quest that turns learning into a fantastic experience.”
SoilSpirit – Damon Rocha (Robotics)
An autonomous rover for gardening. “SoilSpirit is a small modular autonomous rover capable of taking care of the most strenuous parts of gardening.”
Project Odin – Daniel Countermanche (Digital Maker & Fabrication)
An embedded systems experiment with modular design — mythic ambition, practical output.
Aurasync – Mariam Ahady (Artificial Intelligence)
AI that syncs human and machine rhythms for more natural interaction.
CoLab – Brett Schmidt (Artificial Intelligence)
AI designed to be a collaborator, not a competitor — group problem-solving with machine assistance.
Bark Beacon – Nathan Vititoe (Artificial Intelligence)
AI that translates dog barks into human-readable data. Tech that finally gives pets a voice.
The Online SIP Showcase proves one thing: innovation has no borders. From dorm rooms to living rooms across the globe, UAT students are designing, coding, and building projects that matter. Remote doesn’t mean less, it means proving you can innovate anywhere.
Can UAT students complete SIPs fully online?
Yes. UAT’s online programs support full SIP development, including collaboration, prototyping, and live presentation.
How do online SIP presentations work?
Students present live via Zoom, demo their projects, and take questions from faculty, peers, and industry experts.
Are online SIP standards the same as on campus?
Yes. Online students are held to the same prototype requirements as Tempe students.
What majors are represented?
Cybersecurity, AI, robotics, digital media, advertising art, and game design.
Do online SIPs connect with the Tempe Showcase?
Yes. Online presentations run in the same program as in-person projects and are promoted equally.
Where can I see on-campus SIPs?
Read the companion On-Campus SIP Showcase recap from Tempe, AZ.
Every semester, UAT students online and in Tempe launch bold innovations at the SIP Showcase. Don’t just read about the future — build it.
UAT Students,
In August 2024, just 12 months ago, if someone used "vibe" in a sentence, you would likely have thought they were talking about a mood or feeling emanating from some person or object. One year later, tech has worked its magic, and "vibe" has become a buzzy term for blending AI and code building, so that this vital process begins with creativity.
The concept of vibe coding originated with Tesla AI engineer and OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy. He described the idea as "There's a new kind of coding I call vibe coding, where you fully give in to the vibes, embrace exponentials, and forget that the code even exists." The concept is simple: Begin with an idea for a piece of software. Rather than starting by writing lines of code and architecting the software's back end, describe what you want with enough detail to create a working prototype based on your dialogue with an LLM-infused AI such as Cursor, Claude, or CoPilot.
Conversationally prompting the AI, you describe what you want the software to do. The AI generates iterative builds that can be tested and refined. The resulting code solution is good enough to determine if the idea is worth pursuing in the market. If so, bring in the software engineers who can infuse durability, scalability, and security into your creation before releasing it to market.
An obvious benefit of the vibe process is that it allows anyone with basic AI literacy to start innovating by focusing on what they want to create. Vibe coding can soften the barriers in time, skills, and engineering details that often hinder deep insights into any field, ultimately leading to the development of valuable solutions. In its own way, vibe building reminds me of a software equivalent to storyboarding, but without the need for coding, drawing, or model-building skills. I often wonder what innovative and valuable digital tech ideas would emerge if artists, chefs, teachers, scientists, engineers, planners, and medical professionals could easily share their insights about their work and, in the moment when an idea strikes, convert them easily into working tools. As examples, in my down cycles, I am a cook who likes to start with a recipe and then improvise. I would love a software that lets me input a recipe, suggest my alterations, and then show me the likely result (tasty, disgusting, burned, delicious) of my changes. Rather than wait to see if a developer builds such a thing, vibe coding would let me follow my curiosity. As a more serious tech example, one of the most significant barriers to the use of digital twin technology in improving city services (traffic, water, power, fire, police, disaster planning) is the high cost and lengthy lead time required to develop software tailored to the specific needs of each town. Vibe coding could be a new solution for professionals with deep experience to easily/quickly/inexpensively link what they know to the power of AI. For those of you working on an idea for a student innovation project (SIP), applying vibe to digital twinning is a topic that shows your skills in agile harnessing of emTech.
