MRC Studio, AI Hub make a splash at virtual reality conference Posted on August 21, 2024 at 1:00 pm. Durham College (DC) students and employees showed off their applied research work at the VRTO Spatial Media World Conference & Expo in July, displaying their talent and ingenuity and making connections in the tech industry. Representing DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE), the MRC Studio and AI Hub attended the conference to showcase their latest breakthroughs. A team of work-study students showed off a mixed reality demo using the Meta Quest 3 virtual reality (VR) headset. By scanning real world objects and digitizing them for manipulation in 3D space, the demo allows users to pick up and examine items within an augmented reality. The mixed reality demo was prepared by Game – Art students Joshua Vandergeer, Alexis Mantler and Nathan Lang and Computer Programming and Analysis students Connor Vandergeer and Manu Sugunakumar. The experience of showing off their own work while rubbing shoulders with accomplished industry veterans was a highlight for the students, according to Connor Vandergeer. “It felt really rewarding to be a part of the community,” he said. “Speaking to professionals, seeing what they think and how impressed they were and just enjoying the demo, it was a really great experience.” The applications for the demo are practically limitless according to Jason Hunter, Manager of the MRC Studio. “A lot of people still relate VR to entertainment and games only, but there’s a lot of applications within other industries that the hardware and software can be used for,” he said. “We have a lot of industry partners who want to find ways to do digital twinning, either of spaces or of objects, particularly for training and simulation.” For example, an industrial company could use the technology to train new employees on heavy machinery, remotely and with no risk to their safety. A second demo, developed by Game – Art student James Gleeson, used a Looking Glass display and Unreal Engine to create holographic 3D models that could be turned and rotated manually. Both demos wowed the crowd, according to Hunter. “There were a lot of smiling faces and minds blown,” he said. “It’s really satisfying to see that we could still impress people who have been working within the field for a long time. That’s really gratifying for the students.” Working with the MRC Studio over the summer has been an invaluable experience for them. “It’s a great opportunity for students to start getting industry experience within their field, and it’s a great place to test what you’re learning,” said Joshua Vandergeer. Students weren’t the only ones making us #DCProud at the event. MRC Principal Investigator Harrison Forsyth was invited as a guest speaker to discuss his recent work digitizing real world objects and environments for virtual applications. “It was a great pleasure to speak at the event on behalf of Durham College,” said Forsyth. “Most importantly, the teams from the MRC Studio and AI Hub got an opportunity to engage with leaders in the extended reality community. This was a huge win for our teams and I am certainly very proud of the work we do.” Durham College’s Summer Shorts program helps prepare youth for future careers in media, art and design Posted on July 30, 2024 at 9:58 am. This summer, local teens are trading in lazy days for a dynamic learning experience at Durham College’s (DC) Summer Shorts workshops. Hosted by the Faculty of Media, Art & Design, these week-long workshops offer hands-on learning in Animation, Game Development, Broadcast Journalism, Digital Design, and Digital Photo and Video. Students like 13-year-old Bianca Bruni are learning in industry-leading computer labs and using state-of-the-art technology and equipment to build a digital portfolio. Bruni, who is preparing for Grade 9 in September, said her decision to return to the workshop for an additional week was easy to make and that the skills she learned during Week One were built upon in Week Two. “The teachers are amazing and so friendly – I learned so much in 3D animation and wanted to learn more,” she said. “I have a lot more fun here than just being at home all summer.” DC’s Summer Shorts provide participants several opportunities to find a workshop that suits their interests. Megan Pickell, Summer Shorts Program Coordinator, says there really is something for everyone. “There are many different aspects of each workshop that may stand out to participants, such as building their own level for a video game, producing a live on-air podcast at our on-campus radio station, developing their own signature brand using the Adobe Creative Suite, or learning how to capture stunning photos and videos using our photography studio spaces and camera equipment,” she says. During her time in the animation workshop, Bruni had mastered the intricacies of animation rigging, successfully manipulating the movements of a 3D dinosaur which she controlled through various computer functions. “When you first look at the program it’s overwhelming,” said Bruni. “But we’re using only 20 per cent of the controls. Right now, we’re just learning the basics, and once you get the hang of it it’s not as difficult as it seems.” Her journey through the workshop underscores the transformative power of hands-on learning and expert guidance provided at DC, equipping Bruni with an impressive digital portfolio, technical skills, and increased confidence in her animation capabilities. Thanks to her experience, Bruni plans on enrolling in DC’s Animation – Digital Production program after she graduates high school, with her sights set on an animation career developing her own show or working for Disney. “Doing animation is really cool, but doing animation for a job is even cooler,” she said. “I would be really happy to wake up in the morning and go to my job as a 3D animator.” Pickell emphasized the skills each Summer Shorts student learns throughout their time at DC. “They really learn to push themselves and explore their creativity in a digital space,” she said. In addition to DC’s Summer Shorts, the college offers many summer camp opportunities for youth seeking new and fun experiences, including a variety of sports and cheer camps as well as Skills Ontario summer camp at DC’s Whitby campus that introduces young students to the world of skilled trades. Durham College student takes home gold in 3D Design at Ubisoft Toronto NEXT competition Posted on May 18, 2023 at 1:38 pm. Durham College (DC) Game-Art student, Melissa Friesen, beat out competitors from colleges and universities across Ontario to take home first place in the 3D Design category at Ubisoft Toronto NEXT 2023 competition. For the past decade, this annual event has cast a spotlight on student talent in Ontario, providing a platform to showcase their video game development skills and help spark career connections in the growing industry. On May 12, more than 200 students competed for a paid internship at Ubisoft Toronto during the first in-person competition since 2019. This gave the talented competitors a chance to network with experts in the game development industry, as well as fellow finalists. For the 3D Design category, competitors created an interior scene of a video game environment that focused on visual storytelling, the composition of quality assets and attention to detail. Melissa’s winning submission was a fascinating and hauntingly memorable depiction of the inside of a psychic shop that left a lasting impression on the judges. “The project provided me the unique opportunity to really sink my teeth into work where I had accountability, competition and aspiration. I was able to apply the skills I learned in the Game-Art program and see how far I could push them,” said Melissa. “My professor, Darryl Malloy, offered helpful critiques and constant encouragement throughout the entire competition. After two months of blue-screening and black coffee, I’m thrilled to have gotten a paid internship with my first-place win and feel optimistic about my future in the games industry.” DC’s Game-Art program is well-known for its comprehensive curriculum that includes every aspect of the game development process and a focus on training artists for the games industry. By combining the skills they develop inside the classroom with hands-on learning opportunities, Game-Art graduates are prepared for careers in industry-leading game studios. This is the second year in a row that a DC student has won in the 3D Design category. “The Game-Art program at DC is growing along with the industry and continues to prepare our students to compete in these types of challenges that strengthen our relationships with studios,” said Darryl Malloy, professor, DC. “I was honoured to work with Melissa and witness the growth in her work each week throughout my class. The amount of effort and passion she puts into her work demonstrates how ready she is for a career in this exciting industry.”
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