ABOUT UAT
University of Advancing Technology is an elite, private college that serves its student body by fostering knowledge creation and academic excellence in an environment that embraces the young technophiles of the world. With three centers of research and a suite of technology-centered undergraduate and graduate degrees, the University is a recognized leader in technology education.
UAT offers courses designed to ignite curiosity and challenge intellect — all while introducing students to the most exciting technological advancements that will reshape the future.
Step into the forefront of innovation with these thrilling new UAT courses on offer. From exploring the depths of the nervous system to traversing the highs and lows of the product development lifecycle, UAT has an exhilarating odyssey available to embark on!
Check out the complete list* of course offerings via UAT’s catalog.
SPT323: Advanced Prototyping
Ready to take your ideas from concept to creation? Prepare to take on complex prototyping challenges across varied contexts, for coursework competencies that can apply toward a career in product design, architecture, and other industries. Students learn cutting-edge skills in virtual reality prototyping, CAD, generative design, and simulation techniques through hands-on experience with software like Gravity Sketch, Autodesk Fusion, Ultimaker Cura, Bambu Studio, and more. Generative design and automation concepts will be explored, using AI and machine learning to accelerate the design process. Proficiency in simulating prototypes, including electronics cooling and injection molding, will enable rigorous testing and refinement before physical prototyping.
SPT323: Interfacing with the Nervous System
The nervous system is the root of our biology — managing everything we sense, integrating all that information to formulate decisions, and carrying out those decisions throughout the body. Thanks to advancements in technology, we can now measure and interact with our biological core. This course will explore the technologies used to interface with the nervous system: Electroencephalogram, Brain Computer Interfaces, Electromyography Controlled Prosthesis, Deep Brain Stimulation, and others. The course culminates with the creation of students’ own Minimum Viable Product (MVP) of a new technology used to interact with the nervous system. Prepare to unravel the mysteries within!
TCH200: Product Development
Gain a nuanced understanding of the product development lifecycle for technologies in this course. Students will review case studies, tracking insights discovered from inception to innovation, all the way to production and eventual distribution to market. Discussion of these findings as well as considerations necessary for long-tail product development will ensue, enhancing students’ understanding of the trials and triumphs of the contemporary product development lifecycle.
*Course offerings vary by semester
Take a look back at UAT’s 'Pie Your Professor' event through this gallery of candid shots! From the aftermath of fruity explosions to the messy remnants of custard collisions, these images capture the playful chaos and sweet satisfaction of the pie-throwing festivities that took place on our Tempe campus near the end of this past spring semester. What fun it was to witness the camaraderie and mischief shared among participants! And what better way to avenge some mid-semester stress than by turning your professors into willing targets of whipped cream and pie crust?
Among the faculty who received their “just desserts” were Ashley Fuentes (Assistant Director of Student Services), Brandi Beals (Dean of Students and Academic Operations), Jacob Hreshchyshyn (Game Professor), and Derric Clark (Game Studies Regent).
Want to learn more about our faculty—aka the “crème de la crème” of UAT? Check out faculty and staff bios and get inspired by the mentorship and guidance offered here! Plus, they’re all very good sports, as evidenced above.
CHOOSE YOUR PIE-TER!
A key part of a fun pie-throwing event is the be well-equipped with the right types of pies. Ultimately, the best pies for throwing are those with a soft and creamy consistency that will create a messy impact without causing harm.
Whipped Cream Pies
The go-to choice on our campus, pies topped with whipped cream are a classic standby for pie throwing. The soft texture of the whipped cream makes them ideal for creating a messy impact without causing injury!
Cream Pies
Pies filled with creamy custard or pudding also work well for pie throwing. They have a soft and gooey texture that sticks to the target upon impact.
Fruit Pies
Fruit pies with a soft filling, such as apple or cherry pie, can be used for pie throwing, although they may not stick to the target as effectively as whipped cream or cream pies.
Banana Cream Pie
Pies filled with banana-flavored custard or pudding can be a fun choice for pie throwing, especially if you're looking for a slightly different flavor while still keeping the texture soft and safe.
UAT contributed to the enduring legacy of LARPing (that’s Live Action Role-Playing, if you didn’t know!) by holding a LARP Tournament on campus this past spring. What happened next was a chaotically fun event where imagination knew no bounds!
Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a curious newcomer, there's a place for you in UAT’s vibrant LARPing community. Grab your boffer and embark on an unforgettable journey through time, fantasy, and camaraderie!
LARPing Through the Ages
Curious how this adventurous activity got its start? We’ll take you step by step:
LATE 1970s — The Birth of LARPing
LARP is just too quirky for a single point of origin! Independent groups began the activity in North America, Europe, and Australia, taking elements of tabletop RPGs and genre fiction to a physical setting.
1982 — Treasure Trap
After LARP as a hobby grew in popularity leading into the 80s, the first ever large-scale LARP event, Treasure Trap, took place in the U.K. at Peckforton Castle. Treasure Trap was particularly influential on the British LARP scene.
1997 — Amtgard Established
One of the most prominent LARP organizations, Amtgard, is founded in Texas. Amtgard chapters can now also be found in Canada, Germany, Croatia, and South Korea.
LATE 90s TO EARLY 2000s — LARP in Pop Culture
LARP as a hobby gained mainstream recognition through exposure in films and television shows, such as Freaks and Geeks (1999), Role Models (2008), and Community (2009).
2020s & BEYOND — LARP Levels Up
Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, LARPing communities demonstrate resilience and adaptability, exploring virtual and hybrid formats to maintain connections and creative pursuits. As LARP evolves, an increasing emphasis on inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility has enabled participants of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
Looking ahead, the future of LARP promises even more innovative experiences and a thriving, diverse community.
Amidst the whirlwind of academic pursuits and technological endeavors at UAT, the unexpected (but very welcome) arrival of furry, four-legged companions to campus this spring offered students a healthy dose of pure delight!