Of course, there are issues. For an amusing cautionary tale, read up on how a few months ago, when building an application in a vibe way, the AI took things into its own "hands" and deleted an entire company database. All new techs have awkward moments, and we learn and refine from these. Despite inevitable steps sideways, vibe coding is likely going to have "stick" because it does something valuable. My guidance to everyone in the UAT community is to invest time in developing your skills in this approach. Vibe will almost certainly be a part of the UAT curriculum in 2026. It will be a tremendous tool for SIPs, and employers will value you having this skill before nearly anyone else.
Talking about vibe coding is an on-point way to welcome all of you to UAT. The lessons here go deeper than the fun of tech newness. Being part of tech comes with an expectation to continually scan for ways to improve things that people care about—and being good at bringing together tools and people to fashion solutions. Tech is a "hands-on, build it from start to finish fairly quickly" way to spend your time and brain cycles. Because of this, nearly all aspects of the UAT experience are designed to help you become great at tackling start-to-finish builds. Events, project-based courses, production studios, and the student innovation project all help you practice a skill that most do not possess.
The other lesson of vibe coding is that new technologies emerge and remap everything, everywhere, all the time. As a student planning for a future in tech creation, you have to build your practice in being aware of what's coming. Reading tech threads, placing yourself near centers of new tech ideas, and interacting with other professionals in areas within, adjacent, and perhaps even outside your field are practices that will lead to your success. If, in 2025, you are someone who knows about and has played with vibe coding, you'll know more than nearly everyone and instantly become a resource for expertise - and that is a good tech thing to be.
Coming up with ideas for bringing emerging technologies together in novel ways does not usually happen as a flash of random inspiration. You have to be intentional about doing things that feed new ideas. That is among the benefits of being at UAT because we nudge exposure to the technologies, conversations, and thought leadership that fuel new ideas. During the summer, UAT students mentored teens during our annual Tech Camp, Coding in Color, and FBI Camps. U.S. Congressman Greg Stanton visited the campus to discuss AI, digital privacy, technology policy, and the tech ecosystem. IP lawyers from Fuller Law came to campus to discuss patents and how students can protect their valuable IP. A panel of tech CEOs visited campus to learn about and listen to the top SIPs. These leaders and founders praised the work of soon-to-be UAT alums Dylan Maxwell and Serge Kaminsky as market-ready for the thoughtfulness and market viability of their technology creations. And while we are talking about student creators, shout-outs to the other Summer SIP Showcase winners: Daniel Countermanche for Project Odin and Mariam Ahady for Aurasync.
Looking ahead, on September 10th, UAT students can volunteer and earn registration to attend the Arizona Technology Summit email Jacob Henningsen to get set up. Then, on November 12th, UAT will be hosting its own Tech Respect Summit. I also encourage students to head to UAT's YouTube channel and watch the recent student innovation showcase events. Seeing the ideas and prototypes of previous graduates is excellent fuel for your own ideas.
Welcome to UAT! My advice is always to tech up, pay attention to AI and practice creating solutions. I always look forward to seeing what you build.
Dr. David B. Bolman, Provost
At University of Advancing Technology (UAT) in Tempe, Arizona, innovation isn’t confined to classrooms — it’s designed, built, and tested live at the Student Innovation Project (SIP) Showcase. Every semester, students present prototypes that challenge industries in 🔐 cybersecurity, 🤖 robotics, 🎮 game design, 🎨 advertising art, 🤯 artificial intelligence, and 💻 computer science.
And here’s the twist: UAT’s SIP Showcase happens both on campus in Tempe and online. Whether in Arizona’s desert labs or presenting via Zoom from another continent, UAT students are proving that innovation has no borders.
The Summer 2025 SIP Showcase demonstrated the power of in-person collaboration. From fintech apps to robotics, these projects prove that UAT students aren’t waiting to join the tech industry — they’re rewriting it.
🕹️ UATf – Mitchell Moss & Andrew Barkan (Network Security): A Capture the Flag platform built by hackers, for hackers.
Project link: https://uatf.ctfd.io/
🛡️ Shield of Dawood – Mahmoud Hamadah (Network Security): Next-gen intrusion detection system.
