Our Team

The MRC Studio has assembled a team of experienced academics and practitioners to lead its applied research efforts.  The primary research team reports to the Dean of the Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and oversees a large group of research assistants who are hired from Durham College’s student body.

Jason Hunter 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.

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

Kassandra Soda brings a wealth of expertise in CG development and game development, along with a talent for project management and master planning, to her role as a research assistant at MRC Studio. With a background in architectural previsualization and environment art, gained through an Advanced Diploma in Game Development from Durham College, she continues to develop in Unreal Engine, 3D modeling with Maya, and texturing using Substance Painter. Her diverse skill set also includes traditional art and a knack for connecting with people. Kassandra is committed to driving innovation in immersive media and making meaningful contributions to the industry.

Matthew Grabinsky is a professor in the Game Art program and researcher in the MRC Studio. Grabinsky holds a Bachelor of Communication Technology from University of Toronto and a Master of Education from University of Ontario Institute of Technology, and has over 15 years of experience in the field of animation. Additionally, Grabinsky brings over 13 years of teaching experience delivering lessons in Game Development and Animation to more than two hundred students. He has extensive knowledge of modeling, texturing, lighting and animation in Maya. He designed a curriculum for over 1000 students in all areas of Communication Technology and evaluated their performance. He also played an instrumental role in developing the MRC studio.

E: Matthew.Grabinsky@durhamcollege.ca
T: 905.721.2000 ext. 3640

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
T: 905.721.2000 ext. 3634

Vibha Tyagi is the Manager, 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
T: 905.721.2000 ext. 2867