There’s nothing quite like puppy cuddles and sloppy kisses to melt away stress and lift spirits. And at UAT, we encourage students to have a school-life-work balance whenever possible. While events like this one are not too frequent, there are plenty of student clubs and groups to get involved with on UAT’s campus to add some fun time into your schedule. UAT's Tempe, Arizona backdrop also offers a plethora of places to get some much-needed “me time” for students willing to venture out and explore.
What’s more, UAT students missing their pets back home have an abundance of volunteer opportunities available to them to get some much-needed puppy (or kitten) love! Here are a few places where volunteers can make a difference in animals’ lives and give back to the community:
Lost Our Home Pet Rescue:
Based in Tempe, this organization rescues pets in crisis situations and is frequently in need of volunteers to socialize and exercise animals, assist with adoption events, and more. Learn how to get involved at lostourhome.org
HALO Animal Rescue
With a main shelter in Phoenix and an adoption center in Tempe, HALO relies on generous help from volunteers. From cleaning kennels to assisting with adoption efforts and events, there are lots of opportunities to keep busy! Visit their website at halorescue.org to see how you can contribute.
Arizona Humane Society
From dog walking to bottle-feeding kittens, there is plenty of volunteer work that needs to be done at the various Arizona Humane Society campuses. Give a helping hand by visiting azhumane.org to see what’s needed.
Whether you're walking dogs, feeding kittens, or helping at events, volunteering with these organizations offers a fulfilling way to connect with animals and make a positive impact as a UAT student in Tempe's community.
University of Advancing Technology continues to move up the college rankings in multiple categories
U.S. News and World Report has been collecting data on universities to make it easier for students to choose their future schools. For the updated 2023-2024 year, University of Advancing Technology (UAT) was ranked #27 out of 103 universities for Best Regional Colleges West. The University (UAT) ranking at 27 for Best Regional Colleges West is an accolade that represents prestigious academic preparation and performance. UAT also ranked #5 out of 48 universities for Social Mobility for Regional Colleges West. This means that UAT is dedicated to delivering higher education to a broad spectrum of economic classes.
U.S. News and World Report conducts its ratings by using an analysis of a wide variety of academic data from surveys and reliable third parties. You can learn more about U.S. News and World Report's ranking methodology here.
Social Mobility describes a university’s ability to cater to economically disadvantaged students and the amount of those students who make it to graduation. Social Mobility is essential because it provides opportunities for disadvantaged students in order to launch them into the best career and brightest future possible. Being economically disadvantaged just means that your family household income is below the national average (the majority of grants are awarded to households with incomes under $50,000). Colleges use your or your family’s income to measure the amount of financial aid they deliver to students.
Pell Grants are the nation’s largest federal grant program offered to undergraduates from low-income households. U.S. News calculates the amount of Pell Grant graduates combined with Pell Grant graduate performances in order to get their overall ranking. Universities who rank highly on this list were noted for graduating a large portion of disadvantaged students who receive Pell Grants into lucrative careers and ranking them higher in social mobility.
UAT’s ranking at #5 (up two spots from 2022/23) out of 48 colleges for Regional Colleges West means UAT is on the higher end of the spectrum of socially mobile schools. This measurement of UAT's social mobility means that not only are economically disadvantaged students making it to graduation, but they are succeeding and performing in a way that promises a bright future outside of the university.
Ranking at #27 out of 103 universities for Best Regional Colleges West puts UAT in elite company as a crown jewel for technology-based degrees in the western region. UAT has been serving the Valley’s STEM pipeline since 1983 and celebrated its 40th anniversary last Fall.
Moving up the rankings, UAT shifted many spots higher than the previous ranking in 2022/23 ranking of #32. UAT’s Director of Community Initiatives, Robert Walker, agrees. Walker comments “UAT has been a been a staple in the technology in Arizona and fixture in increasing the visibility in STEM-based degrees. This ranking by U.S. News further corroborates not only the advancing nature of technology, but UAT’s eminence as one of the premier destinations to study advancing degrees in this field.”
If you want to read more about the U.S. News rankings for The University of Advancing Technology, you can find more information. here: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-advancing-technology-25590.
If you want to learn more about whether UAT is right for you to move up in your respective ranks, Connect with an Admissions Advisor today!
The University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is proud to showcase the Spring 2024 Student Innovation Projects (SIPs) from the Game Programming and Game Design majors. These projects represent the culmination of students' academic journey, highlighting their ability to address real-world challenges and push the boundaries of technology in the gaming industry.
Hope Thoms' FemInspire is a groundbreaking social application focused on supporting women in STEM through mentorship, earning recognition with the prestigious World Changer Award.
Trevor Baughn’s Responsibility introduces a dynamic reputation system driven by game AI, enhancing the depth and complexity of NPC interactions within games.
Musical Towers is an innovative rhythm-based tower defense game designed to make music creation an integral part of gameplay. Unlike traditional games in this genre, Musical Towers allows players to generate original music by strategically placing towers that harmonize or discord with each other. This engaging approach not only entertains but also educates, helping users understand musical concepts like harmony and discordance. Ideal for both children and adults, the game aims to bridge the gap in music education accessibility, making learning about music fun and interactive.
Zac Habul’s Backseating introduces a novel game mechanic that splits control between the player and their character, enriching the narrative experience in narrative-based games.
My SIP is a way of 3d modeling so that models have action figure articulation for the purpose of achieving a unique art style for a video game.
STEX-rs — the shader template exporter — a utility for game developers to use the same core shader across multiple game engines.
Pierson Mcinelly’s Virtual Podcasting Camera revolutionizes podcasting in virtual spaces, offering advanced virtual camera techniques for streaming and recording podcasts.
Collin Strauch’s software for generating pixel art character animations streamlines the animation process for game developers, providing a user-friendly tool for creating captivating sprite-based animations.
Adam White’s Baked Directional Gravity introduces a groundbreaking approach to game physics, enhancing the realism and dynamism of virtual environments.
