From holiday tech thrills to hands-on innovation—take the next step with UAT. Apply or inquire today!
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.
Fall 2025 Student Innovation Projects (SIPs) at University of Advancing Technology (UAT) in Tempe, Arizona showcased how students turn emerging technology concepts into real, working solutions. From Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity to Game Design and Robotics, each project reflects UAT’s hands-on, industry-driven approach to technology education.
Student Innovation Projects are a core part of UAT’s project-based curriculum, giving students real experience building, testing, and presenting technology solutions before graduation. These projects help students develop portfolios, collaborate across disciplines, and prepare for careers in today’s tech-driven industries.
Below is a recap of the featured Fall 2025 SIPs, highlighting the innovation, skills, and impact behind each student-built project.
Somnia, Baylee Balsimo Ketelhut BEST IN SHOW AWARD WINNER
Somnia is an adventure game concept where you play as a travelling live-streamer exploring a new planet in search of unique content to entertain your simulated virtual audience.
Last Heart Tourney Brandon "Blu" LaVoy
Last Heart Tourney is a competitive board game system meant to create semi-cooperative gameplay. This is done by designing games that can have multiple winners/losers, and give ways to boost one another.
Project Outlook Chrstopher Echaniz
A game mechanic that gives the player the ability to take away aspects of their environment to help them solve puzzles and avoid enemies.
Spectrum Battle System Daniel Parker WORLD CHANGER AWARD WINNER
A game simulator that aims to translate the Autism condition in a way that is both informative and interactive.
Narrative-Conscious Persistence Through Reframing Save/Load as a Mechanically
Embedded, Systemically Causal, and Progression-Critical Player Action in Decision-
Responsive Game Worlds Jenson Searle INGENUITY PRIZE AWARD WINNER
A new way of designing games, allowing players to save the game and not override a prior save but the game develops through the saves and adapts for future game play.
FIGHT CORE DESTROY Nathaniel Andert
FIGHT CORE DESTROY is a prototype 2D robot fighting game with limb damage mechanics.
VR Sword Caleb Carroll
A system that enhances immersion in a VR melee combat by making weapons virtually age and degrade in real time.
The Genesis Record YenLinh Nguyen
A simple and straightforward game utilizing the two main gimmicks of general gameplay use and player response. Players apply these two gimmicks in this minimalistic game to solve puzzles, engage world interaction and combat.
Fruit Scorer Addon Module for Commercial Sectionizer Sean Johnson MOST MARKET VIABLE AWARD WINNER
A simple add-on module to commercial fruit sectionizers allowing the customer to score the fruit wedges simultaneously with a chef's knife.
Find Beauty in Everything... Alexa Tuchtenhagen
Find Beauty in Everything... is a gentle robotic butterfly designed to bring comfort, ease anxiety, and create moments of peace for hospice patients and the families who love them.
S.W.A.V. (Self-Operating Waste Amoving Vehicle) Zachary Lewis
S.W.A.V. is an automated base for a trash bin that can take out the trash for you!
Coil Gun Project Eloy Fernandez
A magnetic coil based projectile propulsion device.
Field Test 420 Matthew Winter
A handheld 24VDC 4-20 mA Signal Generator.
Replica Rings Chelsea Krepps
A new innovative spin on the silicon ring industry. This project creates custom silicon rings that replicate the beauty of metal rings, rather than the simple, bulk produced silicon rings that are already on the market.
Expandable Riot Shield Terrine Martin
A compact, telescoping, defensive system designed for fast, reliable deployment.
One Minute Hire SJ Campbell
One Minute Hire is a service that produces 60-second video resumes for entry-level jobseekers with little-to-no experience.
Cyber Culture on Canvas Emily Lovo
Cyber Culture on Canvas is an art-driven cybersecurity project that turns complex security concepts into original hand-painted canvases to educate, engage, and inspire audiences.
Voice-Coded Planner Lucia Reed
A voice-coded planning system that dynamically restructures task priorities based on user readiness, cognitive load, and moment specific capability rather than fixed chronological scheduling.
ProSave Zoe McGowan
An incremental autosave plugin for adobe premiere pro.
V.E.H. (Video.Editing.Helper.) Gregory Strickland
V.E.H. is an application site that helps edit videos more effectively by scanning through your video, finding mistakes in it and highlighting them on a timeline for you to see, showing the severity, description of the issue, what the issue is and where it happened.
WWMogi Landon Yates
WWMogi is a webscraper that takes an API call requesting leaderboard information from a website, cleans the data and formats it to be displayed via an application.
GitGrub Jerome Reaux Jr. BEST SIP PITCH & VIEWERS CHOICE AWARD WINNER
An app that focuses on bringing late-night cafe back online!
NutriDetect Alexander Garcia Garnica
Scan any food label and get instant allergen warnings.
OpenExonaut Sean Burchett
A game server for a particular game The Decade Deceased Project Exonaut. But also can be torn down and repurposed for similar games.
Interpaws Amari Bullard
Interpaws connects pet owners with the perfect veterinarian through simple, AI-powered conversations.
AstroTune Preston Chapman
AstroTune is a mobile app for android that allows users to control the music players Foobar2000 and DeaDBeeF running on a computer using their phone.
Mystic Card Forge Jackelin Britton
A Web Application that lets players and creators design their own Magic the Gathering cards with authentic detail and style all in a simple, easy to use interface.
Copy Clipboard Nathan Dalu
A smart translation assistant that lives in your system tray. Instead of a multi-step translation process, you can copy text, click the icon and get instant translation without ever leaving the application.
ArtViseAI Sanyerlis Camacaro
An AI Art Application that runs locally on your computer with or without internet access.
Argus Net Protector Daniel Drljaca
Argus Net Protector gives everyday people an easy way to assess and improve their own home network.
CLIND Keegan Heaton
CLIND is an interactive social-media tracking and mindfulness app that helps users reset their minds after every scroll session.
Tailored Learning Melanie Owens
Tailored Learning is an email security plugin that helps spot phishing, impersonation, and malware by analyzing message headers, URLs, and text locally to a SQL database with an audit trail.
Inspired by these Student Innovation Projects? Start your tech degree at UAT in Tempe, AZ, where hands-on learning turns ideas into real-world solutions.
On the Twelfth Day of Techmas, we’re closing out the series with 12 insider tips from University of Advancing Technology's (UAT) leadership and staff to help you thrive. From campus life to classroom success, these quick, practical insights are the perfect way to finish Techmas strong and make the most of your UAT journey.
Valerie Cimarossa Chancellor "Take advantage of the resources you have. Faculty, Student Services, tutors - they’re here for your success. Come with questions, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. There will always be a helping hand available to you, you just have to reach for it."