Project link: https://www.mahmoud-hamadah.com/portfolio
📚 Fusion Storytelling Format – Daniel Villa (Advertising Art): Comics and novels collide in a new hybrid medium.
📺 Unprocessed – Ryan Canepa (Advertising Art): Anti-advertising campaign critiquing consumer culture.
Project link: https://sites.google.com/view/canepa-portfolio/sip
🎮 VR/AR Asymmetric Multiplayer – Alexander Caraway (Game Programming): A game where imbalance is the feature, not the flaw.
✏️ Animation App Improvements – Faith Morales (Game Art & Animation): Smarter tools for animators.
Project link: https://justfaithsillyoffical.weebly.com/sip.html
📺 Into Each Situation – Jay Jorgensen (Game Art & Animation): Interactive cartoons teaching life lessons.
Project link: https://jaycarl2002.wixsite.com/jay-jorgensen-board
📖 ReBa.Moco – Mykaela Ali (Game Design): Reading-based motion commands syncing story and gameplay.
Project link: https://mkart9181.wixsite.com/showcaseali/sip
🧠 Lore Byte – Jordan Burke (Game Design): Solving the “where was I?” problem in gaming.
🧑🎤 Koipond’s Finest: Freelancers – Luke Thomajan (Game Design): RPG simulating the gig economy.
Project link: https://luctomyt.wixsite.com/luctom-makes-games/about-5
🎧 Resonate – Samantha Bryant (Game Design): Narrative-driven point-and-click game.
✋ G.E.S.T.U.R.E – Curran Rose (Robotics): Gesture-based robot control.
Project link: https://curranwayneroseportfolio.weebly.com/sip.html
💳 CoPay – Dylan Maxwell (Computer Science): Student-built fintech app for shared expenses.
Project link: https://dylanmaxwell.netlify.app/#copay
⚙️ A.I.M.D. – Adam Warren (AI/Robotics): Automated detection system for hazardous monitoring.
Project link: https://aw445540.wixsite.com/my-site/my-sip-project
For UAT students studying remotely, the Online SIP Showcase proves innovation has no borders. From bedrooms to living rooms across the globe, these projects were presented live, showing that distance doesn’t dilute ambition.
🌐 Eye-Fi 3D – Sulliven Weiss (Network Security): A 3D heat mapper visualizing wireless interference.
🎣 AI Phishing Tool – Gabriel Hurtado (Network Security): Interactive phishing simulator for employee training.
✨ Spiced Hexes – Marina De Castro (Advertising Art): Surrealist design meets magical realism.
🧩 CogniMan – Savannah Marxx (Advertising Art): Gamified therapy for memory loss.
🕊️ Sacred Spirit – Trinity Herbst (Game Programming): AR/VR spirituality experience.
📸 Snapshot Run – Darien Rutledge (Game Art & Animation): Puzzle-platformer with capture/paste mechanics.
📖 Union Reforged – Christopher James (Game Art & Animation): Literacy disguised as side-scrolling adventure.
🌱 SoilSpirit – Damon Rocha (Robotics): Autonomous rover for gardening.
⛑️ Project Odin – Daniel Countermanche (Digital Maker & Fabrication): Modular embedded helmet system.
🎶 Aurasync – Mariam Ahady (Artificial Intelligence): AI meditation sync.
🤝 CoLab – Brett Schmidt (Artificial Intelligence): AI-powered group collaboration.
🐕 Bark Beacon – Nathan Vititoe (Artificial Intelligence): AI that translates dog barks.
📺 Watch the full Summer 2025 SIP Showcase presentation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m2wsrcZkG1g
Q: What is SIP at UAT?
A capstone showcase where students present working prototypes that merge creativity with technology.
Q: Where is UAT?
UAT is located in Tempe, Arizona, near Phoenix.
Q: Can SIPs be completed online?
Yes. UAT’s online programs fully support SIP development, including prototyping and live presentations.
Q: Are online and Tempe SIP standards the same?
Yes. All students must deliver working prototypes, whether online or in person.
Q: What majors are represented?
Cybersecurity, robotics, artificial intelligence, digital media, advertising art, computer science, and game design.