The Spring 2024 Student Innovation Projects from UAT's Game Programming and Game Design majors exemplify the program's dedication to fostering innovation and equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry. These projects not only demonstrate students' technical expertise but also their creativity and ability to address societal challenges through gaming.
Learn more about how Student Innovation Projects contribute to career readiness, here.
Stay informed with cutting-edge courses on the latest technological advancements. UAT special topics course offerings vary each semester, but here’s a preview of some of the innovative classes you can look forward to enrolling in soon!
From building autonomous robotic software to developing groundbreaking prototypes, there's something for everyone eager to dive in and get hands-on experience. Check out the complete list of course offerings via UAT’s catalog.
DBM150: Introduction to Maker Studio provides students entry-level knowledge of the most common maker equipment needed to create props and functional prototypes. This course provides a framework for non-Digital Maker and Fabrication majors to learn the tools, techniques, and technologies needed to create their own prototypes in order to bring their ideas to life. Introduction to Maker Studio allows designers from any of UAT’s programs the chance to craft physical forms with the swiftness necessary in a rapidly evolving market, so that they can evolve their visions toward real-world applications.
RBT347: Robot Navigation tasks students with designing and building software to create an autonomous mobile robotic platform. The design process will implement real-world environment considerations. Student creations will also have a clearly defined level of autonomy which takes into consideration factors such as asynchronous events and sensory input. Performance requirements will be clearly outlined within course objectives, including components such as appropriate architecture selection and other thoughtful design considerations. Related topics, such as data structures used in the implementation of intelligent machines, will also be considered and studied as a part of the course curriculum.
DBM215: Prototyping Tools and Practices introduces students to the in-depth art and science of the prototype — and, in turn, explores the key steps of the engineering design process. Students will learn how to properly define and address a problem and will identify the solution whether that is a product, a service, or something else entirely. The course curriculum will lead students through the development cycle of compiling market research, building a prototype, testing, learning, and repeating the cycle again. Case studies examining the humble beginnings and vast evolutions of famous, world-changing products will be reviewed.
*Course offerings vary by semester
Embark on Your Academic Adventure at UAT
Did these fresh course offerings ignite your interest in UAT? Now is the ideal time to inquire further or even apply for admission! Whatever stage you are at in your academic journey, UAT’s approachable Admissions and Financial Aid teams are ready to provide support and assistance. Step into your future by connecting with us today.
For Miriam “Pike” Garcia, Student Innovation Project (SIP) inspiration arrived naturally.
“I like zombies. I like role-playing games (RPGs). I like drawing—so why not combine all of them?”
Pike did just that in the creation of Macabre Gambit, an interactive, physical comic book that plants the reader in a dystopian playground run amok with “ferals”—zombie-like creatures that threaten humanity’s existence.
Pike, who uses the pronouns they/them, had just finished their associate’s degree at The University of New Mexico – Valencia Campus when they spotted a University of Advancing Technology (UAT) advertisement in the pages of Game Informer Magazine, prompting the reader to “Create Your Own Zombie.” UAT’s Game Art and Animation program seemed like the perfect next step for their educational journey and career. They soon traveled from their hometown of Los Lunas, New Mexico (which Pike affectionately calls “Looneyville”) to their new Tempe home, and began a new journey of innovation.
Inspired by Bethesda RPGs like Fallout and post-apocalyptic franchises like Mad Max, Pike has created something entirely new with Macabre Gambit. In true RPG style, Pike put a lot of thought into how the decision tree would be implemented in the comic, resulting in a three-tier choice system based on emotion. Readers make their next move, Choose Your Own Adventure-style, based on one of three motivators: Drive (the character’s inner determination), Soothe (building empathy and trust for safety), or Threat (fight or flight response). Readers will then see how their choices impact the story of Macabre Gambit, taking the characters through alternate trajectories and leading to varied endings for the comic.
Pike’s SIP benefited from having a built-in audience they could reference for feedback throughout their time at UAT.
“The student body here at UAT is basically an island of misfits,” Pike explained. “There are a lot of outcasts—but here, they find their people. They connect with other kids that are like them, that have the same interests, that can play D&D till like 12 o'clock at night. It’s just a small school where those meaningful connections can be made.”
Enthusiastic feedback came from UAT faculty as well. Pike credits the abilities and the readiness that UAT’s Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) offer students as key factors in completing their SIP.
“SMEs make it known that they're there to answer any questions,” Pike explained, contrasting the accessibility of UAT faculty from their experience with professors elsewhere. “UAT SMEs get their hands dirty with you, help you out, and give you feedback that you need to push yourself and improve.”
Pike credits professors Lynn Understiller, Matthew Marquit, and Jorge Portillo as particularly helpful faculty in completing Macabre Gambit. They not only offered assistance but allowed the space for creative expression necessary for students to take risks and create something new.
The unique course offerings at UAT were also instrumental, with a storyboarding class and a concept art class both standing out in Pike’s memory as particularly influential courses.
“They demanded a lot, as you needed to draw a lot, and not focus too much on the tiny little details,” Pike recalled. “But I had to take into consideration time management and the scope of the project. Especially as a perfectionist, I can't get caught up on the tiny little details of one panel—because you have to complete like 40 other panels.”
Pike plans to continue working on Macabre Gambit after graduating this spring from UAT. After returning to New Mexico, they hope to turn their current internship with SP Entertainment, an Albuquerque-based media company, into full-time work. Beyond that, Pike hopes to leverage the skills they’ve learned at UAT into a career in the video game industry someday. Taking a cue from the characters in Macabre Gambit, Pike is prepared to navigate whatever comes their way next.
Embark on Your Academic Adventure at UAT
Did this student’s story ignite your interest in UAT? Now is the ideal time to inquire further or even apply for admission! Whatever stage you are at in your academic journey, UAT’s approachable Admissions and Financial Aid teams are ready to provide support and assistance. Step into your future by connecting with us today.
