Mary Ann Mavrinac
Hey everyone! My name is Mila, and I’m an XR Specialist at Studio X. I’m a junior at UR majoring in Computer Science and Psychology. I’m also an international student from Russia, and prior to coming to study in the U.S., I lived in Armenia for two years studying in UWC Dilijan. On campus, I’m a part of the HCI Lab, Girls Who Code, and Sailing team.
Dustin (’24) is an XR Specialist and Graphic Designer for Studio X. He is majoring in Digital Media Studies, Psychology, and Studio Arts plus pursuing a UX Certificate. Dustin is passionate about digital technologies, playing cello, painting, and rock climbing.
Nefle Nesli Oruç is a Karp Library Fellow alum and XR Specialist for Studio X. She is a current Take 5 undergraduate student researching European Art & Literature. She supports Studio X by teaching workshops and promoting community engagement events. Outside of Studio X, she works as a developer on an AR project funded by Verizon and as a Digital Media Specialist at the Rettner Media Lab.
Liam O’Leary is the XR developer for Studio X. He is passionate about development in the field of XR and making immersive experiences that are engaging and fun. Liam graduated from U of R with a Digital Media Studies degree in 2023. Liam loves listening to music, drawing, and creating his own VR games in his spare time.
Waleed (’23) is a Karp Library Fellow for Studio X. He majors in Business Information Systems and Digital Media Studies. He is the President of the Digital Media Studies Advisory Board (MEDIA) and the Technical Lead for the Google Developer Students Club. He is really passionate about digital literacy and access to emerging technologies for everyone. In his free time, he likes to play video games, learn about new technologies, watch FC Barcelona matches, and explore Rochester. He is currently waiting for the release of Age of Empires 4.
Koshala (’23) is the Marketing Lead for Studio X. She is majors in Digital Media Studies. Previously, she was a biomedical engineering major for two years, was involved with research at the Haptics Lab, and was a member of Society of Women Engineers. She was born in Sri Lanka and grew up in New York. In her free time, she enjoys reading, eating ramen, and hanging out with her friends.
Sebastian Jakymiw ’21 is an undergraduate student at the University of Rochester pursuing a degree in math. He is an Immersive Technologies Developer through the Karp Library Fellowship and is working on developing workshops and software for Studio X.
Meaghan Moody is the Assistant Director for Studio X and part of the Digital Scholarship team. Previously, she was the Immersive Technologies Librarian. Before joining UR, she was the Teaching & Learning Librarian at the University of Pennsylvania Libraries. She holds an MLIS from Rutgers School of Communication and Information and a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Kansas.
Contact: mmoody [at] library.rochester.edu
Join Studio X at the River Campus Libraries in conversation with invited scholars, artists, professionals, and more, who will discuss their work with immersive technologies across disciplines and industries. These events are free and open to all members of the campus community and the general public.
Ece Tankal and Carmen Aguilar y Wedge, cofounders of Hyphen-Labs, will discuss several projects that examine the concept of immersion and blending the digital and physical worlds. Hyphen Labs is an award-winning international collective of women with a base in London, UK. Their projects oscillate between technology, design, science, and futurism to challenge conventions and stimulate conversations. Drawing from their diverse perspectives and expertise – ranging from engineering to game design and architecture, they cultivate a resolutely global and multidisciplinary approach to explore a future built on planetary-centered design, placing collective needs and experiences at the center of perpetually evolving narratives.
Where: Virtually via Zoom
When: Wednesday, October 21 from noon to 1pm
Register: bit.ly/XRVoices
Five thematic workshops included a showcase of assignments, potential tools, and exercises designed to help faculty think about how they might incorporate similar approaches in their classes. The series culminated in a 2-day workshop held in June 2020 where faculty worked with staff from River Campus Libraries to design and test an assignment for implementation in a future course.
Check out the XR session here, which includes the workshop slides, the recorded introduction, two UR faculty presentations, and many resources!