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.
Virtual Reality (VR) is no longer science fiction. It’s transforming how we learn, tell stories, train, and create. But as powerful as VR can be, it’s still locked behind barriers—high costs, closed-source hardware, and technical complexity. For many aspiring creators, educators, and students, building immersive VR experiences—especially ones with haptic feedback—remains out of reach. During University of Advancing Technology's (UAT) Spring 2025 Production Studios class, students worked on a project - VR Imaginaruim - and spent the semester working to make VR with haptic feedback more accessible.
Problem Statement
Virtual reality (VR) holds immense potential to revolutionize education, storytelling, training, and creativity. However, creating immersive VR experiences—especially those that include haptic feedback—remains expensive and technically inaccessible for most independent developers, educators, students, and hobbyists. Proprietary haptic hardware is often costly, closed-source, and difficult to modify or extend, creating a barrier for those who want to innovate or explore the full potential of VR.
This lack of affordable, open-source tools limits creativity and experimentation, especially in underserved or low-resource communities where equitable access to cutting-edge technology is critical.
Solution
VR Imaginarium is an open-source hardware toolkit designed to make affordable and accessible VR development—including haptic interactions—a reality for everyone.
By providing:
VR Imaginarium empowers creators of all backgrounds to design, build, and share their own immersive experiences. Whether you're an educator designing interactive lessons, a student exploring tactile simulations, or a maker prototyping new VR input devices, VR Imaginarium opens the door to a more inclusive and creative future in virtual reality.
Virtual Experience
The students also built a virtual experience called “Mission Critical: Escape”. In the future we plan to combine the two where you can experience haptic sensations within this virtual experience.
Student Spotlights
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Rachael Alicea-Mjelde – Creative Lead (Virtual Reality Major)
Rachael was drawn to VR Imaginarium because it aligned perfectly with her major and allowed her to dive deeper into Unity. She crafted immersive background scenes for all three acts of “Mission Critical: Escape” and produced the Unity team’s video showcase.
Biggest takeaway?
"I learned so much more about Unity and got out of my comfort zone. Even though I didn’t code as much as I hoped, I picked up tricks for showcasing games visually—and that’s huge for me as a creative."
Challenges faced:
Burnout and technical frustrations—like having to restart her PC every few hours. Through it all, she learned the power of schedules and self-care.
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Sulliven Weiss – Hardware Lead (Network Security Major)
Sulliven engineered the core haptic hardware integration. He designed a system that lets Unity send commands to an ESP32 microcontroller, activating vibrotactile motors and fans for sensory feedback.
Why VR Imaginarium?
"It combined everything I love—immersive tech, hardware control, and cross-platform systems. I wanted to build something that could feel real."
Biggest challenge?
Getting Unity to communicate with hardware over serial ports. He had to troubleshoot .NET compatibility issues and power management bugs.
What’s next?
"This project could evolve into a scalable haptics sandbox for future students. Think accessibility tools, full-body systems, or AI-enhanced feedback. The foundation is here—it’s all about what comes next."
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Zoe McGowan – Creative Lead (Digital Video Major)
Zoe joined the project for a challenge outside her comfort zone—and got exactly that. She helped write the story, created storyboards, and even designed a simple 3D character model.
What she learned:
"This was my first time working in a large, collaborative team. It helped me confront my perfectionism and push through creative blocks. The stress was real—but so was the growth."
Looking ahead:
"I can see VR Imaginarium being polished and finished at UAT. For a proof of concept, it’s already impressive—but there’s so much potential for more."
Learn more about UAT's degree offerings today!
Members of University of Advancing Technology’s (UAT) The Workshop Club had a transformative experience attending PADT’s annual Nerdtoberfest, a renowned event celebrating innovation across additive manufacturing, engineering design, and 3D scanning. This event provided a rich platform for students passionate about these cutting-edge technologies, allowing them to engage directly with industry leaders and explore the practical applications of their studies.
PADT opened its doors to reveal a vast range of services that are shaping the modern technological landscape. The students engaged with professionals who are spearheading efforts in product development and additive manufacturing. Through interactive discussions, they learned about the lifecycle of product development—from conception through to execution. PADT’s engineers emphasized the iterative nature of design and the importance of persistence and creativity in solving complex engineering problems.
One of the highlights for the Workshop Club members was witnessing firsthand the sophisticated machinery and techniques used in additive manufacturing. PADT demonstrated several projects that featured complex geometries unachievable by traditional manufacturing methods. These examples not only broadened the students’ understanding of the industry’s capabilities but also inspired them to consider new possibilities for their own projects at UAT.
Another significant aspect of the festival was the demonstration of 3D scanning technology. The engineers showcased how they utilize high-precision scanners to capture detailed measurements of physical objects, which can then be used to create highly accurate digital models. This process is crucial for reverse engineering and prototyping, offering a myriad of applications that the students could apply in their academic and future professional projects.
Beyond the technical learning, Nerdtoberfest offered invaluable networking opportunities. The students met and conversed with industry professionals who shared insights into career paths in engineering and design. These interactions helped the students understand the industry's expectations and the skills they need to develop to be successful.
The Workshop Club’s participation in PADT’s Nerdtoberfest was not just an educational outing; it was an inspirational journey that connected classroom learning with real-world applications. The insights gained and the professional connections made have equipped the students with a better understanding of their field’s potential and the opportunities that lie ahead. As they continue their education at UAT, the experiences from Nerdtoberfest will undoubtedly serve as a cornerstone for future innovation and success.
Explore dynamic disciplines like Digital Maker and Fabrication, Human Computer Interaction, Robotics and Embedded Systems, and Virtual Reality. Equip yourself with the skills to innovate and lead in our tech-driven world.
Join UAT and transform your creativity into groundbreaking projects and solutions. Discover more and apply now!
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the world’s largest and most influential technology event, held annually in Las Vegas. It’s a global stage where innovators, tech leaders, and enthusiasts converge to unveil groundbreaking technologies, discuss emerging trends, and envision the future. From AI and robotics to sustainable tech and immersive experiences, CES offers a first-hand look at innovations shaping our lives today and tomorrow.
For University of Advancing Technology (UAT), CES is more than just an industry showcase—it’s an essential opportunity to bring inspiration and innovation back to our campus.
Attending CES 2025 has been a mind-expanding experience, blending critical discussions on AI policy with visionary demonstrations of its potential. The day began with the session “What’s AI Got to Do with It? Views from the FTC & Industry,” followed by LG’s stunning “Affectionate Intelligence” showcase. Together, these events comprehensively picture AI’s challenges, opportunities, and transformative potential.