Jake Henningsen Career Services Coordinator "Don't make projects that pass classes; make projects that pass interviews"
Tristan Vaughn Sr. Student and Career Services Advisor "Trust the process! By beginning larger projects early on, students ensure they can learn the materials and skills necessary to succeed without getting overwhelmed or falling behind."
Brandi Beals Vice President of Student Affairs "Remember; You're Here to Innovate - Don't be afraid to experiment, try bold ideas, prototype often, and fail forward. UAT is a place where technology, creativity, and curiosity collide - embrace it. Treat every class project like a real client assignment. UAT values creation and innovation. The more professionally you approach your coursework, the more impressive your final portfolio becomes. Connect with Faculty early and often. Your professors are industry pros. Ask questions, request feedback, and get to know them, they are one of your strongest success resources."
Lauryn Ford Financial Aid Advisor "Communication is key! We are available to help, and we want to help, but we need your help to do so. Call often, respond quickly and keep us up to date so we can support you!"
Robert Walker Director of Community Affairs "At UAT, the class sizes are small, professors are mentors and the culture is built on seeking understanding. My tip is to advocate for your understanding of the course materials. If you have questions, missed a step or just need additional support, UAT is the place. Ask that clarifying question, gain the clarity you need, everyone here wants to see you succeed."
Cheyenne Peery Student Services Coordinator "There is no shame in asking for help! Utilize the resources we have available- tutors, program support specialists, advisors, professors. It is a strength to ask for help when you need it, not a weakness."
Teagan Findler Program Support Specialist "Please reach out to your professors if you have a questions or need help with course material, assignments, etc. Communication is key!"
Ashely Fuentes Assistant Director of Student Services "How to be successful at UAT: TRY! The biggest pitfall we see students fall into is to stop submitting work, or wait to submit and assignment until it is 'perfect.' There's just no such thing - and what a student might think is only 'okay' work, may be great to the instructor, in terms of meeting the requirements of the assignments. The best way to know is to submit. Always try to meet the requirements and don't be to hard on yourself. Remember: you are expected to learn and grow, not know everything or be 100% perfect all the time!"
Tyler Widener Program Support Specialist "You're going to get out of school what you put into it. So give your best! Come to class in person to ask questions and network. Be a part of student clubs and the community, because no one can go through the journey alone. Give your education your best effort and it'll echo back for the rest of your life."
Emily Hardesty Sr. New Student Advisor "Manage your time wisely and stay organized! Plan your days out using time blocks or a daily schedule. Make sure you are setting aside time to dedicate to your studies. Use a planner or a calendar to track your assignments and deadlines. This will prevent missed assignments and help reduce stress. Make sure to reach out if you need help."
Stace Dixon Director of Digital Marketing "Just show up. It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most powerful habits you can build for long-term success. Showing up, especially when you’re unsure, inexperienced, or facing something new is an act of courage and commitment. When you try anyway and seek feedback, you invite growth. Asking questions isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an opening for connection. Leaders and peers often want to support your progress, and collaboration naturally strengthens relationships while leading to better outcomes. People genuinely enjoy sharing their experiences and being part of your story. I see this firsthand with the interns I lead. The ones who thrive aren’t always the most skilled on day one. They’re the ones who consistently show up with curiosity, positivity, and the willingness to figure things out as they go. They understand that achievement is a team effort and that stepping into the unknown is how you build confidence. Success rarely requires perfection, but it always requires presence. Get over the hump of fear, take the first step, and trust that you’ll learn what you need once you arrive. Just show up."
BONUS TIP:
Phillip Ferrell National Admissions Rep "Get Involved! UAT has many different clubs, organizations, career events & services that students can utilize on a daily basis to help themselves grow both personally and professionally."
Inspired by today’s Techmas feature? UAT gives students the tools to create what’s next. Inquire or Apply today!
There’s nothing better than kicking back during the holidays—marshmallows roasting, lights twinkling, the whole world slowing down just a little—and sinking into a great podcast. Whether you’re unwinding after a long year or fueling that tech-curious brain of yours, here are 11 tech podcasts we absolutely recommend for your holiday listening lineup:
UAT Tech Tangents – Smart, fresh, and straight from the innovators here at UAT.
StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson – Space, science, and humor collide.
The Changeling – Curious minds meet curious stories.
Vergecast – Everything tech, culture, and gadgets.
On with Kara Swisher – Sharp interviews with sharp people
Possible – Exploring the future through imagination and design.
AZ Tech Podcast – Arizona’s brightest voices in tech innovation.
The CodeNewbie Podcast – For beginners, builders, and lifelong learners.
Reply All (Alex Goldman & Emmanuel Dzotsi) – Internet mysteries you can’t stop listening to.
Darknet Diaries – True stories from the digital underground.
Tech Talker – Tech explained cleanly, quickly, and clearly.
Happy listening—and happy holidays. Enjoy the glow, the cocoa, and the ideas that keep us inspired.
For the tenth day of Techmas we have gathered ten tech tips from University of Advancing Technology's (UAT) Faculty.
Professor Rae Crusoe Advancing Computer Science "I always tell my students to not trust technology, it will let you down. Keep multiple copies of your files!"
Professor Rawad Habib Software Engineering "Technology changes fast, but problem-solving curiosity never go out of style. Don't just learn tools, learn how to learn."
Professor Jake Perrine Human Computer Interaction "Biotechnology and Wearable Technology empowers you to understand your health as an individual, take advantage and get to know yourself on a deeper level."
Curriculum Integrity & Senior Professor Dapzury Valenzuela SIP & Digital Arts "Adopt an agile mentality when tackling large-scale projects. It's easier to make progress iteratively, when setting smaller milestones. Embrace redirection as opportunities to explore, but dont lose sight of your objective, especially when working within time sensitive deadlines. Remember that time can only be spent, not saved. Inception to implementation takes focus, discipline and belief in yourself that it can be done!"
Professor Ryan Murray Digital Maker & Fabrication "Small, fast iterations keep you from investing too much in a design that is not ready."
Professor Heather Peters Mathematics "Technology is an ever-changing field, so diversifying your skill set is critical. Take those extra certification classes that are offered, seek out training for technologies that are unfamiliar, and eve conciser diving into fields that seem completely different from the career path you are considering to widen your skill set and grow your portfolio."
Professor Gabrielle Vosteen Science "AI can help you study by breaking down difficult topics. For example, you can generate practice questions or summarize information. The key is using it as guidance for learning rather than a tool to relate the process. You can ask AI to quiz you. You may even utilize it to explain concepts in different ways, that can make studying fore effective. The goal is to build your critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills. Treat AI like a study partner that boosts your learning process, not as a shortcut."