Every semester, UAT students — both in Tempe and online — turn ideas into innovation. From AI-powered apps to VR storytelling and fintech platforms, SIP projects are more than class assignments: they’re career launchpads.
👉 Explore UAT's Programs
At University of Advancing Technology (UAT), the Creation & Simulation Faculty are all about turning imagination into innovation. Whether you are looking to build robots, design virtual environments, or inventing the next big interactive tech, this is where hands-on creator thrive. This group of faculty teach Digital Maker & Fabrication, Robotics & Embedded Systems, Virtual Reality and Human Computer Interaction and with their backgrounds spanning design, engineering, software development and more, they provide UAT students with industry relevant education.
Professor Ryan Murray is a designer, sculptor, and digital fabricator with a passion for 3D modeling, CNC, and 3D printing. He has a Master of Fine Art in design from Rhode Island School of Design, where he learned to combine his artistic vision with cutting-edge technology. He has worked as an industrial designer and a sculptor for various clients, including the Heard Museum, Arizona Science Center, Tostito Superbowl Experience, Carvana, the City of Chandler, and RZA from Wu-Tang Clan. He also holds a patent for a product he designed and brought to market. Professor Murray has a BFA in sculpture from ASU and a certificate in teaching and learning from Brown University. He enjoys sharing his skills and knowledge with the local maker community and taught classes at Techshop Chandler the whole time it was in business. Complementing his digital fabrication, Professor Murray is also highly skilled in metal, wood, composite, plastic fabrication and mold making.
Professor Jake Perrine graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree, Honor’s Degree, and Master’s Degree all in Biomedical Engineering from Arizona State University. Jake's professional experience involves working in the Neural Movement and Control Laboratory for 4 years looking at Haptic Virtual Reality investigating perceptual signals and rehabilitative applications.
Professor Prater has been working as an application architect in the financial sector. He has previously taught chemistry and Capstone research classes for 5 years at Highland High School in Gilbert, AZ. Before this, Matt made radioactive PET (Positron Emission Tomography) drugs at Cardinal Health for 13 years, working in quality, manufacturing and R&D positions. The drugs were used in diagnostic applications in the treatment of cancer, Alzheimer's disease and heart disease. As all the drugs Professor Prater made were radioactive, he had to use robotic synthesis systems to carry out the chemistry. This is where he got hooked on software and embedded systems.
Professor Prater has obtained his M.S. Software Engineering at Regis University and his M.Ed. from Arizona State University as well as a B.S. in Chemistry from Western Michigan University.
University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is located in sunny Tempe, Arizona with year-round activities both indoor and out. Whether you're new to UAT or just looking to spice up your routine, there's no shortage of things to do right outside your classroom doors. From cozy coffee spots to weekend adventures, your college experience isn't limited to lectures and late-night cramming. Let's explore the best activities, hangouts, and must-see spots within 10 - 15 minutes of campus that will make your time here unforgettable.
🍔 Food & Coffee
🛍️ Shopping
🌿 Parks & Outdoors
🎭 Art & Culture
The Game Maker’s Toolkit Game Jam isn’t your average “let’s-make-a-game” weekend. It’s an internet-wide creative sprint where the global dev scene collectively pulls 96 hours of caffeine-fueled chaos, then drops nearly 10,000 playable experiments onto Itch.io.
This year, four of those experiments came from University of Advancing Technology (UAT) teams in Tempe, Arizona. And they weren’t just filler in the world’s largest digital potluck—they placed.
Lake Snoop
By Boone Stewart
A snake clone with a twist: loops. Slick, clean, and strangely hypnotic. Windows-only.
Brick by Brick
By Baylee Balsimo Ketelhut, Dylan Mudersbach, Jensen Searle, David S., Jakob Davis, Trinket Quance
Weaponize your profile. Take over the world. Browser-ready.
Pool Loop
By Tommy Eyester, Ivan Sanchez, Lauren Hesselgesser, Erica Pead, Nate Andert, Necolai McIntosh
Physics-driven chaos meets minimalist charm. Loops. So many loops.
Pit Captain
By Sophie Schenck, Luc Thomajan, Lucas Foxworthy, Cooper, Zaki, Glenn Truitt
Story-forward strategy with personality to burn.