The morning session, 'What’s AI Got to Do with It? Views from the FTC & Industry' provided key insights on the duality of AI—how it can both enhance and challenge society. Experts discussed the regulatory hurdles and opportunities ahead for the AI ecosystem
The session, moderated by Christine Wilson of Freshfields, featured insights from Julie Brill (Microsoft) and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter (FTC). The discussion was grounded in key themes shaping AI’s regulatory and ethical landscape:
AI as a Dual-Use Technology: AI’s potential to both improve lives and cause harm was a central focus. The panel emphasized distinguishing between general-purpose AI (neutral tools like software platforms) and AI designed for harmful uses (e.g., fraud or impersonation). Responsibility must be shared among developers, deployers, and users.
Regulatory Complexity: The speakers argued against "AI exceptionalism," advocating for AI to adhere to existing laws while recognizing the need for targeted updates. AI should not facilitate illegal activities, and enforcement mechanisms must evolve to address AI’s unique risks.
Vulnerable Populations: A growing area of concern is AI’s exploitation for fraud, particularly targeting children and the elderly. Examples like voice cloning and deceptive chatbots underscored the need for stronger consumer protections and education.
Positive Applications: On the bright side, AI is already proving invaluable in enhancing enforcement, fraud detection, and consumer support. Contests to combat voice cloning fraud or improve robocall detection exemplify how innovation can address AI-related issues.
The conversation underscored the importance of collaboration, thoughtful regulation, and ethical innovation to ensure AI’s benefits are realized while mitigating its risks.
While the morning session focused on the regulatory complexities of AI, the afternoon offered a glimpse into the positive and empathetic uses of AI, as showcased by LG's 'Affectionate Intelligence'.” Under the theme “Life’s Good 24/7 with Affectionate Intelligence,” LG offered a glimpse into a future where AI enriches daily life through empathy and personalization.
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Empathy in AI: LG showcased AI’s ability to understand and anticipate user needs, fostering meaningful connections and enhancing daily routines across home, mobility, and workplace environments.
Strategic Partnership with Microsoft: Their collaboration aims to refine AI systems, improving accessibility through better recognition of diverse accents and expressions. Sustainability was also a focus, with innovations to enhance energy efficiency in AI data centers.
Human-Centric Innovation: LG emphasized AI as a tool for good, aligning with the principles discussed earlier in the day. Their concept of "Affectionate Intelligence" is about creating technology that not only works but also cares.
For students at UAT, CES offers more than just a showcase of cutting-edge tech—it’s a call to action. The critical conversations around AI and its regulatory impact, combined with inspiring demonstrations of empathetic AI applications, are a blueprint for the next generation of tech leaders.
Here’s how you, as a UAT student, can take inspiration from CES and start shaping the future:
CES serves as a powerful reminder that technology’s impact is defined not only by its capabilities but also by how we choose to use it. Whether it’s tackling fraud, enhancing lives, or advancing AI for the greater good, your innovations hold the potential to make a profound difference.
At UAT, we are dedicated to equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and ethical foundation needed to lead in the ever-evolving tech industry. Whether your passion lies in Artificial Intelligence, Human Computer Interaction, or Robotics and Embedded Systems, we have a major tailored for you.
Ready to become the next innovator? Explore UAT’s degrees and see how you can turn your inspiration into impact. Discover your path at UAT.
Let’s build a future where technology empowers, connects, and protects us all.
On this Veterans Day, we express our deepest gratitude for the immense contributions veterans make to our country, both during their service and after they transition to civilian life. For many veterans, the journey doesn't end with their military career; it evolves into new challenges and opportunities that shape their futures. At University of Advancing Technology (UAT), we are proud to support veterans in their educational journeys, providing them with the tools, mentorship, and community to thrive in the ever-evolving fields of technology and cybersecurity.
Let’s spotlight some of the remarkable veterans at UAT who embody these values through their journeys:
Professor Briant Becote, a UAT Cyber Security professor, brings a wealth of experience from both the Army National Guard and the U.S. Navy. With over two decades of service, Becote’s military background includes working as a Surface Sonar Technician and later as a Naval Flight Officer. His career provided him with a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership skills, which he now imparts to his students.
Becote’s path to teaching was shaped by his desire to give back to others. "The Navy offered me the opportunity to learn and grow through education," he shares. "After joining with only 12 college credits, I retired in December of 2023 with two master's degrees and a PhD, all without any student loans." This commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth is central to his approach as an educator.
His experiences across 25 countries and in various military roles allow him to provide students with a global perspective on technology, leadership, and security. Becote’s work at UAT is driven by a deep understanding of the importance of mentorship and the desire to help students navigate the complexities of the cybersecurity field, just as he did in his own career.
Professor Aaron Rodriguez, a Cyber Security instructor at UAT, served 11 years in the U.S. Air Force, where he was an Aircraft Armament Specialist. His service took him to various locations around the world, from South Korea to Japan, and provided him with invaluable life lessons that continue to influence his work today.
Rodriguez joined the Air Force with the goal of seeing the world—a goal that he certainly accomplished. Along the way, he learned the importance of patience, teamwork, and precision—skills that have seamlessly transitioned into his teaching philosophy. "The military lifestyle has been burned into my brain," Rodriguez reflects. "The most important quality I picked up was patience, and it has always helped me stay calm in difficult or uneasy situations."
As a professor at UAT, Rodriguez is able to inspire and guide the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, many of whom are veterans like him. His experiences in the Air Force not only shaped his approach to education but also strengthened his commitment to helping his students succeed in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity. "The military fast-tracked skills that prepared me for what life had in store," he says.
For Alexander McPeake, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, the transition into the world of cybersecurity wasn’t an easy one—but it was one he pursued with determination. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, McPeake turned to education to redefine his career. "I wanted to work with computers, but coding wasn’t for me. I figured networking would allow me to do that without the coding," he explains.
McPeake found a path at UAT, where he enrolled in an online degree program for networking engineering. UAT’s hands-on learning approach allowed him to gain the real-world skills needed to thrive in the fast-paced technology industry. Now, as a Master's degree student in Cyber Security, McPeake works as a data center engineer at Switch, a leader in exascale data center ecosystems.