Professor Sue Ashton Data Science "Don't jump straight into modeling. Spend most of your time on data cleaning and exploration. Those steps determine 80% of your projects success."
Professor Tony Hinton Artificial Intelligence "Take a moment to reflect on the time you have given this year to texting, videos, games, politics, social media or learning tech skills. Next, reflect on your strengths and weaknesses in each area. Are any patterns materializing? This tech fortune cookie says Life is easy, in 2026 you will improve whatever you invest your time in"
Synchronic & General Studies Regent Craig Belanger General Studies "My Tech Tip for this holiday season is to go old school digital by getting yourself a CD player or Digital Audio Player, and maybe a few CDs to feed them. Yes, I hear myself. Why, you might be asking, would anyone forego the ultra-convenient music streaming subscription services like Spotify and Apple Music in favor of even more devices and a limited music library? After all, having the entire history of recorded music at your fingertips is a dream come true for anyone who lived through the dark ages of being a pre-00s music fan. Plus all you need is your phone for playback. So why go old school? First is the fun factor. Both the FiiO DM13 and the Moondream DiscDrop are elegant devices that make the case that CDs 1) offer superior sound to scratchy vinyl records and 2) fit seamlessly into your playback ecosystem. I love my records as much as the next person, but a 40-year-old Clash record has a few miles on it. Meanwhile, down the street, Hiby, Fiio, Astell & Kern, and many others are producing slick Digital Audio Players, or DAPs, that can be used to house tens of thousands of digital files across affordability ranges. In the early iTunes era, we called these mp3 players, but they’ve grown up a lot since then. Imagine your standard form factor for a smartphone except all of the hardware inside is dedicated to audio quality. To add to the convenience, new CD players and DAPs usually have Bluetooth, so you don’t need to change how you or where you listen to music. Next up is the support you can give to your favorite artists by purchasing music files or CDs directly from them on dedicated websites like Bandcamp or the artists’ own websites (or even better, drop some cash at the merch table so they really feel the love). Spotify revenues are notoriously light, with payout of a few dollars per thousand streams so this allows you to offer more direct support in a meaningful way. If you still want to collect vinyl records, those are always available. Plus, when you own the music, playback isn’t subject to signal strength or availability from your streamer. Last is the experience of pure listening enjoyment. If you use a dedicated player, there’s no messages or pop-ups or other unwanted intrusions, there’s just you and your music and everything else can wait.”
BONUS TIPS
Dr. Mark Smith Grad & Business Technology "New technologies are wonderful tools with potential for an endless amount of uses. Train yourself to always look for potential new angles in which you can use these tools. This is where innovation and creation live. The "success" in technology today is not in creating but harnessing in a productive manner for mass adoption. So, dive headfirst into all the trends in technology and brainstorm the potential uses. Many of them will go no where or not be feasible but eventually you will find those world changing ideas."
Dr. Briant Becote Cyber Security "Verify before you click. Treat every unexpected link, attachment, or login prompt as hostile until proven otherwise. Hover to inspect URLs, and when in doubt navigate to the site manually."
Unwrap even more innovation—explore UAT degrees built for future tech creators.
On the ninth day of UAT’s Techmas, we’re celebrating the joy of play with nine fun gadgets that spark creativity, wonder, and a little holiday magic! From flying drones and smart robots to glowing LED masks and meditative art boards, these innovative tools bring laughter, inspiration, and interactive fun to your season. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts or ways to make your holiday downtime more exciting, these gadgets are sure to light up your festivities.
Meet your high-tech holiday helper! This smart, roaming robot captures photos and videos, monitors your space, and even interacts with pets—perfect for keeping an eye on your festive décor while spreading a little extra cheer.
Soar into the season with this compact drone that makes aerial photography and playful adventures effortless. Capture snowy landscapes, holiday lights, or family celebrations from breathtaking new angles.
Bring music to your holiday celebrations without the hassle of strings! This digital guitar teaches, inspires, and lets you jam along to your favorite festive tunes anytime, anywhere.
Light up your holidays! These customizable, colorful wall panels respond to music and motion, turning any room into a dazzling winter wonderland of fun and creativity.
Unleash your holiday imagination! This compact 3D printer lets you design and print unique ornaments, gifts, or decorations, adding a personalized touch to your festive season.
Keep your space merry and clean! This tiny, fun-to-use vacuum tackles crumbs, dust, and clutter, so your desk or crafting area stays sparkling through all your holiday projects.
Combine classic holiday fun with modern tech! Fold, fly, and control paper planes with your phone for hours of playful, festive entertainment—perfect for family game nights.
Relax and embrace the holiday spirit with creativity and mindfulness. Paint with water and watch your designs magically fade away, giving you a meditative break from the seasonal hustle and bustle.
Shine bright at holiday parties! This glowing, customizable mask displays animations, messages, or festive designs, making it the perfect statement piece for celebrations, cosplay, or cozy winter fun.
Love exploring new gear? Build the next generation of it at UAT.
December holidays are a month of distilled fun. Without taking away from moments with family and friends, tasty meals, and reflecting on the year nearly done, the holidays and presents go together like eggnog in my coffee (or whatever combo of joy that you happen to like). In preparation, I sat down after devouring my Thanksgiving bird + trimmings and curated my list of favorite tech gadgets for 2025. I am sharing them here in case you have folks asking about something tech-frivolous that you would like this season.
There is something inherently "dark side" about playing darts during winter. Maybe I only sense rogues and villains throwing darts when the temps dip down because during the dark months, days are short and darkness has the upper hand. So in that spirit, sign me up for some high-quality Darth Vader-themed darts.
I do like my coffee. Every day, I kick off with the single best mug that my just-awakened eyes can navigate. Good coffee requires good beans. And when it comes to my friends, arabica and canephora, fresh = good. Hide them from light and air, so when you release, goodness happens. To make my new-day aspirations easier, I have my eye on this rechargeable vacuum canister that puts my beans into restful hibernation until just when I need them.
I have excellent memories of getting up on winter days around 4:00 a.m. to catch the ski bus to the Sunrise slopes of the White Mountains. The bus would deliver me with lift tickets in hand at 8:30 a.m. to spend a day sliding down mountains. During the dark five-hour drive back, a slightly more sore version of me would grab my original Game Boy, conveniently stowed in my ski jacket pocket, along with a stack of cartridges. Dark roads and time would slide by while playing side scrollers like Prince of Persia and puzzle games like Tetris. I have no idea what happened to that old Game Boy, but retro recreations now exist that mash up all the classic handhelds. Fueled by cheap memory and nostalgia, these clones offer thousands of my old games to enjoy while on a holiday break.