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Brick by Brick– Top 6.5% for Narrative
Pool Loop– Top 10.2% for Creativity
Pit Captain– Top 27% for Narrative
Lake Snoop– Top 47% for Audio
Not bad for two days, minimal sleep, and a campus Wi-Fi connection. (Big shoutout to Derric Clark, Rawad Habib, Teagan Findler for judging—and Tyler Walling for keeping the software gods appeased.)
Because game jams are the closest thing to the industry without actually shipping a commercial title. You learn to sprint, to collaborate under pressure, to kill your darlings when the scope monster comes knocking. It’s the live-fire drill for future indie stars, AAA devs, and experimental art-game innovators alike.
UAT’s game students don’t just watch tutorials—they deploy, iterate, and push code into the wild, and that’s exactly what makes a portfolio stand out in a sea of “concept” projects.
Q: Do you have to be a game programming student to join?
Nope. UAT teams often mix in game artists, designers, and even robotics or cybersecurity students.
Q: How long is the jam?
96 hours of pure scope-management chaos.
Q: Can prospective students get involved?
You can’t compete as an official team member until you’re enrolled, but you can visit the campus, meet the PHX IGDA student chapter, and maybe see jam games in action.
If you’ve ever wanted to code, design, or art-direct a game that strangers across the globe actually play, UAT’s Game Programming, Game Design, and Game Art & Animation degrees are built for it.
📍 Tempe, AZ — Real labs. Real teams. Real deadlines.
🎮 Start your game dev journey at UAT
Alan has spent over 20 years in higher education. In his tenure he has worn many hats and had the opportunity to implement many systemic changes to affect process and procedure. A fervent practitioner of servant leadership, he enjoys developing and supporting those around him. He is equally passionate about lifelong-learning and strives for both personal and professional growth.
At the University of Advancing Technology, Alan facilitates courses in entrepreneurship, communications, marketing, innovation and cognition.
In his spare time, Alan volunteers as a Certified Mentor for the non-profit SCORE, and is involved in a handful of other smaller, local initiatives. For fun, Alan enjoys projects around the house, landscaping, growing vegetables at the community garden, nature and the outdoors. He has served as a board member for the Mesa Arts Center Foundation and is a proud graduate of Valley Leadership’s Leadership Institute (Class 33).
Alan currently holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business with an emphasis in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration.
Dr. Mark “The Shark” Smith’s is an IFBB professional bodybuilder, published author, and an expert in leadership, business, and organizational development. His professional background has been around company expansion and growth. With over 12 years of experience with various companies ranging from enterprise to start-up.
Mark has significant IT experience leading sales teams through client relations and staying up on new tech for industry needs. During this process Mark became very familiar with how IT infrastructure works and became sales certified for Microsoft, Cisco, Juniper, VMware, Symantec, Red Hat, Apple, HP, and Dell.
Mark has a wealth of start-up knowledge, being involved with organizations like Hotchalk and Digital Air Strike in their infancy. With start-ups Mark’s skill set makes him an intricate part of growing the company through output and developing the proper partnerships for expansion. Mark started with UAT in 2015 and teaches specific courses in both undergraduate and graduate on entrepreneurship, leadership, project management, marketing, and strategic planning. His philosophy and teaching style is catered to prepare students for working in today’s business markets.
Dapzury Valenzuela is a marketing and design professional with over 20+ years of industry experience and 15+ years as a post-secondary educator. She is the Curriculum Integrity & Senior Professor and runs the Student Innovation Project for all majors helping them to create, develop and present their tech-based product or service. She works in both traditional and digital formats using the Adobe Creative Suite with a specialty in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.
Dapzury is also a Brand & Marketing Consultant through her LLC, Haute Pro, helping people, startups and businesses reach their goals through her extensive knowledge in brand development, inbound marketing, and visual content creation. Her clients range from STEM-based academies to virtual reality in fashion.
Specialties:
Branding (Logos)
Graphic Design
Inbound & Content Marketing
Social Media Marketing
Art & Creative Direction
Project Management
Web & UI Design
Business Development
Entrepreneurship & Startups
Congressman Greg Stanton, serving Arizona's district 4, made his fourth visit to the University of Advancing Technology (UAT), reinforcing his strong relationship with the institution and his continued commitment to Arizona’s innovation ecosystem.