From the University of Advancing Technology’s (UAT) humble beginnings in the 1980s to its present-day status as an innovation hub, many Student Innovation Project (SIP) concepts have been hatched and brought to fruition here. Some SIPs continue to be developed after graduation, exemplifying the spirit of creativity and technological advancement that defines UAT. Other SIPs prove to be the perfect launching pad to propel the student into their future careers—which was certainly the case for Bradley Chavis, a 2021 dual-major graduate of the Advancing Computer Science and Network Technology (now offered as Network Security) programs.
Bradley’s SIP, H@xc0rd, was a simple yet powerful Discord bot designed for utilizing common network security tools without requiring any knowledge of Linux.
H@xc0rd's tools ranged from exploitation to reconnaissance, including Hashcat, Hydra, Nmap, Shodan, and many more. Each tool had its own custom-built help section to guide users on understanding what the tool was, how to use it, and how to interpret the results. Since many tools within the project could be intrusive to the local network it was hosted on, the bot owner could adjust who had access to which tool at any time, significantly limiting the chance of misuse.
Using H@xc0rd on the server it was hosted on was even simpler, as only a Discord account and basic knowledge of the platform would be needed. To use the bot, one simply had to use the specified prefix found in the packaged sub.js file and the command they wanted to run. For example, a “!ping” command would provide the bot's latency.
Users could crack a password hash with Java Ripper and showcase the results to everyone on the server without needing to export and share files repeatedly. Additionally, they could find out how many times a particular password had been compromised using the “!haveibeenpwned” command, which queried the Have I Been Pwned database and displayed the results.
To see all available commands, users could simply use the “!commands” function, which listed approximately 15 tools implemented in the project. Bradley Chavis and his project partner, David Austad (Network Security alum), consistently updated the tools within the project, removing and replacing them as necessary to ensure relevance.
If a tool wasn’t implemented but was desired, users had the freedom to add it themselves. H@xc0rd was built to allow new tools to be implemented in a matter of minutes.
One significant challenge during the project was making H@xc0rd run on systems other than Linux. Initially, it only ran on Linux, which conflicted with the goal of universal accessibility. The solution was Docker, a virtualization platform that allows Linux environments to run on systems that wouldn’t typically support them, such as Windows or Mac OS. Docker’s implementation enabled H@xc0rd to be hosted on nearly any operating system, with an install script to handle any issues.
The project aimed to be as user-friendly as possible, with install scripts automating the setup process on most Linux systems. This ease of setup ensured that anyone could start using H@xc0rd quickly and efficiently.
“You will never be limited with what you can do with this project, only by your imagination,” Bradley said back in 2021 of the project.
Through H@xc0rd, Bradley brought advanced network security tools to users' fingertips with ease and accessibility, revolutionizing how these tools could be used on Discord.
And even more than that, Bradley learned so much in the production of his SIP that he was able to gain a coveted network security job after graduating from UAT in 2021.
Leveraging a security intern position at Netskope that he completed during his time as a college student, Bradley started a new position as a compliance analyst for the company directly after graduation. He has remained at Netskope since then and has already received two promotions in that time. Today, Bradley is a Security Analyst II for Netskope and is nearing his four-year mark with the company. His success demonstrates what can be achieved with a UAT education!
Embark on Your Academic Adventure at UAT
Did this student’s story ignite your interest in UAT? Now is the ideal time to inquire further or even apply for admission! Whatever stage you are at in your academic journey, UAT’s approachable Admissions and Financial Aid teams are ready to provide support and assistance. Step into your future by connecting with us today.
For Hope Thoms, the Student Innovation Project (SIP) was a chance to create change for women in STEM as well as an opportunity to honor the memory of a beloved family member.
Originally from Ridgecrest, California, Game Design major Hope has journeyed far—both geographically and intellectually—to complete her SIP. The inspiration for creating FemInspire, a social media app designed to connect girls and young women with female mentors, can be traced back to a seed of an idea planted in her childhood.
Hope enjoyed playing sports as a child and loved participating in hands-on, scientific endeavors. However, she felt that her interests made it difficult to connect with other girls and notes that she mostly had male friends growing up as a result.
“It’s definitely something that inspired me to create an application like this because mentorship is important,” Hope said. “But so is community.”
Hope was also motivated to create FemInspire in memory of her late aunt, who worked in information technology. After surviving a battle with breast cancer, Hope’s aunt passed away a year later, due to complications caused by stress. Knowing her aunt dealt with harassment at her workplace and was isolated as a woman in STEM, Hope feels even more determined to prove the importance of and foster female connection in male-dominated spaces. Further, she feels that supporting women in these fields will create better applications, products, and experiences across the field of technology. Particularly, Hope highlights the need for more women working in the video game industry.
“Diversity makes great games,” Hope asserted. “I'm making FemInspire because women want that diversity, because women want to hear women’s voices. There’s an imbalance that I want to help resolve, because it shouldn't exist—but it does even now, in 2024. It's still there, it’s still a problem. And it's probably going to be a problem for a very long time.”
Hope had to learn a number of new skills and programs in order to create her FemInspire prototype. She designed the mobile app’s interface using Figma, and took great care with choosing the color scheme and look of the app. She chose blue and purple as the color scheme, wanting to avoid passé pink. And despite not having an art background, Hope pushed herself to design and refine FemInspire’s logo until she was satisfied.
Hope also consulted with a number of UAT faculty and students in the completion of her SIP. While she feels grateful for the practical lessons gained within the classroom, Hope ultimately feels that the most important lesson she learned in her college experience was the need for resilience.
“I'm a very driven person,” Hope explained. “If I need to do something, I will just do my best to accomplish it. I’ve developed a kind of ‘iron it out as I go’ philosophy. Every single UAT class I've taken has been fast-paced, and with life and work, it's hard to balance. But at the end, I have to figure it out. Whether the solution is talking to a professor, or conducting some research, every single class here has taught me the need to be a problem solver.”