The Perseverance Rover is one of the great marvels of human technological achievement. This six-wheeled embodiment of "never going to stop" left Earth in 2020 and has spent the last 5 years exploring Jezero Crater. A few months ago, Perseverance detected electrical charges in the air that match the profile of lightning. I am never going to get to Mars and shake Perseverance's robotic arm. Still, I could build a homebrew version, AI it up with this kit, and give it a well-deserved high five.
My home includes Kipp, the border collie. This means each and every day, a low-grade sheen of soft tuxedo black and white fur coats my floors. I love my pup. The same is not true for vacuuming up after him. Especially when I rationalize that I personally have no hair and do not require floor clean-up. Any crumbs I leave are nibbled up by Kipp anyway. Problem solved with a decent vac'bot. The AI versions of these map my house, vacuum, mop, and empty themselves into a bin. And if a new puppy shows up and has an accident, these vac'bots have enough AI to avoid the gooey bits.
Sometimes I like gifts that are only vaguely useful, yet the idea is deeply fun. This is where a haptic vest comes in, knocking me around a bit as if I were at that concert or taking a hit. I don't know how many games support it, or even if any thumps from my Beats noise-cancelling headphones would translate into chest vibrations. But spending a day testing it out to see what it does and how close we are getting to Ready Player One would be holiday time nicely spent. And besides, "woojer" is really a fun word to say.
There are many days when I am pinned down for hours listening to what feels like a stew of problems, risks, other people's bad days, and stuff I need to sort out. My go-to solution is some combination of gym, pizza, pup, and family. But those all happen if / when I escape the day. It would be bliss to take it down a few notches while still sitting in those time-dilating meetings. This is the reason why the Truvaga Nerve Stimulator caught my eye. This nifty IoT device can be discreetly held in my hand so that when I feel a fight-or-flight moment coming on, I hold it up to the Vagus nerve in my neck (next to a major blood vessel) and let the Truvaga spend two minutes telling my nervous system to chill out.
So there is my list for 2025. With any luck, some of these will show up under my tree. I hope the same plays out for you!
Dr B.
From holiday tech thrills to hands-on innovation—take the next step with UAT. Apply or inquire today!
On the seventh day of UAT’s Techmas, we’re turning up the holiday cheer with seven wearables designed to make life easier—and a lot more festive! From smart rings that track your wellness to AR glasses that add a touch of magic to your daily routine, these gadgets blend innovation, convenience, and a sprinkle of holiday fun. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift, these tech-savvy tools are sure to keep your season merry, bright, and effortlessly organized.
Stay merry and bright all season long! This smart sensor tracks your hydration in real time and sends gentle reminders to drink water, helping you feel energized and ready to enjoy every holiday gathering and snowy adventure.
Experience a little holiday magic hands-free! These AR glasses overlay digital information onto the real world, making it easy to check your gift lists, follow festive recipes, or stream your favorite seasonal movies while keeping your hands free for decorating and celebrating.
Keep calm amid the holiday hustle and bustle. Muse guides meditation and tracks focus, helping you reduce stress, recharge your mind, and savor quiet, peaceful moments during this busy season.
After days filled with shopping, parties, and celebrations, wind down with these tiny earbuds. They block disruptive sounds and provide soothing audio to help you get deep, restful sleep, so you wake up refreshed and ready for more festive fun.
A sleek, stylish ring that keeps track of your activity, sleep, and overall wellness. Whether you’re dashing through holiday errands or cozying up by the fire, it gives insights to keep you balanced and feeling your best all season.
Start every morning feeling like it’s Christmas Day! This smart mask monitors your sleep patterns and gently wakes you at the perfect moment, ensuring you’re refreshed and ready to make the most of every holiday moment.
Deck the halls without breaking a sweat! This innovative bracelet lets you instantly adjust your personal temperature, keeping you cozy or cool during chilly winter nights or lively holiday parties.
Like what you saw today? Learn the tech behind these tools at UAT.
On the 6th day of Techmas, we’re celebrating University of Advancing Technology's (UAT) six top blogs of 2025! From Artificial Intelligence (AI) art reaching the Moon to award-winning hackathon wins, immersive experiences at CactusCon, Student Innovation Projects (SIP), esports community highlights, and top Niche rankings, these stories showcase the creativity, skill, and innovation that make UAT students stand out.
1. Hacking, Learning & Networking: CactusCon 2025 By Avery Willets
UAT student Avery Willets describes his experience at CactusCon 2025, where they explored cutting-edge cybersecurity tools, attended talks on red-team tactics and hash-cracking, gained leadership insights, and connected with Arizona’s vibrant cyber community.
2. Spring Innovations Unleashed: Highlighting the Spring 2025 Student Innovation Projects By Katy Toerner
Spring 2025 Student Innovation Projects Spotlight, featuring tools and games that push creative and technical boundaries—from a 3D-to-2D animation converter to an immersive RTS game and a customizable audio plugin—showcasing the innovation driving UAT students’ work.
3. UAT Student's AI Art makes its way from Times Square to Space! By Katy Toerner
UAT student Vanessa Camacaro's AI-generated artwork — previously displayed in Times Square — was launched into space aboard the Firefly Blue Ghost Moon Lander aboard a SpaceX rocket, landing on the Moon at Mare Crisium on March 2, 2025. The piece, “La Vie En Rose,” will become part of a lunar museum — marking an extraordinary blend of AI art, human creativity, and space exploration.
4. Wyverns Gaming & Esports Club By Jayce Jakubowski
UAT’s Wyverns Gaming & Esports Club, one of the campus’s largest student groups, offering a welcoming space for both competitive players and casual gamers. Focused on community, stress relief, and connection, the club gives students a fun, supportive outlet to unwind, build skills, and get involved in campus life through gaming.
5. UAT Ranked among the Best: A top choice for Design, Safety, and Student Life By Katy Toerner
UAT’s strong performance in the 2025 Niche rankings — including being named #1 in Arizona for Computer Science and #1 in Arizona for Design.
It also notes other high ranks: #2 in the state for Information Technology, #2 for dorm quality, #3 for student life and campus safety, and top spots for food, location, and overall campus environment.
6. UAT Students win Hack The Future: Phoenix Hackathon By Robert Walker
UAT students Keegan Heaton and Ozzy James took first place at the SeedAI Hackathon in Phoenix, demonstrating their expertise in AI and cybersecurity. Their winning project highlighted real-world problem-solving skills and UAT’s focus on hands-on, practical learning.
Join the holiday tech celebration—your future in tech starts at UAT. Learn More about all UAT has to offer students today!
On the fifth day of UAT’s annual Techmas, we’re hitting play! 🎮 Today, we’re spotlighting five games that come with the coveted UAT professor seal of approval—titles that aren’t just fun, but also showcase creativity, innovation, and lessons worth learning. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just looking for something engaging to try this holiday season, these picks are guaranteed to level up your downtime.