McPeake’s story highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience—qualities that veterans often develop during their military service and carry with them into their civilian careers. Today, he plays a crucial role in maintaining secure infrastructures at Switch, with aspirations to grow further into network security and security analysis. His journey underscores the transformative power of education and the opportunities that veterans have to reshape their careers in the technology world.
At UAT, veterans are not only finding educational success but are also becoming integral members of the technology community. Ryan Golden, an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Jordan, is currently pursuing a Data Science degree at UAT. His military background in unmanned aerial systems and Linux systems ignited a passion for technology and data. "The military taught me a sense of timelines and purpose, which now pushes me to go back to school and earn an official degree in Data," Golden says. His story is one of perseverance and dedication—traits that are invaluable in both the military and technology fields.
Similarly, Nathan Parry, a Navy veteran who served for six years, is now pursuing a degree in Virtual Reality at UAT. His initial interest in network security shifted to VR, thanks to the launch of the Oculus Quest 2. Parry’s military experience has shaped his approach to education, helping him navigate the challenges of transitioning back to school and setting his sights on a future in virtual reality development. "UAT has been exceptional in providing the flexibility I need to balance school with my established life," Parry shares.
These stories represent just a small sample of the many veterans who are thriving at UAT. The University’s commitment to supporting veterans is reflected not only in the tailored educational programs but also in the inclusive, flexible environment that UAT provides. Whether it’s through career-focused degrees or personalized support services, UAT is dedicated to helping veterans succeed as they transition into civilian careers in technology.
On this Veterans Day, we honor the dedication, sacrifice, and resilience of veterans like Aaron Rodriguez, Briant Becote, Alexander McPeake, Ryan Golden, and Nathan Parry. Their stories are a testament to the strength of the veteran community and the power of education to transform lives. As these veterans continue to shape the future of technology and cybersecurity, UAT remains proud to be part of their journey.
For those interested in following in their footsteps, UAT offers a range of degrees designed to empower veterans and equip them with the skills needed to succeed in the digital age. Whether you're interested in cybersecurity, data science, virtual reality, or another advancing technology field, UAT is here to support your educational goals and help you achieve success.
Happy Veterans Day from UAT! Thank you for your service.
Since the last leap year the ever-evolving landscape of technology has witnessed remarkable advancements that have reshaped the way we perceive and engage with the world. As we step into the next phase of progress, it's worth reflecting on the transformative journey of the last four years and acknowledging the standout technologies that have made significant leaps and how University of Advancing Technology (UAT) has evolved with the industry.
Blockchain
Blockchain technology, defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology as a distributed digital ledger of cryptographically-signed transactions that are grouped into blocks. Each block is cryptographically linked to the previous (making it tamper evident) after validation and undergoing a consensus decision. As new blocks are added, older blocks become more difficult to modify (creating tamper resistance). New blocks are replicated across copies of the ledger within the network, and any conflicts are resolved automatically using established rules. Blockchain, as we know it today, has concepts that can be traced back as far as 1979 to computer scientist Ralph Merkle, who patented his idea known as the Merkle tree that provides data structure for verifying individual records. More recently, cryptocurrency was introduced in 2009 and the blockchain concept was validated, launching this type of technology to the front of innovation.
In the last for years, interest in using blockchain technology in industries other than cryptocurrency has surged prompting UAT to incorporate a Blockchain module to our Graduate Degree options. Professor Rawad Habib states about the module “UAT has a very unique Blockchain path for its Master students. Module related to Blockchain technology covers foundational concepts such as distributed ledgers, cryptography, consensus mechanisms, and the practical implementation of Blockchain solutions. Also, we have a powerful Blockchain coding class.The relevance of Blockchain has grown significantly due to its transformative potential across various industries. Originally introduced as the underlying technology for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, blockchain has evolved into a decentralized and secure ledger system with applications extending beyond finance.The Blockchain graduate module would likely go deep into the theoretical foundations, practical implementations, and the broader impact of Blockchain technology.”
ChatGPT
ChatGPT is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) large language model that’s current version was launched in November 2022 by OpenAI. This new technology has created a buzz around AI and its capabilities. ChatGPT’s ability to learn from the user and create has caused some mixed feeling about the technology and how it can and will be used.At UAT, we embrace new technologies like ChatGPT but also use it’s controversies to ensure our students are using it, and other technologies ethically.
Professor Craig Bellanger explained “Instructors generally take a positive-minded, open approach to the uses of Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT in classes. Professor Dapzury Valenzuela, for example, encourages students to use them to help generate ideas for Student Innovation Project as well as identify market gaps and research queries. In my own classes, LLMs are used for providing story ideas and writing prompts that students can have fun with.
Our overall approach is cautious, though. If the last year has taught us anything, it’s that nothing about AI is static, and we can expect both forward leaps and setbacks as the tech evolves around us. We’re very clear to students that using LLMs comes with an ethical responsibility on their part; acknowledgement of use followed by attribution is expected of everyone. Another important message regarding their use is that students are always expected to do their own work—it’s never okay for a student to allow an AI to do their thinking for them or turn in work generated by an LLM.”
3D Printing
3D printing has been around since the 1980’s beginning in Japan when Hideo Kodama was looking to develop a rapid prototyping system, but it wasn’t until the 2010’s that it became a main stream technology, becoming a billion dollar industry.
UAT’s Digital Maker and Fabrication (DMF) degree ensures students have access to the latest and greatest printers and printing technology. Professor Ryan Murray described the newest technology in the DMF Lab “The new technology in the maker lab has helped to keep our students using the latest in 3D printing. The newest addition is the Bambu Labs X1- Carbon. This printer has so many neat features, the first being the automatic material system. This holds four colors of filament and can change colors in the middle of the print for multi color parts. This printer uses a lidar camera and AI to make sure everything is running smoothly. If something goes wrong, it will automatically pause the print saving material. It is also fast, allowing our students to test more designs.”
Haptics
Haptic technology, defined by Merriam-Webster as the use of electronically or mechanically generated movement that a user experiences through the send of touch as part of an interface (as on a gaming console or smartphone), has been around since the 1970's. Initially implemented as a part of the gaming experience, haptics has grown through the years and more recently we've seen phone companies incorporate it into their products. UAT Professor Jake Perrine describes how UAT uses and will impact the haptic technology industry.