Looking to the future, Hope is invoking her namesake and feeling optimistic about her life and career prospects after graduating later this summer. She plans to stay in the Phoenix area for some time, noting that the city has become an emerging technology hub. She’s considering relocating to the east coast, where most of her dream video game publishing and development companies are located. She’s also keeping an open mind for the stepping stones that could take her where she wants to land.
“I'm the kind of person who if I don't get to work my dream job immediately, that's okay with me,” Hope insisted. “Because I am very persistent and passionate.”
Embark on Your Academic Adventure at UAT
Did this student’s story ignite your interest in UAT? Now is the ideal time to inquire further or even apply for admission! Whatever stage you are at in your academic journey, UAT’s approachable Admissions and Financial Aid teams are ready to provide support and assistance. Step into your future by connecting with us today.
A monster tamer (think classic Pokémon games) meets rhythm game elements (similar to the popular Guitar Hero franchise) in Wumu Melody, Bianca Magaña’s Student Innovation Project (SIP). A Game Art and Animation major at UAT, Bianca drew inspiration from monster tamers like Temtem to roguelike rhythm games à la Crypt of the NecroDancer when it came time to create her own SIP. After further fueling her creative energy with ancient eastern mythology and Chinese pop music, Wumu Melody as a concept was born.
“My main goal was to create something unique artistically,” Bianca said. “I had this idea for this project for a really long time now. And I wanted to make sure that I did it justice.”
The game follows characters Liu Yao and Sun Shi as they use musical abilities to capture adorable creatures called Wumu, which derive their power from wood, earth, water, fire, or metal. Wumu Melody was initially concepted as a fully 2D pixel art style game, before Bianca discovered she would need to modify her approach in order to create something that she feels would “stand out.”
“I slowly led myself down this road in order to create a new visual experience that takes some stuff from the old—like pixel art—and some stuff from the new and combines them in this really beautiful way,” she said.
The 2D pixel art of Wumu Melody brings in the retro style of past generations’ video games, but the classic visuals are refreshed through their placement in a 3D environment. The main character, Liu, looks like she wouldn’t be out of place in Pokémon Red, Blue, or Yellow (1996) with her mint-colored hair and chibi-like features—but a lighting test made in Laitger shows how Bianca was able to add dynamic environmental effects to add extra depth to the character designs and environments, creating a modern result.
Bianca collaborated with two programmers at UAT, Mitchell Kelly (Advancing Computer Science) and Terrance Gay (Game Programming) to bring her vision to reality. Her peers assisted with dynamic lighting implementation, game design prototype creation, and the movement of Wumu Melody from Construct, a 2D game engine, to the 3D environment enabled through Unreal Engine 5.
UAT’s community proved to be the nurturing environment Bianca would need to complete Wumu Melody. She knew from her first visit that the cozy campus would be a good fit for her. “I liked the small, tight-knit community,” Bianca recalled of her initial campus tour. “I liked how everyone was very open to talking. And I've definitely felt that I could walk up and make casual conversation with nearly everybody here—we're a nerd school!”
Bianca credits Professors and subject matter experts (or “SMEs” as they’re called at UAT) Lynn Understiller and Jorge Portillo with providing her suggested methodologies, knowledge, and guidance to reach her SIP goals. The space they gave her to learn helped Bianca become more independent through the game development process.
“I feel like I was very unorganized before UAT,” Bianca said. “And taking these classes has helped me in that sense. And also, I did not know anything about modeling. I started here with zero 3D modeling knowledge, unwrapping knowledge—so all of that new information really helped and inspired me in order to create this project. I wouldn't have been able to do this if I didn't go to UAT.”
Bianca plans to continue to develop Wumu Melody after graduation and is considering various future options for funding, such as Patreon. She also hopes to break into the video game industry.
Wherever life takes her next, she is hopeful for the future and sees how the skills she’s learned at UAT will serve her well.
“All of the things that I learned from UAT, they kind of came into Wumu Melody in some way.”
Embark on Your Academic Adventure at UAT
Did this student’s story ignite your interest in UAT? Now is the ideal time to inquire further or even apply for admission! Whatever stage you are at in your academic journey, UAT’s approachable Admissions and Financial Aid teams are ready to provide support and assistance. Step into your future by connecting with us today.
A Network Security and Technology Forensics dual-major, Christopher Perme was lucky to have a Student Innovation Project (SIP) idea spark from his personal circumstances.
What was less lucky? That inspiration arrived with a dilemma: After ordering a custom-built PC worth thousands of dollars, Chris was devastated to see his desktop arrive in Arizona in an absolutely demolished state. Having clearly been dropped at some point enroute, the water-cooled case broke and the liquid within destroyed all components of the PC. Chris realized there was a need for a more secure and protective way to ship expensive electronic devices, which inspired him to develop Enforcer, a new shipping solution that ensures security of high-value hardware in transit.
Equipped with a Raspberry Pi 4, a micro 128GB SD card, an O-ring, and an automatic pressure release valve, the Enforcer is an impressively designed shipping container. Material within the Enforcer is protected from the elements with its airtight seal and thermal resilience. Additionally, opening the Enforcer trips a magnetic switch which triggers video surveillance from within the case. This makes the Enforcer ideal for transit of precious goods, as the user can view footage from the shipping container and investigate any foul play later with video surveillance.
Chris initially intended the Enforcer for desktop computers. However, as he worked on it and explored various storage methods, he realized the case could securely ship any item while providing security footage.
Chris has come a long way from his hometown of Garettsville, Ohio to UAT’s Tempe campus. It proved a fortuitous move, though, as Chris finds the campus to be the perfect backdrop for aspiring innovators.
“For starters, any resource that you could possibly imagine—it's here,” Chris explained. “All on-campus technology is updated regularly, whether it's a VR machine, or a 3D printer, or some form of network security software. It's all provided for students to get to experiment with new technology without breaking the bank.”