Instructor RaLen Watson-Davis Game Art & Animation "The game that gets my seal of approval is Hi-Fi Rush! This game is a rhythm action game, and it play similar to Devil May Cry. Everything in the game moves to the beat of the music, from the environment down to the combat! Along with some great rock genre songs, the art style has an awesome comic book style look and plays like a dream. I like fighting games and I like music, and the bonus of having a sick art style really made this game stand out to me! It innovates on both action games and rhythm games with the gameplay and mechanics introduced. This game is great for anyone to play, so give it a shot! It's fun and satisfying to play!"
Professor Dane Cavanaugh Toft Game Studies "My favorite game would have to be "Splatoon 3". It is a 3rd person 4v4 shooter created by Nintendo. The player is a character that can transform between two forms, a "Kid" form and a "Squid" form. The goal of the game is to best the opponent team in "Turf Wars" where the goal is not to always get kills on other players like other shooters but instead to paint the most turf on the ground at the end of a 3 minute fast paced match. The players use a variety of weapons to dish out massive paint such as giant paint rollers, buckets to fling ink around the map, or even sniper rifles shaped like a giant pencil. "
Dr. Hue Henry Game Programming "World of Warcraft- Peaking in 2010 at over 12 million subscribers ( that's more than the population of Sweden! ) WoW is the most popular MMORPG of all time. Even now, more than 20 years after the game was released, there are still millions of passionate players who spend their free time hanging out in Azeroth. Understanding how this game can entertain this massive world-wide audience for such an incredibly long time is critical for any game design students who want to make their own popular, long-lasting games. Plus, it's a lot of fun! "
Game Studies Regent Derric Clark Game Design & Virtual Reality "Stardew Valley is an open-ended cozy RPG originally released on February 26, 2016. Stardew Valley’s longevity is fostered by continuous updates over the last 10 years including multiplayer support, new events, new areas, and new gameplay systems. The 1.6 update boosted the average active daily players on Steam with Stardew Valley regularly ranking in the top 50 and often in the top 25. The game even hit over 200,000 concurrent players in 2024. After inheriting your Grandpa’s farm, you move to Stardew Valley and start your adventures. Meeting the local villagers, starting your farm, and exploring the Valley kick off the gameplay and the player experience within the game. Starting with your Grandpa’s old tools, you will Farm, Forage, Fish, Mine, and Fight your way through the story arcs, task completion, and upgrades to many systems in the game over hours and hours of gameplay and potentially, multiple play through. This retro graphics, cozy game has an amazing amount of content and with modding, has unlimited possibilities for gameplay style and fun."
Professor Jake Perrine Esports Coach "I have been playing this one game that came out last month a lot called 'ARC Raiders'. Its a multiplayer extraction shooter where you fight other players and robots for better equipment and weapons. "
Ready to level up your tech journey? Apply or inquire at UAT today.
On the fourth day of Techmas, University of Advancing Technology's (UAT) Cyber Security Faculty are here to help you stay safe online this holiday season! From phishing scams disguised as festive deals to Wi-Fi risks while shopping on the go, the digital world can be just as tricky as it is convenient. That’s why they have rounded up their favorite tips to protect your data, devices, and digital identity—so you can focus on the joy of the season without worrying about cyber Grinches.
Dr. Briant Becote "Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) whenever possible- it helps ensure your accounts are protected, even if your passwords are compromised."
Professor Aaron Rodriguez "Password managers might not be flashy, but your wallet will definitely appreciate the extra protection. Secure your accounts - secure your cash."
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Professor Sarah Bunce "Use a password manager to have separate passwords for each of your accounts. Reused or weak passwords is one of the most common ways attackers steal your information."
Professor Adam Zeiner " Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Shopping: Never enter passwords or credit card numbers while on free Wi-Fi at a cafe, airport, or hotel. Hackers on the same network can "sniff" this traffic."
Keep the Techmas spirit going! 🎄 Apply to UAT today and start unwrapping your future in tech.
On the Third Day of Techmas, we’re celebrating the power of staying connected—anytime, anywhere.
Today’s spotlight is all about smart devices that keep your digital world running smoothly, help you stay in sync with what matters, and bring a little extra convenience to the season. From streamlining your routines to enhancing your productivity, these three smart picks keep you plugged in throughout the holidays and beyond.
Stay connected and on track in the new year with the Skylight Calendar. Skylight’s Smart Wall Planner is a touchscreen digital calendar designed to keep people organized. It syncs effortlessly with major calendar platforms, mounts on the wall or sits on a countertop, and serves as a central hub for schedules, chores, and meal planning. With interactive task lists, color-coding, and remote access through the Skylight app, it keeps everyone connected from anywhere. Upgrading to the optional Plus Plan adds features like Magic Import, rewards, photo screensavers, and enhanced planning tools.
The Nest Hub Max is a 10‑inch smart display from Google with a touchscreen, built-in speakers, a wide-angle camera, and smart-home controls. It lets you watch videos, stream music, manage smart devices, and make video calls. Features like auto-framing and Face Match enhance video calls, while a physical switch ensures camera and microphone privacy. Its stereo speakers deliver richer sound for music, videos, and more. This device keeps the family connected all year long.
The Plaud Note Pro is a credit‑card‑sized AI-powered notetaker that records calls or in-person conversations, auto-transcribes them, and generates smart summaries. It has a small AMOLED display for recording status and battery, plus a 4-mic array that captures voices clearly up to 16 ft. A long press starts recording, while a short tap highlights key moments for the Artificial Intelligence (AI) to prioritize. Ultra-slim and lightweight, it’s easy to carry and ideal for meetings, classes, or interviews. The Plaud Note Pro is a great gift for the busy student or professional in your life.
From cutting-edge gadgets to the minds who create them—start your tech degree at UAT.
On the Second Day of Techmas, we’re highlighting forward-thinking technologies that push innovation in meaningful ways. Today’s focus is all about going green, as we feature two sustainable tools making a real impact on how we live, work and consume.
This smart home management tool gives users full visibility into their home’s energy consumption—room by room, device by device. Savant Smart Budget helps homeowners track usage patterns, identify high-draw electronics, and set monthly energy goals that encourage mindful consumption. By blending convenience with real-time insights, it empowers users to shrink their energy footprint while saving on utility costs. A greener world and a happier wallet? That’s holiday magic.
Say goodbye to piles of notebooks and printed documents. The reMarkable Paper Pro turns your workflows digital with a natural, pen-to-paper writing experience—minus the waste. It lets users sketch, annotate, brainstorm, and organize work across devices, all without consuming a single sheet of paper. For students, creators, technologists and busy professionals, it’s a sustainability win wrapped in minimalist design.