“The field of haptics continues to grow and is now being implemented into all different kinds of products. This is adding a whole extra dimension of feedback to the user experience across products. We can see this especially in the Virtual Reality (VR) space, where haptic gloves and vests are being developed to be used as accessories with whichever VR headset you may have. These haptic accessories open up a whole new level of immersion and functionality that we can utilize. At UAT we will use, analyze, and innovate many of the different haptic devices we see in the market today. All students at UAT are updated with the trends in the haptic space and will be completely ready for what comes next!”
SIP Title: Real Time Molding
Student Name: Victor Robles, Virtual Reality
When Victor Robles (Virtual Reality) put on his first virtual reality (VR) headset several years ago, he was instantly immersed in a new, imagined world. He had found not only a new hobby, but had also found a whole new possibility for the trajectory of his real-world life.
A military veteran, Victor chose UAT for his Virtual Reality degree after completing his service. Feeling somewhat lost and in search of a purpose for his civilian life, Victor took to Google, scouring webpages until he found what he was looking for: a Virtual Reality degree at University of Advancing Technology.
This simple Google search truly paid off for Victor, as he is graduating August 2023 with a degree in Virtual Reality from UAT with not only the knowledge needed to pursue a career in the field, but also practical experience developing an impressive VR project for his Student Innovation Project (SIP).
Real Time Molding allows players to manipulate and prototype objects in a virtual environment. Users can shape and customize existing objects in the VR space, which will then dynamically adapt to their inputs in real-time.
Victor’s SIP has several practical applications in video games, such as customizing items like in-game weapons or tools, allowing the player even more control over their gameplay experience. Outside of video games, Victor believes Real Time Molding could be used to assist in building virtual rather than physical prototypes.
Victor had to use many of his newly learned skills at UAT to execute his vision. Whether in Game Design Fundamentals or other courses, Victor always felt encouraged by his professors at UAT, who often noticed his strong work ethic and desire to challenge himself to exceed expectations in his coursework and student projects.
“Professor Matthew Marquit would always tell the class to do certain tasks. And of course, to keep [scope] in mind and understand that you can’t do everything,” Victor explained. “And I took that as a challenge. And I tried to do everything and make everything from scratch.”
This drive to go above and beyond in all projects meant increasing his skills and experience using Unreal Engine, a complex software used to create graphics, and so he accepted “being confused and lost” while in the difficult process of learning it. But eventually, like a complex puzzle, everything started to fit together for Victor.
“I really enjoy figuring things out. I really like the challenge—it's like a puzzle, there are so many different puzzles to solve,” Victor said. “And when it comes to developing a game, or developing a simulation or anything really, there are things that are standard and then there are the bells and whistles.”
Bells and whistles meant extra effort and time on Victor’s part, but they paid off in the form of his remarkable SIP, Real Time Molding.
“Naturally, I would like to expand upon Real Time Molding—refine it and possibly have some coding and software engineers take a look at it, so that we can start fixing what was wrong and collaborate to optimize it for everyone to use.”
As for what’s next for Victor, after graduation he hopes to travel to Norway to meet and gain insight from Andrew Perkis, ME, MTM, PhD, an admired VR and augmented reality (AR) expert, and someone who inspired Victor to want to run his own business and eventually help mentor others pursuing their passion projects.
“I would like to be able to not only have a company that creates things, but also to facilitate the space and the resources to allow the world's most gifted and talented engineers, coders and designers to start creating the next generation of devices and technology—whatever it is.”
Begin Earning Your Virtual Reality Degree at UAT:
Did this student’s story spark your interest in UAT? Now is the perfect time to request more information or even apply for admission! Wherever you are at in your journey toward pursuing higher education, UAT’s friendly Admissions and Financial Aid teams can offer you support and guidance. Take the next step into your future by reaching out today!
Dr. Dave Bolman joined the University of Advancing Technology (UAT) family 35 years ago in 1988 teaching computers and building curriculum. As the University grew over the years, so did Dr. Bolman’s position. He has held multiple titles including, Professor, Dean of Programs, Dean of Faculty and finally his current and most tenured position, Provost.
Over the last three and a half decades Dr. Bolman has seen the University through all its major milestones. When Dr. Bolman started UAT was called the CAD Institute located in a small office on Southern Avenue in Phoenix, AZ. He remembers the beginning “I interviewed at the old location with the founder in this tiny little office and I can remember going home and talking to Sharon and saying Well I’ve got a job. I don’t know if this place is going to exist in three months, but I’ve got a job for now and we’ll just see how it plays out."
Dr. Bolman with UAT Founder Dominic Pistillo at one of UAT's first Commencement Ceremony's
Dr. Bolman also discussed the pride that comes with UAT building the dorm as well as the challenges that came along with it. “There was a moment that was very profound in terms of changing our campus culture. And that was when we built the dorms. Before the dorms we had this building and students would come here, drive here, spend time here and then they eventually go home. Once we built the dorms everything changed. And it was the craziest thing to notice how in the course from one year to the next, when you have a building full of students there there’s all of these new things you’ve got to figure out. Everybody had such a great time. The students came in they were all so excited to be able to be here on site when this happened. Everybody on staff was just going crazy about the idea that they’re going to be students here all the time. It was just a real moment where the whole campus culture changed.”
Along with UAT major milestones he has seen the campus curriculum and technology advance over the years. He explained the beginning of Virtual Reality at UAT, “We got this system called Division System and it was the size of a desk. It could produce a blue 3D shark that you could swim with. And then we did it for our classes of virtual reality. We took our smartest programming students, and we would lock up the first semester and build content. And suddenly its was on the news and people were coming in with this VR thing.” The advantage UAT had in the VR space, is there were no competitors teaching it at the time in the early 90’s. Dr. Bolman stated “It took two years for people to get close to it and even then, it was more about when VR turned into the gaming industry.”
Virtual Reality news article from the March 26, 1992 issue of The Phoenix Gazette
With all of these milestones students thrive in the UAT environment, one student Dr Bolman praises is now UAT professor Derric Clark. He stated “One very memorable student to me is Derric Clark. He came to me for VR fresh out of high school. He ate it up, and we would do projects while he was a student. He did a simulation of BankOne Ballpark when it was being built, he did another project that was at the caves in France. It is fun watching his transformation from the farm kid with the mohawk to the elder Jedi master of our game program."
From the CAD Institute to becoming Provost of UAT Dr. Bolman reflected on his career stating "What's really fun for me is I started off just wanting to be a programmer because computers were cool and I was good at solving puzzles. What I wound up doing was working on creating something that is going to outlive me and will have this ripple effect of changing the lives of tens of thousands of people."