Chris chose to transfer to UAT after an injury ended his football career at Marietta College in Ohio. Wanting to switch his focus from athletics to academics, he applied to UAT on the advice of some family members who are also UAT alumni. Semesters later and now well settled in, the community at UAT has proved invaluable to Chris almost as much as the resources.
“Here at UAT, if you ever need a helping hand, you can walk in the hallway, say, ‘Hey, I might need help later with something,’ and chances are that they're going to reach out to you before you reach out to them,” Chris said. “There's always somebody willing to help whether they’re a professor or a student. And that's something that's really hard to come by—especially nowadays.”
Chris collaborated with James “Glenn” Truett, a Digital Maker and Fabrication and Robotics and Embedded Systems dual-major at UAT. Glenn contributed to more of the physical elements of Enforcer, such as developing schematics and assisting with 3D printing, soldering, and wiring needs for the project. UAT faculty were also helpful, with Chris being particularly grateful to Professor Dapzury Valenzuela, who oversees the SIP-related courses.
In just a few more semesters, Chris will graduate with his degrees, and plans to then return to Ohio. He says he’s eager to find an entry level network security position to get his start at a company where he can use his knowledge and skills to excel. Or, with the demand for network security and technology forensics majors, perhaps land a role he can “grow into” with mentorship and on-the-job learning. He’s keeping an open mind to possibilities but feels confident that the skills he’s learned at UAT will help him wherever he goes as long as he embraces opportunities for continuous learning.
“You learn something new with every job you're at, regardless of if you like it or not,” he said. “Every experience is a learning opportunity.”
Embark on Your Academic Adventure at UAT
Did this student’s story ignite your interest in UAT? Now is the ideal time to inquire further or even apply for admission! Whatever stage you are at in your academic journey, UAT’s approachable Admissions and Financial Aid teams are ready to provide support and assistance. Step into your future by connecting with us today.
Jacob Stieneker, a senior at the University of Advancing Technology (UAT), is majoring in Robotics and Embedded Systems and graduating in the Spring 2024 semester. Originally from Pikeville, Indiana, a small ranch town, Jacob has excelled in his field and has made significant contributions through his innovative projects. After graduation, Jacob plans to continue his professional growth at his current company, Universal Robots, and further his career in the automation industry.
Jacob's hard work and dedication culminated in receiving the prestigious Best in Show and Viewers Choice Awards at the Student Innovation Project (SIP) Presentation. For Jacob, this recognition means a great deal. "It means the world to me," he expressed. "I put a lot of hard work and late hours while juggling many different responsibilities in parallel. To see my efforts recognized is greatly appreciated."
Jacob chose to attend UAT because it offered his specific major interests, worked well with his full-time work schedule, and was relatively affordable. Reflecting on his time at UAT, Jacob highlighted the Student Innovation Project experience as his most memorable moment. "It forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and utilize critical thinking to manifest what is now a patent-pending solution," he said. This project also allowed him to support local small businesses by utilizing their fabrication space and equipment.
Throughout his journey at UAT, Jacob was influenced by many, but Professor Prater stood out as the most significant. "The reason is that he pushes me to do my best work. If he sees a mistake or room for improvement, he lets me know," Jacob explained. He appreciated Professor Prater's commitment to excellence, his willingness to provide constructive criticism, and his openness to discussing issues or concerns.
Jacob's award-winning SIP project, the Robotics Gripper, had a challenging start. His initial idea was rejected, leading him to develop the 3D printed robot gripper. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a lack of experience in 3D modeling and mechanical calculations, Jacob successfully created a universal solution for robot projects. The successful testing of his first prototype was a moment of great joy.
Jacob and his business partner, Dylan Query, who co-own "Query Productions," created a cinematic presentation for the project. Their first feature film is available for sale at major retailers like Wal-Mart, Target, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. Jacob aimed to capture the late nights and struggles of his journey in a story-driven, cinematic short film, which turned out better than he had hoped.
Looking ahead, Jacob plans to continue refining his Robotics Gripper. The design is now patent-pending, and he aims to develop a UR Cap, a custom interface for the Universal Robots GUI, to simplify operation. This will be akin to an app for a smartphone.
The most challenging part of the SIP process for Jacob was the 3D modeling, a skill he had not frequently used. Thanks to Project Murphy and guidance from Max Edwards, Jacob gained the confidence to design his own 3D printed gripper, becoming more comfortable with software like SolidWorks and Inventor.
The most rewarding aspect of the SIP process for Jacob was creating the short film for the showcase. Working with Dylan, he was able to recapture the emotions of his journey, making the experience an emotional rollercoaster. Now, Jacob has both the SIP project and the short film to look back on with pride.
Jacob Stieneker's journey and achievements at UAT exemplify dedication, innovation, and the power of perseverance. His success at the Student Innovation Project Presentation is a testament to his hard work and the support he received from the UAT community. As Jacob moves forward in his career, his experiences and accomplishments at UAT will undoubtedly continue to inspire and drive his professional growth.
Learn more about how Student Innovation projects contribute to career readiness, here.
The University of Advancing Technology (UAT) continues to cultivate creativity and innovation through its Spring 2024 Student Innovation Projects (SIPs) in the Game Art and Animation major. These projects, akin to a master’s thesis but with a more engaging and practical approach, showcase the remarkable talents and cutting-edge ideas of UAT students.
Student Name: Billy Espinosa
Project Description: Billy Espinosa's Mice introduces an innovative peripheral device featuring Bluetooth capability, captive touch sensors, and a low-profile trackball for navigation, offering a sleek and modern solution for gaming peripherals.
Student Name: Miriam "Pike" Garcia
Project Description: Miriam Garcia’s Macabre Gambit merges interactive comic book elements with role-playing game (RPG) mechanics in a captivating zombie apocalypse setting, redefining the comic book experience.
Student Name: Bianca Magana
Project Description: Bianca Magana’s WUMU Melody combines nostalgic pixel art sprites with stylized 3D environments and dynamic lighting, creating a visually striking fusion of 2D and 3D art.
