Our Team | Durham College

Jason Hunter, Senior Manager: brings a rich experience in digital media production to drive innovations in content creation for Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (XR) and Virtual Production (VP). Passionate about pushing the boundaries of storytelling, Jason specializes in translating traditional techniques into immersive mediums and virtual production applications. He is dedicated to shaping the future of immersive media through compelling narratives and impactful experiences.

E: Jason.hunter@durhamcollege.ca

Harrison Forsyth, Principal Investigator: With over a decade of photogrammetry and 3D scanning experience from his previous work in the field of Archaeology, Harrison conducts and leads applied research projects in cooperation with industry partners. As a Principal Investigator, Harrison has developed numerous interactive media products and his research has been published by the Cambridge University Press. Some of his projects have included: meditation apps that are controlled by users’ brainwaves, VR training programs for emergency situations, the development of AI driven conversational agents, and the creation of digital assets using photogrammetry. His research interests include: Brain-Computer Interface, Virtual/Mixed Reality Training, AI Conversational Agents, and 3D Scanning. As a 3D generalist, real-time engine developer, and academic in the field of Ancient History, Harrison wears many hats.

Publications: Building a virtual Roman city: teaching history through video game design

E: harrison.forsyth@durhamcollege.ca

Amar Trivedi, Principal Investigator: Amar is a passionate software engineer with expertise in machine learning, mixed reality applications, artificial intelligence, and backend development. He leads cutting-edge applied research projects spanning diverse areas, including virtual reality training simulations, predictive analysis using neural networks, and the integration of large language models into interactive applications. Amar strives to use technology to create impactful solutions which improve the world.

E: amar.trivedi@durhamcollege.ca

Matthew Grabinsky

With over 20 years of expertise in the animation industry, Grabinsky has had the honor of teaching and mentoring countless students in Animation, Game Art, and Communication Technology. For the past 18 years, Grabinsky has been a dedicated educator at Durham College, delivering industry-relevant knowledge through courses in Game Art and Animation. His contributions have equipped students with cutting-edge technology skills and High-Quality Personnel (HQP) competencies through industry-driven capstone projects.

A driving force behind the establishment of Durham College’s MRC Studio, Grabinsky helped pioneer markerless motion capture technology for gaming and animation, while also spearheading numerous research initiatives alongside industry partners. His extensive teaching and industry experience has not only empowered him to mentor thousands of students, but also to lead applied research and foster the growth of immersive technologies in motion capture and beyond.

E: Matthew.Grabinsky@durhamcollege.ca

Edin Ibric is a professor in the Game Art program and researcher in the MRC Studio. Ibrick holds a Master of Education from University of Ontario Institute of Technology and has over 19 years of experience in animation and curriculum development. Additionally, Ibrick brings over 12 years of teaching experience instructing hundreds of students in the art of computer animation, visual effects for film and television, as well as the creation of assets such as characters and environments for video games. He has rich expertise and knowledge of applied software related to Maya, Zbrush, Flash, Substance Painter, Marmoset Toolbag, Marui, Illustrator and Photoshop. He works with fellow professors, support staff and leadership teams in order to develop curriculum that meets the standards within the growing industry. Notably, Ibrick is an active member of Animation and Games Advisory Board.

E: Edin.Ibric@durhamcollege.ca

Vibha Tyagi is the Director, Applied Research Partnerships for the Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. With a PhD in Plant Biochemistry and Physiology from the University of Rajasthan, India, Tyagi provides expertise in the development of collaborative applied research projects through diagnostic assessments, market research, proposal writing and project management. Tyagi has managed many applied research projects including some of the first Mixed Reality projects at DC.

E: Vibha.tyagi@durhamcollege.ca