Team Members:
Christelle Cyprien, Virtual Reality
Anthony Marquez, Game Design
Morgan Soetaert, Game Design, Game Programming
Known to University of Advancing Technology (UAT) students as the paper prototyping class, Game 170 is a game design prototyping workshop taught by Professor Hue Henry. Class projects are comprised of creating five physical games (two individual and three group projects), culminating in a final project where students are tasked with combining everything previously learned in class. Students Anthony Marquez, Christelle Cyprien and Morgan Soetaert brought a showstopper to the table with their final game project, UAT Invasion.
“When it comes to skills learned in the class, Professor Hue Henry is always asking if it’s fun. He always tells you, if it’s not fun, then scrap it out, because that’s the point of games. One thing I learned in this class is to really pay attention to how my play testers are reacting to this. Are they having a dull moment, or do they want to win/is it competitive?” shares Christelle.
UAT Invasion is a two-player board game based on UAT’s campus. Taking on the role of UAT professors or evil forms of AI, players compete to take over the most territories and rooms on the board. Team Professor plays to protect the campus while team AI tries to hack and take over control of the school with the end goal being the first player to control four of the seven rooms wins.
Starting the game in designated spots, each participant plays with three character markers that can move in any direction across the board, aside from diagonal. Focused on tactics, strategy, chance and skill, the game is played with movement cards and dice, and includes bonuses such as blocking, puzzles and special abilities.
Characters are classified as Programmers, Designers, Artists and Math Experts, and include many well-known faces around UAT. Play as Professors Derric Clark, Heather Peters and Matthew Marquit, to name a few, or the Monitor, Drone and Phone, and unlock special abilities depending on the chosen characters.
Special Abilities
To earn special single use abilities, land on a matching player square and complete the puzzle. Designers unlock the ability for a player to move twice with the option to either move one character twice or move two characters once during that turn. Players will use a separate movement card each time. The Math Experts enable a player to change a die’s value. They can add a point to one of their dice or remove one from an enemy’s die. Programmers unlock the ability to roll a die twice when a player is attempting to capture a room. Artists enable players to shuffle the deck and swap their cards for new ones.
UAT Invasion also includes a special room on the second floor of the board for Provost Dr. Dave Bolman, which has different rules from the other six rooms. At the start of the game, both players roll two dice to establish the number required to control this room. The dice are left in the room with a player marker. When a player reaches this room, they have 30 seconds to roll the predetermined number to win this room. If successful, the player will control this room for the rest of the game; the other player cannot steal this room. If they fail, the player can try again during their next turn.
When asked about her experience at UAT so far, team member Morgan Soetaert states, “I love it here. I love the environment. The people are just unique. We’re all very similar, you can talk to anyone and immediately have a related interest. The professors are helpful, and they really care about your education. I enjoy talking to all of them—they’re all very passionate.”
Team member Anthony Marquez shares a similar perspective, “My experience here has been really great. It’s not hard, but it’s not easy. You learn a lot because it’s really hands-on, and the teachers are cool because they’re just older versions of us. The people here [are my favorite], you can talk to anyone because they’re interested in the same things, you don’t feel left out here.”
Are we talking about trading our actual physical existence for an entirely virtual one? No, no, no.
Hollywood hasn’t done virtual reality any favors and created a lot of fear regarding technological advancement. From Ready Player One to The Matrix even as far back as The Lawnmower Man, virtual reality (VR) is commonly looked at as the gateway to a phantasmagoric dystopian future.
But as is often the case when Hollywood gets their creative digits into the ones and zeroes of science fiction, the (virtual) reality of the situation, and even the virtual reality training UAT offers, are for a much different purpose.
Practical virtual reality isn’t actively (or passively) paving the way towards our dystopian demise. On the contrary, virtual reality is being used in a variety of novel ways to do what technology does best: make our lives better than they were yesterday.
Below we will look at the salary and career projections for jobs in the VR industry, but first, let’s dispel any preconceived ideas about what VR looks like today and see how real people are making a virtual difference for the better of their fellow person.
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Thanks to innovation from places like the Surgical Theater out of Colorado, Stanford Medicine has been using a new software and VR technology since at least 2017 to help see inside of a patient before ever going into surgery.
It sounds like the beginning concept of what Tony Stark would create to look inside someone, but it’s real. Well, virtually real.
The software compiles all the data from MRIs, CT scans, and angiograms to form a virtual representation of the problem area in a patient—like an aneurism.
Once the rendering is complete, the doctors can put on the VR headgear and virtually manipulate the troubled blood vessel.
Imagine it. Where once, the doctor could only see a 2D image on a screen or a top-down image of reality—all in the moment and stress of surgery—now, the surgeon can take the time to truly investigate the problem. They can literally (er, virtually) hold the damage in their hands. They can lift it up. Move it around. They can conduct a true examination of the problem area before they ever work on a person.
And long after this one person has been saved, the next group of doctors will be able to use the same information to hone their skills at healing without having to touch an actual person.
It’s like a flight simulator for doctors. Speaking of flight simulators—
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Companies like Flight Safety International lead the industry in creating the most realistic flight simulators in the world. Their Level D flight simulators allow a pilot to learn all they need to know about piloting these giant air buses without ever leaving the ground.
Now, they don’t use the fully immersive VR environment that Hollywood has groomed us to think about in these situations, but they do brush up against a growing trend of VR reality—Augmented Reality (AR).
Augmented Reality also goes by Mixed Reality (MR), or Hybrid Reality (HR), but they all do the same thing. They take aspects of reality and mesh them with virtual reality, whereas Virtual Reality is immersive.
Gone are the days when pilots would fly over vector blocks in VGA graphics. No, these days the software that the professional flight simulator companies use have details all the way down to street signs and business addresses. And sitting in one of these cockpits, the pilot is completely immersed—visually—in the experience.
Where the doctors put VR sets on and wear gloves or hold controllers, these pilots step inside the equivalent of the headset and the controls are the same as the plane. By engaging with true facsimiles of the real thing and having a visual display that completely immerses the pilot, the student can gain a level of understanding on par with actual flight without putting anyone in danger.
In this way, both doctor and pilot are served by these virtual and augmented realities.
An article published in 2017 by The College of Family Physicians of Canada explained their use of VR to help manage pain and anxiety in children. In essence, the doctors and scientists were able to immerse the children into a virtual world and walk them through upcoming medical procedures, vaccinations, and even changing bandages for burn wounds.