The Student Innovation Projects from UAT's Game Art and Animation major for the Spring 2024 semester underscore the program's commitment to fostering creativity and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression in the gaming industry.
Learn more about how Student Innovation Projects contribute to career readiness, here.
Students took a much-needed screen break at UAT this spring to instead embark on a brief reprieve into the world of mini terrarium making. Glass jars can become enchanted realms when science and creativity collide — who knew?!
If you’re ready to dive into the delightful world of mini terrarium making, where each jar holds the promise of magic, check out the following do-it-yourself guide to crafting one of these miniature wonders:
Create a DIY Mini Terrarium
Supplies Needed:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Pick Your Perfect Pot
Choose a glass container that speaks to your inner artist. Don’t limit yourself — any glass receptacle, from a mason jar to a recycled wine glass, should do.
Rock On
Start with a handful of pebbles at the bottom of your vessel, laying down the foundation for the green goodness to come.
Get Charcoal-y
Sprinkle a little activated charcoal on top of your pebbles and keep your terrarium smelling as fresh as a daisy.
Dig In
Now, scoop in some potting soil. Make sure it's nice and fluffy before the next step.
Plant Party
It's plantin' time! Pop your tiny green friends into the soil, giving them plenty of space to spread their roots and grow big and strong. Try not to overcrowd your terrarium.
Decoration Station
Add extras like seashells or figurines to create a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
Spritz and Sprinkle
Give your terrarium a spritz of water to start. Keep an eye on your little green buddies and water them whenever they're thirsty!
Watch it Grow
Your work is done. With each sprout and leaf unfurling, your tiny ecosystem is a testament to the magic of nature! Show off your efforts by finding the perfect spot to showcase your miniature masterpiece.
Meet Joshua Blatnik
A year ago, a UAT postcard in the mail sparked a new journey for Joshua Blatnik. Postmarked from Tempe, the mailer arrived in his hometown of Eveleth, Minnesota, and inspired him to learn more about the technology-fused curriculum on offer. Soon enough, he was starting his very own UAT adventure as an Advancing Computer Science major. Joshua didn’t have to swap the cold weather for the dry heat, though — as a UAT Online student, he can still maintain his full-time work in Minnesota without sacrificing his educational pursuits.
What’s more, Joshua was able to focus on his interests with the UAT Online model, in which all coursework is geared toward technologically-savvy individuals and their needs. He became interested in a career in the field of software engineering in particular after tinkering with some unsatisfactory server setups while playing Grand Theft Auto V. Little did he know that learning server modifications for fun would eventually lead him to his career path! At 19 years old, Joshua now already has more than four years of programming experience in a diverse offering of languages, including C#, Java, JavaScript, and Lua.
Although an online student, Joshua has still connected from a distance with the UAT community and feels a sense of camaraderie due to a near ubiquitous shared love for video games.
“It's hard to describe UAT students. They're very technology-focused people, they crave video games. And that's why they're interested in attending UAT. A lot of them are Twitch streamers. They're very involved in the internet space. And that's how I think of the culture: Everyone's kind of doing their own thing on the internet. And then we're all together in the same class.”
When not gaming, working, studying, or programming, Joshua enjoys being active outdoors through mountain biking. One of the things he is most looking forward to in his college career is gaining an internship at a well-known technology company, such as Microsoft or Samsung, in order to achieve his future goal of becoming a software engineer.
Meet Kennedee Cameron
Hailing from Maricopa, Arizona, Kennedee Cameron is a Digital Video and Digital Marketing dual major. She arrived at UAT with passion and ambition, and immediately felt like she was among her people.
“I would say the UAT community is like the Shire from The Lord of the Rings. It's like everyone is like you in a way. One person can be different from you and very unique — but you can always find a common ground or something you both agree on.”
Kennedee says that in addition to UAT looking like “a good crowd,” she liked that the curriculum allows her to study her interests from the start.
“Compared to other universities where you have to take all these other classes first if you want to focus on your major, at UAT [general education requirements] still help you focus on your major.”
For Kennedee, she is especially exhilarated by the fact that there is always something new to learn as “every quarter is really a new quarter” at UAT. She arrived with knowledge in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, but has already learned so much about new areas related to digital video that she didn’t anticipate, such as the intricacies of lighting and effects in video production and editing.
As for who motivated Kennedee to pursue this academic and career path, she credits her high school graphic design teacher, Maria Pour, of Maricopa High School. Mrs. Pour inspired her to learn all she could about design, and even perhaps consider a future career teaching teenagers in this field.
For now, Kennedee is absorbing as much knowledge as she can at UAT to work towards a dream career working for Marvel as an editor or digital marketer one day. She says one of her biggest goals would be to someday work with James Cameron. When Kennedee isn’t busy with schoolwork, she likes to spend her time creatively expressing herself through editing on her phone, writing, and even community theatre — she will soon perform in the ensemble cast of a Maricopa Community Theatre production of Heathers: The Musical.
Meet Tyler Jones
A freshman with a passion for technology and a drive to pursue animation, Tyler Jones, a Game Art and Animation major, didn’t have to go far geographically to start his UAT journey. Amidst the vast landscape of college options, UAT stood out to this Arizona native for its intimate size and welcoming community. For Tyler, the allure of a small campus promised an environment where he could explore his academic pursuits without feeling overwhelmed.
“What I really liked about UAT is that it's not too big of a college. Big colleges, for me, would be kind of overwhelming. Here, there are just two buildings, and it's easy to know where to go.”
Tyler has already gleaned valuable lessons from his time at UAT — even in areas he didn’t anticipate, such as in the realm of language and writing. A creative writer at heart, this has been a welcome surprise for Tyler. He cherishes the opportunity to hone his craft and refine his skills, to weave compelling narratives that captivate audiences.
“I really like to create my own world, my own characters — I'm full of creativity.”
