The stu/dio represents a student-driven effort to manage game development projects in support of education and research on the University of Illinois campus.
learn moreBeing student-driven means that we take our role very seriously. We give students the opportunity to find interesting projects that they want to support. In addition, professors can find students to either contribute to their projects or sponsor a studio-driven project to support their research and curriculum. We hope students will gain some understanding in how the game industry development process works through the resources that we provide.
Director, The Studio
I have been making games professionally for 35 years with a focus on design and production. I transitioned to teaching Video Game Design and Production classes in 2018 as the Game Studies​ Coordinator in the Informatics department. In addition, I co-taught a VR/AR class in CS and have spent a lot of time studying VR game design. Prior to teaching, I was with Volition, a Champaign Illinois video game studio, for 15 years. Volition is known for creating high end console and PC games such as the Saints Row series. I joined Volition as the Vice President of Production and then was General Manager for 6 years before leaving in 2017. With my management experience in game studios I feel uniquely suited to start up The Studio as the director. We are looking forward to providing game development services in support of education and research university wide.
Design Lead, The Studio
I am an Informatics PhD student specializing in Design, Tech, and Society. My work spans disciplines, as I design and develop VR and 3D experiences in academic areas such as Digital Humanities, archaeology, movement studies, and diversity in STEM. I also explore non-academic experiments, such as gamifying Buddhism. I have held positions as a TA for both Game Studies and Film Production courses and currently reside as the Academic Advisor at UIUC's VR Club. To have fun and to grow, I run ultramarathons and triathlons, travel, play guitar, keyboard, and cello, create short films, and play video games.
Project Management Lead, The Studio
I am a graduate student currently pursuing a Master's in Information Management at the esteemed School of Information Sciences. I bring a unique blend of academic rigor and practical expertise to my role as a Project Management Lead at "The Studio." Project management is more than a profession to me; it's where technology, people, and creativity harmoniously coexist. Beyond my professional life, I'm a passionate traveller with an audacious dream: to bungee jump at every location in the world, with five thrilling jumps already under my belt. This quest for thrill also extends to my palate, as I'm a passionate foodie constantly exploring diverse cuisines.
Programming Lead, The Studio
I am a senior undergraduate student studying Computer Science + Linguistics, and Game Studies and Design. I'm passionate about using technology to improve the quality of education and accessibility, which led me to pursue video game development! I love the ability of video games to serve diverse purposes, and I'm so excited to see what The Studio can accomplish. In my free time, I like to play video games (of course), learn other languages, and spend time with friends.
Art Lead, The Studio
My passion for design goes beyond just architecture; I've delved into graphic design, 2D and 3D modeling, and now video game design. I prioritize making my design process visually engaging to convey ideas effectively. As an architect, I identify with the traits of leadership, charisma, and curiosity in my professional journey. Interestingly, I was inspired to become an architect by my favorite game. Outside of design, I find joy in traveling, sketching, crafting, and dancing.
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