The study found that by using VR in this way helped to distract the patient and lead to the pain signals reaching the patient's brain more slowly. And so, by using VR with traditional means of pain and anxiety management, they were able to make a positive impact on the children.
Ok, so I can help all of civilization with VR/AR. But can I support a family?
Yes! But it depends on what you do in the field.
Being a relatively new, yet highly technical field, the major strides in the last few years have been mainly in the gaming industry. These advances, in many ways, are paving the widespread acceptance and possibilities of VR to the masses.
One of the major devices in the gaming world is the Oculus Rift that Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook paid a mammoth $2 billion dollars for a few years back.
Since then, there have been advances in the medical field and in the broader scope of industry all leading to newer and creative positions for VR and AR.
Purchased a piece of furniture on Amazon lately? No? Well, just pull up Amazon on your phone and go shopping for a chair. More than likely there will be an option to view what that chair would look like in your own personal abode through the use of AR tech and your smartphone.
So, essentially, with a degree in Virtual Reality, you could find a job anywhere from a tech startup in Colorado helping to train doctors to Amazon where you could help people find just the right wingback chair for their bedroom.
And of course, there is the metaverse and growing opportunities with Meta. Only time will tell how pervasive the changes Meta will make to our society—and the world itself—but, if you want to be on the ground floor of that, a degree in Virtual Reality from UAT is a great place to start.
Currently, most virtual reality roles' salary figures range from $80k to well over $100k and in all the described industries. Partner that with the fact that the global virtual reality market size was valued at $15.81 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at 18.0% over the next decade, and you have yourself looking at a lot of potential for career opportunities and return on investment on your education and expertise in the virtual reality field.
University of Advancing Technology (UAT) has been a leader in Virtual Reality studies including Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality, offering distinguished courses since the early '90s. In fact, UAT debuted its first Virtual Reality degree in ’94.
When an institution is that forward-thinking and preparing for the future, it’s no surprise that even now UAT is looking to advance not only the body of knowledge but its implementation in the field of education.
UAT has partnered with FabCom, a marketing and advertising agency out of Scottsdale, AZ, to answer the question: do students learn faster and retain information better when receiving new knowledge through HReality virtual experiential learning, when compared to established curriculum delivery within Canvas-style LMS systems?
In other words, can we make learning better with Hybrid Reality? It’s a question worth asking. And by being involved with UAT, you may be able to peer behind the veil of this question and others that will come up in the field. Perhaps you’ll even get the opportunity to work on the project and take virtual (reality) learning, to a revolutionary level through an innovation you create for your Student Innovation Project (SIP).
So, is a degree in Virtual Reality from UAT in your future? Well, let’s see if you can check off these bullets.
Are you interested in interactive technology and gamification? Yep.
Do you want to enter a creative and technical field with unlimited potential? Um, obvi.
Do you want to be a part of the newest cutting-edge technology that has the potential to reshape reality and create an unparalleled level of good for all of mankind? Yes, when is the next start date?
Then, yeah, this degree in virtual reality might be for you. Check out the course list, give the good people in admissions a call and get on the road to exploring virtually awesome technology at UAT.
Okay, we saved the best part for last. You can fast-track your VR education and earn your degree in less than 3 years at UAT. That means potentially getting a job sooner, becoming income positive sooner, and getting in this rapidly exploding industry earlier to make an impact sooner.
Ready to get started and earn #TechRespect at UAT? Apply for acceptance today.{{cta('3b53034c-65e6-4121-a658-1b0d60687036','justifycenter')}}
Dr. David Bolman, Provost at the University of Advancing Technology (UAT), has announced a partnership between the University and FabCom, an integrated strategic marketing and advertising agency in Scottsdale, Ariz. The project aims to answer the question: Do students learn faster and retain information better when receiving new knowledge through HReality virtual experiential learning, when compared to established curriculum delivery within Canvas-style LMS systems?
Dr. Bolman says that the result will be the introduction of a new style of virtual learning that doesn’t require headgear for simulated environments. "We’re excited to bring this body of research together to update the current research and improve online education delivery," he said.
UAT Provost Dr. David Bolman
For industry professionals, this new type of training is called professionalication, and defined as the refinement of the learnings of the application of gamification, using a gamified world to deliver realistic professional interactions through technical and ethical body language, body movements, and customs of a specific industry or business for those living in the digital age.
According to FabCom CEO Brian Fabiano, "This is one of the areas I’m most excited about with professionalication. Applying the years of what we’ve been working on for B2B to be purposed for academia will bring interaction and engagement back to online learning with the integration of kinetic and haptic feedback."
Read the announcement by FabCom at https://www.fabcomlive.com/brainfood/marketing-advertising-agency-blog/hreality-uat-research-announcement
You've heard of VR and AR, or virtual and augmented reality, but have you heard of MR? MR, or Mixed Reality, is the next step in human computer interaction. Let's go over some of the differences between these realities and what MR means for us in the future.
Virtual reality is the act of completely submerging yourself in a virtual environment. Right now it is mostly used for gaming with headsets such as the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, PlayStation VR, etc. Virtual reality completely replaces your surroundings with fictitious ones. Placing you anywhere from the ocean to the store.
Augmented reality takes a physical object or space and overlays an image or object on it. You may know this in the form of Pokémon Go, the popular mobile phone game. IKEA also uses this technology to help you know exactly how a piece of furniture would look in your house, or if it will even fit! Google has incorporated some AR features into their cameras as well, allowing users to spice up their photos with some interesting creatures or objects.
Mixed reality is just that, mixed. It mixes the virtual and real worlds together. It takes augmented reality to the next level, allowing real and simulated objects to interact in real-time. Imagine creating a 3D model on your computer and then waving your hand and pulling your model out of your screen to see how big it is in the real world. Microsoft has been developing the HoloLens to do precisely that and much more. At the moment only big businesses have the funds to purchase these devices, but the future is coming and it's coming quickly!
Technologies like these, whether they are VR, AR, or MR are leading the way into very new fields of science. And they are allowing us to innovate in ways that were previously not thought of or impossible! Imagine surgeons being able to have an overlay of exactly where they need to cut, or engineers being able to see the hidden studs within a building without having to touch it or look at a diagram! This is the future of human computer interaction!
-Kody Mitchell
Justin Anthony is a Navy veteran and UAT graduate. After running across his name in the Omaha World-Herald, we thought we'd check in to see how he feels about his education and experience at UAT, as well as his career since graduation. Read on to find out more about Justin!