As a video game lover, Tyler is interested in potentially learning additional skills, like coding, to try and create his own games. He feels right at home in a place where he says “pretty much everybody” likes gaming.
“UAT has a great culture and sense of community. The people here are very wide open and very supportive. Faculty especially, are very supportive.”
Though he’s still in his first year at UAT, Tyler has no shortage of ambition when it comes to where he hopes his technology-centered education takes him. His dream career would be to work in the video game industry. As a detail-focused individual, Tyler hopes to lend his talents to the more meticulous elements of animation — focusing on 3D modeling, lighting, texturing, or any other areas that need extra attention.
Since graduating from UAT’s Digital Media program (now offered as “Digital Video”) in 2018, CJ Logsdon has been a driving force in community outreach and safety efforts across Arizona. In her past work as a Community Outreach Coordinator with the Arizona Attorney General's Office, CJ made significant strides in leveraging technology and education to address pressing issues within the state, furthering the Office’s mission to provide valuable resources and education free of charge to all of Arizona.
In her previous role, CJ spearheaded a pioneering program aimed at colleges statewide, including UAT, focusing on opioid awareness and prevention. The focus of the program is to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic plaguing Arizona communities by providing crucial insights into prevalence, prevention strategies, and support networks. The Attorney General’s Office staff is also being formally trained in the administration of Naloxone in order to provide educational facilities with the lifesaving Narcan.
The Office is addressing a spectrum of societal challenges. From educating young adults about consumer safety to raising awareness about human trafficking and dispelling myths surrounding vaping, CJ's efforts encompassed a comprehensive approach to community well-being.
As a proud alumna of UAT, CJ Logsdon continued to make a significant impact in Arizona's safety landscape through innovative solutions. True to her UAT roots, CJ still flexes her design muscles whenever she can. She is passionate about color psychology and calls herself a “graphic design nerd.”
Programs offered by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office
Consumer Guide for Young Adults
This program addresses how young adults can be safe consumers and avoid becoming victims of scams and identity theft. An overview on how to safely apply for credit cards, housing, car loans, and student loans; first-time car buying tips will also be provided.
Human Trafficking Awareness
Human Trafficking doesn't just happen in other countries; it happens right here in Arizona communities. Learn how traffickers in Arizona recruit their victims, the role of social media, and steps parents and others can take to protect children. We also provide real-life examples of human trafficking in Arizona and explain what you should do if you suspect someone may be a victim.
Vaping Awareness and Prevention
Presenters will bust the common myths and misconceptions about the e-cigarette and vaping industry. Attendees will learn about the evolution of e-cigarette products and the dangers associated with both the devices and vaping liquid or "juice.”
UAT students unlocked their inner artistry with a splash of color … to the face! At a vibrant spring activity, students were transformed into whimsical characters and adorned their cheeks with bold designs. From playful animals to intricate patterns, every stroke of paint brought out the joy and imagination of our Tempe campus community. Admire the artistry and get inspired to create your own cheeky masterpiece!
At UAT, creativity knows no bounds. From innovative courses that challenge conventional thinking to dynamic extracurricular programs that foster artistic expression, our Tempe campus is a hub of creative, technology-infused offerings. Whether students are pursuing a degree in Advertising Art or Game Art and Animation, there's a major designed for every imagination to thrive. With state-of-the-art facilities, passionate faculty mentors, and a supportive community, we empower students to unleash their creative and innovative potential and make their mark as groundbreakers. Join us on a journey where creativity reigns supreme, and possibilities are limited only by the bounds of one's imagination at UAT!
Face Painting Tips & Tricks!
Choose Safe Products: Use water-based, hypoallergenic face paints designed for the skin. Avoid acrylic or craft paints — save those for paper canvases!
Prep Skin: Cleanse skin before painting. Moisturize with a non-oil-based lotion for a smoother “canvas!”
Practice Simple Designs: Start with easy shapes like hearts and stars, and experiment with blending colors.
Quality Tools: Invest in soft, synthetic brushes and sponges for smooth application.
Hygiene Matters: Keep supplies clean. Avoid sharing brushes. Remove paint gently with makeup remover.
Consider Skin Types: Use water-based paints for oily skin and cream-based for dry/sensitive skin. Conduct patch tests on sensitive skin first!
Drone enthusiasts at UAT aren’t just leisurely flying the latest technology for fun—they’re contributing to groundbreaking advancements in how drones can be used to combat crime through a growing alliance with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO). The MCSO drone team’s collaboration with UAT dates back to 2018, as the team has incorporated drone technology into their operations for surveillance, evidence collection, search and rescue, and other uses.
The MCSO drone team’s latest visit to UAT’s technology-infused Tempe campus included a demonstration and display of multiple iterations of drone technology, in the form of drone equipment ranging from massive wingspans of seven feet to near-micro-size drones for more covert operations.
UAT students don’t just get to observe this drone technology, but also talk to the MCSO drone team to offer insights on how the dozen or so drone models on display could be used in innovative ways. For example, UAT students previously offered a suggestion to use signal boosters or repeaters in order to expand the drones’ range.
“UAT students are the future of this technology moving forward,” Brad Licking, Drone Commander for the MCSO said, explaining why the UAT insight is so valuable. “Anybody that's around this type of tech, we kind of consider ourselves nerds. We love showing our stuff off, we love people coming out and flying. And anything that we can do to bring extra technology into the Sheriff's Office, it just helps our overall mission of serving the citizens of Maricopa County.”
In addition, Licking noted that the MCSO could benefit from observing innovations UAT students are working on in 3D printing, an emerging technology they’d like to implement in their work.
Licking reports that the MCSO drone team plans to continue to collaborate and gather insights from UAT students in the future.
“We'll come back to UAT every time you guys invite us—we love to share this stuff. You can see how much drone technology has changed throughout the years. And so we know next year, the students are going to be even smarter than they are today. And we're going to try to pick your brains as much as we can!”