Whether you're reducing daily waste or managing your home’s energy smarter, these eco-friendly tools prove that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. Stay tuned for Day 3 of Techmas as we unwrap more future-forward favorites!
Today’s Techmas innovation is just the start—explore AI, robotics, and emerging tech at UAT.
The moment we watched its display rise and stretch upward, we knew this was more than a cool prototype. Lenovo’s rollable OLED screen smoothly transitions from a traditional 14" laptop display into a tall, productivity-boosting 16.7" vertical panel with a tap or gesture. It’s the kind of innovation that instantly changes how you work — offering more room for coding, research, editing, and multitasking without adding bulk to your bag.
Inside, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable packs Intel’s latest Artificial Intelligence (AI)-ready processors, giving students, creators, and tech innovators the performance they need to build, design, and explore without limits. Paired with a premium build, advanced on-device AI features, and a futuristic form factor that still feels practical, this laptop stands out as one of the most exciting releases of the year.
Seeing it at CES made one thing clear: rollable displays aren’t just the future — they’re here. And this device captures exactly what we love most about emerging tech: bold ideas, smart engineering, and tools that make creative problem-solving even more powerful.
As we kick off the 12 Days of Techmas, the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable sets the tone — innovative, inspiring, and ready to fuel the next generation of tech talent.
Love today’s tech spotlight? Unwrap🎁 even more inspiration with UAT's forward-thinking degrees!
As a Software Engineering student at University of Advancing Technology (UAT), I’ve learned that autonomous delivery isn't limited by navigation algorithms or flight controllers—the real bottleneck is energy. My drone work, built with open-source autopilots and custom ESC setups, exposed the same issues seen in larger autonomous systems: power stability, thermal performance, and limited energy density.
To move beyond these constraints, next-generation drone systems must support both high power density and high energy density. Two emerging technologies are central to future research: supercapacitors and all-polymer batteries.
Supercapacitors are high-power energy storage devices that provide the short, high-intensity bursts of current required for critical dynamic maneuvers, including:
Takeoff and rapid throttle response
Obstacle-avoidance thrust corrections
Stabilization during wind disturbances
Rapid braking or sudden altitude changes
By delivering these high-burst energy demands, supercapacitors reduce instantaneous load on the primary battery pack, smoothing voltage dips and improving overall output stability. Their downside, however, is their inherently low energy storage capacity, which limits use to short-duration tasks rather than full-flight power
All-polymer (solid-state polymer) batteries have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional LiPo cells. Their projected advantages include:
Higher overall energy density
Improved thermal resistance and safety characteristics
Longer cycle life under repeated discharge
Safer, non-liquid electrolyte design
Flexible form factors ideal for aerospace platforms
These attributes position all-polymer batteries as a strong candidate for powering future autonomous delivery aircraft and large-scale Urban Air Mobility (UAM) systems, particularly where energy density and thermal safety become mission-critical.
A combined system—supercapacitors for power bursts + all-polymer cells for sustained energy—offers the most viable pathway for improvement.
Key engineering benefits:
These hybrid approaches will be increasingly important as students move into advanced robotics, AI flight control, and aerospace-focused disciplines such as:
Urban Air Mobility (UAM) platforms—including eVTOL vehicles—require far more robust energy systems than small drones. Modern UAM designs must achieve:
Energy density above 400 Wh/kg
Redundant and fault-tolerant power rails
Stable thermal performance during high-demand thrust cycles
Rapid-charging or modular battery-swap capability
The same bottlenecks we face when building small autonomous drones directly scale into UAM engineering. Student-level experimentation provides an early, hands-on understanding of these aerospace challenges, making drone research an ideal entry point for future engineers.
Hands-on UAV development reveals the real-world relationships between:
Battery chemistry and discharge behavior
ESC load response and efficiency
Flight-controller tuning under changing conditions
Thermal effects on payload capacity and mission duration
These insights shape how students approach emerging aerospace fields and complex engineering problems. As power systems evolve, students can contribute to research, prototyping, and applied innovation through UAT’s project-driven learning environment.
If you're interested in pursuing developing autonomous systems or researching next-generation power technologies, you can begin exploring these fields right away alongside me and other peers at UAT.
Start your journey with UAT today:
> Apply Now
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UAT provides the environment, mentorship, and technical resources needed to transform engineering curiosity into real, applied innovation.
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Mason Wang (white shirt, second from the right) pictured with student peers on UAT's campus in Tempe, AZ.
Hi, I’m Mason — a Software Engineering student at the University of Advancing Technology (UAT) with a growing passion for autonomous systems, robotics, and emerging aerospace technologies.
Working on UAV and power-system research has pushed me to develop not only technical skill, but real engineering discipline: troubleshooting flight-controller behavior, analyzing battery chemistry, refining code for efficiency, and learning how small design decisions change real-world performance. What I appreciate most about UAT is the environment. mentors who genuinely care, classmates who challenge and inspire me, and a campus culture where innovation isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected.
Through hands-on projects, Student Innovation Projects, and guidance from industry experienced faculty, I’ve learned how to turn ideas into functioning prototypes and how to approach engineering problems with intention. My journey is just beginning, but UAT has already given me the tools, support, and mindset to build technology that actually matters. And I’m excited for what comes next.
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Q: What is the main bottleneck limiting autonomous delivery drone performance? A: The primary bottleneck is energy, specifically issues related to power stability, thermal performance, and limited energy density in current battery technology.
Q: How do supercapacitors improve autonomous drone flight? A: Supercapacitors provide the short, high-intensity bursts of current needed for critical dynamic maneuvers (like takeoff, obstacle avoidance, and rapid braking), which stabilizes voltage and reduces stress on the main battery pack.
Q: What advantages do all-polymer batteries offer over traditional LiPo cells for UAM? A: All-polymer (solid-state polymer) batteries offer projected advantages, including higher overall energy density, improved thermal resistance and safety, a longer cycle life, and safer, non-liquid electrolytes.
Q: What is a hybrid power system in the context of drones and UAM? A: A hybrid power system combines supercapacitors for high-intensity power bursts with all-polymer cells for sustained energy. This approach reduces voltage fluctuation, improves discharge predictability, and increases system safety.
Q: What UAT degree programs relate to autonomous systems and aerospace power innovation? A: Students explore these fields through programs such as Robotics Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Advancing Computer Science, and Software Engineering at the University of Advancing Technology (UAT).
As we wrap up another semester, University of Advancing Technology's (UAT) Provost Dr. Dave Bolman offers his thoughts and reflections on this past Fall Semester.