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Well, where I am from is hard to pinpoint. I spent my first early years in Colorado, moved to Nebraska for a while, joined the Navy and went all over the world, then back to Nebraska for a while. So, maybe Nebraska? I don't FEEL like I am from here, but it's the last place I've lived, haha.
When did you attend UAT and what did you study?
I got accepted to UAT right as I deployed to Iraq back in 2009. About 5 or 6 years later I graduated with a bachelors in Virtual Modeling and Design with a 3.98 GPA. See, it took me longer because I had to take frequent breaks due to deployments and that sort of thing.
What was your favorite class?
My favorite classes were the Data/Scientific Visualization classes with Professor Spencer (who is no longer at UAT), and the 3D modeling classes. Professor Spencer in particular pushed me to my limits, and then just beyond them. He helped me whenever I needed it, and went above and beyond to ensure I came out of these classes with something I could really use. See, I love 3D modeling, and the data visualization classes helped me put art to use in mediums other than games or movies. Those 2 classes, along with Human Computer interaction, and UI/UX courses, set me up for a new career outside of the military. Thank goodness too, because the Navy didn't help me with any of that at all.
How do you think UAT is different from other schools?
It wasn't just the knowledge and skills I gained from UAT, but a passion for technology, too. I quickly became a software engineer after graduating, putting most of what I learned to the test. Chief among these skills was the ability to learn new material quickly. I had to be able to do that to graduate, since I was 100% remote and active duty. The pace of learning stuck with me, and has been a driving factor in everything I do.
What have you done since graduating? Do you feel UAT prepared you?
With my love for tech, the ability to consume it quickly, and a passion for keeping a pulse on emerging technologies and methodologies I was set up perfectly to have a life-long career in technology. I'm not only a software engineer, but I've been developing video games, dabbling in robotics, and looking for new opportunities to do something cool with colleagues I still keep in touch with from UAT.
How does the latest tech make a difference in today’s career market?
The latest career market in relation to technology is evolving very quickly. There is a lot of demand for talent in tech fields, and although there are enough people to fill those roles, employers are becoming very competitive to get the best into their ranks. The tech field is not easy to excel in unless you're truly passionate about it. UAT will undoubtedly fuel that passion, whether it currently exists within you or not. Before I started, I just wanted to be an animator. Coming out the other side I felt more like a generalist that can dip into any arena in the tech field that strikes my fancy. There is a lot of demand for specialists, but generalists like myself are more rare, and more sought after due to their ability to lead multiple teams comprised of different skill sets.
So, thanks, UAT.
Thank YOU, Justin! We are proud of your service and achievements, and glad that you shared with us. As an educational institution, our best moments come from hearing that our students are successful in their chosen career path.
Have a story to share? Email marketing@uat.edu.
At UAT, we work hard to provide a helpful transition to veterans. Advance your civilian career, complement your military skills or pursue a fresh path in advancing technology. Whichever path you choose, UAT is committed to your success. Find out more at https://www.uat.edu/military, and get started by filling out our Fast App at https://uatfastapp.com.
UAT students created a virtual escape room for their Student Innovation Project, and Phoenix is buzzing about it!
Max Gorden, reporter for Arizona's Family News (3TV and CBS 5), visited campus on Thursday, January 9, to learn more about AR Escape Room and the students behind this new style of game.
UAT student and former student employee, Fred Hunt, has been working on his HoloLens VR student project for quite some time. You can absolutely see the level of dedication, work and thought that has gone into the project. We're very excited to see the end project!
Nice work, Fred!
Everyone has seen a hologram before. This special effect typically reserved for futuristic action movies can now be found in furniture.
Daryl Garcia, a natural builder, problem solver and hands-on worker, decided to take his Student Innovation Project (SIP) to the next level by merging leading technology and unique furniture pieces.
Before embarking on his SIP, Daryl mocked up a small, five-inch version of a hologram table and a hologram lantern. These small innovations gave him the idea to go big. He repurposed a spare TV, built a wooden frame to house it and used a 3D printer to create brackets to hold everything together.
The science behind a hologram is simple, you just need the right tools. The TV plays an image, which is what will be projected, and a Raspberry Pi converts the image into a hologram. Anything with an HDMI port can be connected to the TV, which makes image and video options endless. In addition, the table can play music in sync with the images since TVs have built in speakers.
Daryl explains that the more movement images have, for example exploding fireworks, the more interesting it is to watch.
Daryl isn’t done with holograms, “It would be cool to make a dining room table and make it [the hologram] rise up out of it.”
What has a SIP inspired you to do? Learn more about the Digital Maker and Fabrication degree.
How do you make a Virtual Reality (VR) Movie? I’m sure you’ve tested out a VR headset, whether it be a game or a short film, and thought, “Wow, this is pretty cool! But how do they do it?" How do they make it so realistic, how do they place you inside the game or the film? What goes into making a VR movie?
“The biggest challenge of making a VR movie is that you never quite know where the audience is going to be focusing their attention," said Hue Henry, a virtual reality professor at the University of Advancing Technology. In traditional filmmaking, one can generally assume that the audience is going to be looking where you point the camera, but in virtual reality, the audience could be looking above, below or even in the opposite direction of the elements you want them to see. "That's why it was important that we develop a system that takes user gaze into account when deciding what direction to take the story,” Hue said.
As a film student myself, I understand this conundrum. It is easy to focus the audience’s attention to what you want when you're pointing the camera in a specific direction, but when it comes to VR, the viewer can look anywhere they want. Realistically, the viewer is looking all over once they start watching the video. When you put a VR headset on what do you do? You turn around and look around all over, right? Exactly, I do it too. So Hue has a great point.
According to the digital hub ThinkMobiles, Making a 3D graphic VR film has multiple forms elements:
The ideal set of equipment you need to make a VR movie includes: Unity3D, a VR headset, a 360 degree camera and Google VR SDK.
To start, ideally you need to know, or know someone who knows, how to use the equipment. Hire someone to help you in Unity and operate the other equipment to get the best results. Also, you can figure out how to use the equipment if you don’t have anyone to help by watching YouTube tutorials and trying different things.
Are you a game developer interested in VR movie making? "One thing that surprised me about my experience making a VR movie is just how similar digital filmmaking and video game development can be. As technology advances, these two fields are steadily growing closer together and beginning to share technologies and areas of expertise," Hue said. This opens new doors for tech-savvy experts in either field.