Congressman Stanton's visit included both a private executive session with UAT Leadership and a open forum address to student during a classroom visit, giving attendees insight into current congressional initiatives and regional priorities. During the executive session, Congressman Stanton met with UAT’s leadership team to provide a congressional update and discuss key areas of collaboration. The conversation focused on how federal policy aligns with the needs of Arizona’s growing tech sector and higher education landscape.
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Following that session, Congressman Stanton spoke to UAT students and community members, addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the region. He highlighted upcoming strategies for water usage and conservation—an increasingly urgent concern in the Southwest. He also shared updates on national cybersecurity efforts as well as artificial intelligence, underscoring the importance of keeping Arizona at the forefront of cyber innovation and education. Stanton emphasized the role of institutions like UAT in maintaining a competitive technology pipeline, both statewide and nationally. He praised UAT’s unique focus on tech-forward programs and its hands-on approach to preparing students for real-world challenges.
His frequent visits to UAT and other business and institutions all over Arizona reflect his dedication to strengthening Arizona’s position as a leader in technology, sustainability, and workforce development.
Explore your options in choosing a program or schedule a tour to legislate your future career options.
On Wednesday, July 16 at 2:30 PM, University of Advancing Technology (UAT) did what any good tech university should do when faced with a major campus remodel and a freshly unwrapped Commons: it built a time machine. Sort of.
They held a Time Capsule Ceremony.
Not the dusty, boring kind your elementary school buried with handwritten letters and a Pokémon card. This one? It was a compact, curated archive of UAT’s uniquely chaotic genius, equal parts innovation, meme, and existential timestamp.
Every academic department, a.k.a. program family, submitted a handpicked artifact from their corner of the tech multiverse. AI. Cyber. Robotics. Gaming. Digital Makers. It was a flex. Each item was chosen to represent what that program is right now, in the hot summer of 2025.
Students and clubs, coordinated by the ever-scheming GeekRHO, added their own flavor. Think:
USB drives loaded with unreleased games
Hand-built PC parts
Culture-coded Easter eggs (QR codes linked to inside jokes? Probably.)
Tangible pieces of life at a university that dreams in Java and memes in binary
The goal? Capture now, confuse future humans later.
Because this moment matters. The Commons reopened. The plastic curtain came down (RIP, you weird, crinkly monument to renovation). And UAT isn’t just riding the tech wave—it’s shaping it.
We’re living in a timeline of AI takeovers, drone pizza delivery trials, and students 3D printing their midterms. So yeah—this felt like the perfect time to hit record.
Faculty & Staff: Submitted their item via their program leads
Students & Clubs: Coordinated submissions through GeekRHO and Dean Beals
Remote/Busy Humans: Dropped items off in a basket outside [Insert Name]’s office (because yes, even futurists still use baskets)
Let’s be clear—we’re not releasing a contents list. That would ruin the vibe. But rest assured: the capsule contains a cross-section of UAT’s brain in 2025. A blend of brilliance and chaos. A TED Talk and a Twitch stream. A dev log and a Discord meltdown.
And one day, someone will open it. And they’ll either say:
“Wow. They were ahead of their time.”
or
“What the hell is a Sigma meme?”
Both are correct.
Every department. Every club. Everyone who wanted in, got in. (Even the introverts. Especially them.)
If it made you laugh, think, code, or build—it was fair game. Gadgets, QR codes, digital content, tangible memories, and one unsettling 3D-printed object nobody will claim.
Somewhere safe, somewhere secret. (Okay fine, it’s on campus. We’re not telling you where. Yet.)
In 2050. Mark your calendars, sync your brain-chip reminders, or just tattoo it somewhere visible.
By then, we fully expect:
The capsule is sealed. But the story isn’t over.
Check out ceremony highlights and student reactions here 👉 Instagram Recap
Want to be part of the next chapter we seal in steel?
UAT isn’t just a tech university—it’s a time machine for your imagination.
Apply Now and leave your mark on the future.