Dear UAT students,
Winter is ahead, and 2025 is nearly done. At UAT’s main campus, sightings of the season include decorations filling the halls. Meanwhile, students, faculty, and staff wear sweaters in 68-degree weather.
As a student, December is a busy time for completing the current term and preparing for the next. One of my favorite things about this time of year is watching students working on projects whose complexity is profoundly more advanced than what I saw 3 months ago. Hovering over laptops, power stations, and tablets, students at UAT are creating design portfolios, robots, prototypes, cyber defenses, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and games in every corner, on every table, on every couch, in every think tank, and lab. These scenes remind me of a quote from Ernest Cline’s debut novel, Ready Player One:
“Then the Hunt for Halliday’s Easter egg began, and that was what saved me. Suddenly, I’d found something worth doing. A dream worth chasing. For the last five years, the Hunt had given me a goal and purpose. A quest to fulfill. A reason to get up in the morning. Something to look forward to.”
I have always loved Ready Player One for how it captures what it is to be in the culture of technology builds, and this quote shines a light on what I watch UAT students do every day. First is the joy and satisfaction to be found in the pursuit of your own tech creation. No matter the direction your interests take you. Studying, inquiring, experimenting, and exploring every nook of technology to unfold an idea that has grown in your thoughts is beyond energizing (once you catch up on sleep). UAT students do this every day as they prepare to compete, curate boards, and assemble completed innovations showcased to the community.
The quote’s other insight encourages us as creators to build and seek out Easter Eggs. For upwards of 50 years, there has been a tradition of hiding pop references, puzzles, and amusing messages inside tech. Much like the December holidays, tech Easter Eggs are playful, a bit random, and do things that make the creator and discoverer smile. Finding secret levels filled with demon cows (Diablo II) is the same kind of fun as unwrapping an unexpected gift. As students, you are creating innovation projects. Soon, you will go on to build amazing tech. In both scenarios, being playful about what is nestled inside your creation is like opening brain gates that give permission to connect wildly different ideas, leading to something new. My message here is that not only are December holidays a time of fun, but they are also good for you and your tech creativity. So lean in and look for playful ideas that become something more!
All of the faculty and staff at UAT wish you success in your current classes, projects, and SIPs. We have loved working with you throughout the year. UAT returns in 2026 with emerging tech, competitions, events, and innovations to pursue. There will also be a graduation to celebrate. Until then, find some playful tech to insert new and random ideas into your creative plans. Along the way, nibble tasty things, enjoy family and friends, see a movie, and celebrate your 2025 accomplishments. We will see you in January!
Dr. Dave Bolman, Provost
Happy National Computer Security Day! To celebrate this, we are going to go over 4 tips and why they are important to keep your computer safe. We when we look at risk, one of the biggest indicators is what websites you go to and files that are downloaded. This is because when you visit a new website or download a file you add new unknown factors that could be malicious.
First, we are going a website called virus total (https://www.virustotal.com). To scan a new website, you are going to click the “URL” tab and apply enter the website into the URL box. If you have a file that you want to make sure is safe you can click the “File” tab and select the file you want to analyze. After that what this website will do is run it through multiple security vendors detection for free. If that security vendor doesn’t detect anything it will have a green checkmark. If that security vendor detects something malicious it will provide a red explanation point. For a quick reference you will be able to see the top and are looking a full green circle indicating no malicious activity was detected.
The next common issue that can happen is having outdated software updates. Updates not only add new features to software they also include updates to security for the software. This is because people are finding new ways to break software and gain access to computer so developers will have to fix these issues though software patches. One of the most important software to update on your computer is your operating system and your web browser. The good news your operating system will automatically update on its own. For your web browser this can generally be done by going the help section at the top and then clicking the update button.
Another tip to make your computer more secure is uninstall programs that you don’t use. This is because the more programs you have on your computer the more likely one could have a security flaw that could compromise your computer. This concept is referred to attack surface where you reduce the openings for attacks. The benefit to this tip is that it will also improve the performance and free up some storage.
The last thing that is vulnerable to cyber-attack is you the person reading this. Instead of using a technology to break into your computer some people will try to email or call you to try to convince you to let them into your computer. The first defense against this is taking time and not rushing on making a decision. The next defense is getting someone else opinion since they will be able to help you determine if something is a scam or not.
Secure your future—literally. Check out UAT’s Cyber Degrees.
As technology continues to evolve at lightning speed, the University of Advancing Technology (UAT) has positioned itself as a future-focused institution built for innovators, creators, and problem-solvers. With the release of several major 2026 college rankings, we have a clearer picture of how UAT stacks up nationally, regionally, and within key academic categories.
Niche ranked UAT #1 in Arizona for Design and # 65 in America. These rankings are equivalent to UAT's Niche rankings for Design in 2025. UAT's design degrees included: Advertising Art, Game Art & Animation and Game Design.
College Raptor ranked UAT #13 of 48 Private, For-Profit Colleges in the US. Other College Raptor rankings include #36 of 124 Best College in the Southwest US, and #5 Best College in Arizona.
US News awarded UAT #12 in Social Mobility as well as #22 in Regional Colleges West. UAT has consistently ranked in the top 15 for social mobility and in the top 35 in regional colleges west.
The 2026 rankings reaffirm UAT’s role as a specialized, future-focused institution designed for students who want to build, create, and innovate. Whether you’re interested in Game Production, Digital Marketing, Network Security, or Robotics Engineering, UAT continues to stand out where it counts: hands-on learning, creativity, and meaningful opportunity.
See why UAT continues to stand out in 2026.
Learn More or Apply Today and start building what’s next.
When it comes to cybersecurity, the pressure is real, the stakes are high, and only the sharpest digital defenders rise to the challenge. This fall, University of Advancing Technology’s (UAT) Cyber Ninjas stepped confidently onto the virtual battlefield of the National Cyber League (NCL)—a nationwide competition that tests the skills, strategy, and grit of the next generation of cyber professionals.
NCL is a nationwide cyber competition where teams compete against each other to solve as many cybersecurity-related puzzles as possible. The NCL provides numerous puzzles that can be solved in any order, covering many topics in cybersecurity, including open-source intelligence (OSINT), cryptography, password cracking, scanning and reconnaissance, wireless access exploitation, web application exploitation, enumeration and exploitation, log analysis, and forensics.
The Ninjas began training for the competition this summer by working through the NCL provided practice 'gyms' that provided dozens of practice questions that are easier than the ones that will appear in the actual competition. They also utilized other practice platforms including TryHackMe.
This year's competition included 4,100 teams with each team having a maximum of 7 members. Every puzzle solved gives the team a number of points based on the difficulty of the puzzle with a range from 10 to 60 points. When it came time for the actual competition, the UAT Cyber Ninjas came prepared. As a result of their hard work, the Ninjas finished in 115th place with a total of 2450 points out of a maximum 3000. They bested their last years completion of 73% by completing 83% of the 2025 competition.