So, when thinking of making a VR movie there are steps and equipment you need to see this out. If you’re going into this process blindly, I’d do a lot of research and recruit people with knowledge on VR movie making. Good luck on your VR movie making process and have fun!
Want to make VR movies with us? Check out our Bachelor of Science in Virtual Reality.
Tempe, Arizona - October 29, 2018 - On November 5 and 6, 2018, University of Advancing Technology (UAT) hosted the VR for Good 2018 Summit, sponsored by VR Voice and Baltu Studios.
A prime location for this national event, UAT’s technology-infused campus in Tempe, Ariz., is full of VR equipment, developers and mentors. The event schedule boasted the industry’s best all presenting and discussing the ways Virtual Reality can positively impact society. The lineup included UAT Chief Academic Officer and Provost Dr. David Bolman.
UAT has been teaching Virtual Reality and sending alumni to the industry for about twenty years. The positive social impact Virtual Reality can have on the world was detailed further in a recent Study International article featuring UAT’s program. The article discusses that in addition to entertainment functions, VR can be used to, “simulate big data, create augmented reality apps…and recreate day-to-day experiences.” In the early 1990’s, UAT staff and students were working with the best VR technology of the time on immersive experiences, including an archeological site map for the Egyptian government and an architectural rendering of the then-named Bank One Ballpark.
Today, UAT’s VR students begin developing in the virtual world from day one. With UAT’s year-round schedule and project-based curriculum, students can obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Virtual Reality in less than 3 years and gain real world skills along the way.
About UAT
UAT is an elite intimate private college in Tempe, AZ focused on educating students in advancing technology who desire to innovate in the areas of emerging technology disciplines. Living on campus, students are surrounded in a true living learning technology environment that incubates their ideas into innovations that students can patent and take to market. Students must create an innovation project to graduate.
About VR Voice
VR Voice has developed a unique event that covers virtual reality’s positive social impact in different industries. Our speaker line-up is committed to making change via VR/AR that promotes the greater good. Industries and organizations covering healthcare, learning and education, historic preservation, museums, government agencies, communications, news and journalism, and charitable causes are being profoundly affected by the VR/AR revolution and are covered in The VR for Good Summit.
Contact(s):
Ashley Murry Valerie Cimarossa
University of Advancing Technology
913-526-5249 602.390.9213
Study International News, an Independent news site focused on international students studying in the US, recently wrote an article about the relevancy of Virtual Reality in today’s society.
SI News explains, “According to TechHQ, VR isn’t just for gamers: ‘Although VR is transforming the gaming landscape, the technology also has possibilities outside of this space. Enterprise VR is a quietly successful segment of this emerging industry that perhaps doesn’t get the attention it so rightly deserves.’”
It’s a short article that quickly explains the growing tech that is finding its way into a range of business verticals such as marketing, sales, education and you guessed it -- gaming. The job market continues to grow in this space as the technology progresses rapidly, which is why SI News begins the article on UAT’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Virtual Reality.
“To remain in sync with digital demands, many universities have upgraded course selections with a range of contemporary, technological degrees,” SI News said.
“One university that’s doing just that is the University of Advancing Technology in Arizona. Through its Bachelor of Arts degree in Virtual Reality, students are transforming the standards of gaming technology and practices.”
The VR program at UAT applies the design principles of gaming to serious, life-changing applications in such fields as corporate training, medical and therapeutic, military and education. This highly technical field of serious games requires the specialized education that UAT’s virtual reality development degree provides.
Visit SI News to read more about the the relevancy of VR (if you don’t know already) or learn more about UTA’s Virtual Reality Degree right here.
The Arizona Science Center is blowing up the night for a special adult-only event featuring a twist on science demos and experiments, a high energy DJ, specialty drinks and a presentation on "Animation and Virtual Reality" by UAT Game Studios Professors Jorge Portillo and Ben Reichert, who just returned from a week at E3, the Electronics Entertainment Expo in California.
UAT’s VR slide show presentation, which will be held in the IMAX Theater, will include information about UAT degrees in Game Design, Game Programming, Art and Animation and Virtual Reality. Professor Portillo, who specializes in game art, will touch on the principles of animation, and other areas he teaches to students at UAT such as concept art, texturing, rigging, and 3d modeling.
Virtual Reality games and concepts from UAT Game Studios will be featured showing off a few of our student’s recent game builds from Busta Worm and Call Center Simulator. Professor Reichert will also discuss trends from E3 and what the future of VR has in store for us tech lovers!
Come out to Arizona Science Center tonight to be part of the action. Remember Science with a Twist is a 21+ only event! Buy your tickets here.
Five UAT Game Studios students worked on a project called, “The Wall: Unknown Stories, Unintended Consequences,” under the leadership of USA TODAY NETWORK and The Arizona Republic. After 15 weeks of research and development, "The Wall," launched on Sept. 20.
"The Wall" is a in-depth project that provides a visual representation of President Donald Trump’s mission to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
UAT Game Studios Program Champion Derric Clark selected students for the development team and created a special topics class called SPT 323: The Wall. Acting as a supportive team, students created virtual reality (VR) worlds modeling LiDAR terrain data in the regions along 2,000 miles of the border between the United States and Mexico including California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
The Wall: Virtual Reality Project supporting USA TODAY
Initially, UAT's dev team conducted a great deal of research on the LiDAR terrain data of the regions. Then development began in Unity to create and then export the data into an interactive map for the HTC Vive.
"This immersive experience encompasses virtual reality, bots, aerial and 360-degree video, documentaries, photos, podcasts, LiDAR data, exclusive reporting and an upcoming long-form film, bringing the stories of the region to life in a way never seen before," - USA Today.
UAT students were responsible for were writing code for the VR worlds, programming in sound and video, designing the navigation, creating player functionality, and asset creation.
A visual representation of The Wall in VR
Throughout the project, students remained unbiased and considered the experience from both perspectives - that of a Border Protection Officer and of the humans crossing the border. It was important to consider what the terrain would look like if the wall were to be built through a river, a mountain range and through residential areas. It was the students task to put this data in to a visual component to support a series of stories transcribed by USA Today reporters.
Thanks to UAT students – Alex Gregory (game programmer), Todd Dickinson (game programmer), Mackinzey Lemley (artist), Chris Godina (game designer) and alumni Josh Milano (artist), as well as Professor Derric Clark for leading these students on this iconic project.
For more information, visit The Wall.