This year's team consisted of Boone Stewart, Jason McDaniel, Jayse Monty, Daniel Drljaca, and Nicholas Honkus. They also received help from other UAT students Dylan Maxwell and Keegan Heaton, as well as UAT Alumnus and 2024 Valedictorian Ozzy James.
UAT couldn’t be more proud of the Cyber Ninjas and the way they represented the university throughout the National Cyber League competition. Their grit, collaboration, and technical excellence shined from start to finish, showcasing exactly what it means to be a UAT innovator and problem-solver. This team not only demonstrated their individual talent but also embodied the spirit of our cyber community—driven, curious, and ready to defend the digital world. Their performance reflects the strength of UAT’s cybersecurity programs and the bright future ahead for every student who steps into the arena.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Check out UAT’s cybersecurity programs and get started on a hands-on, challenge-driven cyber education.
At University of Advancing Technology (UAT), students don’t just earn degrees they launch careers fueled by creativity, innovation, and adaptability. The paths of three UAT alumni Kody Mitchell, Sidney Siedel, and Tommy Leeds, prove that success in technology often comes from pairing technical skill with curiosity, resilience, and an open mind.
Kody Mitchell:
Class of 2022 - Advancing Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Network Security
A triple major, and former Student Ambassador, Kody embraced every opportunity to bridge software development with cybersecurity—skills that would propel him into roles as a Backend Python Developer at Involio and later as a Senior Security Engineer at Arktos, Inc.
“UAT allowed me to combine the essentials of cybersecurity with the creativity of software development,” Kody shares. That combination became the foundation of his professional success, helping him navigate the fast-paced world of tech with confidence and curiosity.
His advice for current students - “Don’t be afraid to take a step in a different direction than you anticipated at first.” For Kody, that mindset led to a fulfilling and evolving career that balances both security and innovation.
Sidney Seidel:
Class of 2019 - Game Design
For Sidney, UAT was the launchpad for a career rooted in creativity and adaptability. Her early experience in game design and quality assurance led her to work on major titles like Halo Infinite, Gears 5, and Crackdown 3.
Her career path took a surprising turn into the world of construction, where she now thrives as a Virtual Construction Engineer at Nox Innovations. She applies her design skills to 3D modeling future builds, merging artistry with cutting-edge technology.
“UAT opened the door for me into the world of creativity and 3D modeling,” she reflects. “While I may not be in the gaming industry today, that’s where my journey began.”
Her advice to future grads - “Keep an open mind after graduation. Even if your first role isn’t in the gaming industry, there are countless opportunities to apply your creativity and degree in meaningful ways.” She adds, “Don’t give up on your dreams, but also be open to discovering new ones. Sometimes the unexpected path can be just as rewarding as the one you originally envisioned.”
Tommy Leeds:
Class of 2015 - Game Art & Animation
Long before he became a Senior Cinematic Artist at Shapeshifter Games, Tommy was a UAT student passionate about bringing stories to life through animation. What began as curiosity in 3D modeling evolved into a thriving career that’s taken him through studios like Telltale Games and Deep Silver Volition, proving that creativity, persistence, and teamwork can turn passion into purpose.
“UAT provided a comprehensive base understanding of all things 3D,” Tommy says. “This set me up well for continued learning in whatever professional artist role I find myself in.”
Before joining Shapeshifter, Tommy honed his craft as a Cinematic Artist at Deep Silver Volition and an Associate Cinematic Artist at Telltale Games. Along the way, he learned invaluable lessons about teamwork and persistence.
He credits his UAT peers with shaping his professional outlook: “I made a lot of great friends at UAT who challenged me and taught me the importance of teamwork in game dev.”
Tommy’s advice for aspiring artists - “Keep a positive attitude—no one likes working with consistent negativity in the room. Learn how to receive criticism without becoming defensive. Never stop growing in knowledge of your craft. Finding work in the game industry is tough for everyone. Don’t give up!”
At UAT, every success story begins with a spark—and the courage to follow it. Join a community of innovators, creators, and problem-solvers who are shaping the future of technology.
Become the next UAT success story. Apply Today!
On November 12th, University of Advancing Technology (UAT) hosted the first-ever Tech Respect Summit: Advancing AI, Cyber & IT, uniting Arizona’s tech community for an afternoon centered on innovation, ethics, sustainability, and community impact.
The theme for UAT's event was " Advancing tech responsibly," and Summit’s panels showcased leaders across Arizona’s innovation ecosystem, each focused on a different dimension of “Tech Respect”:
Green Tech Respect Panel:
Ashley Weisman (Greenlight Solutions), Sarkes Mkrdichian (TechBros), and Sotiria Anagnostou (Arizona Sustainability Alliance) shared insights on sustainability, green innovation, and the environmental responsibilities tied to technological growth.
Lightning talks and hands-on demonstrations rounded out the afternoon, giving attendees fast-paced insights into current and emerging tech trends.
IT & AI Respect Panel:
Ryan Gruver (Banner Health), UAT AI Professor Tony Hinton, and UAT Provost Dr. Dave Bolman discussed the rise of responsible AI, emerging IT leadership, and the importance of human-centered innovation.
Cyber Respect Panel:
Dara Gibson (AZ InfraGard), Aaron Rodriguez (UAT), and Paige Hanson (Secure Labs) highlighted today’s cybersecurity challenges and the shared responsibility of protecting digital infrastructure.
Brand Respect Panel:
Phoenix Tech Group’s Sophie Deskin and Katri Morrison-Goulias examined how authenticity, trust, and ethical practices shape modern tech branding. They also coached UAT Students Mason Barlue and Philander Atkins through a Branding exercise to expose them to ways to market themselves in the industry.
Community Respect Panel:
Craig Belanger (General Education Regent), UAT Professor Dapzury Valenzuela, and Lisa Hausz (City of Tempe Economic Development) explored how technology shapes local economies, workforce development, and community partnerships.
Lightning talks and hands-on demonstrations rounded out the afternoon, giving attendees fast-paced insights into current and emerging tech trends.
The Summit was free to all Arizona college students. Students connected directly with industry leaders, gained access to current field insights, and explored future career pathways in AI, cybersecurity, and IT.
The Tech Respect Summit set a new standard for tech convenings in the region: innovation paired with accountability, sustainability, and community impact.. The Summit has positioned UAT as a central force in shaping Arizona’s technology landscape.
More details about next year’s Summit will be announced soon as UAT continues championing a culture where innovation meets responsibility. In the meantime, you can watch the event in full on YouTube.