Digital Worlds Institute’s Convergence 2024 Draws Over 600 Guests to the Student Showcase
By: Layla Dubreucq
In a celebration of student success, over 600 attendees united for the 7th annual Convergence on April 25th, 2024. Hosted by the Digital Worlds Institute at the Reitz Union, the event transformed the venue into a showcase of innovation, featuring students’ projects in game development, animation, experience design and production, and the cutting-edge realms of augmented and virtual reality.
At its core, Convergence is a dynamic platform that fuels connections and collaborations among students, alumni, community partners, and industry professionals. The event is structured as a reverse career fair, where over 100 students proudly display their projects at tables, inviting guests to interact with their work.
Convergence is a pivotal event for graduating BADAS and MiDAS students, allowing them to highlight their semester-long dedication and creative exploration within the digital arts industry. Students collaborate closely with a faculty advisor, and their final presentations represent the culmination of the skills they’ve developed throughout their courses.
Projects on display embrace a wide array of disciplines, including short films, game design, 3D modeling, animation, product design, and UX/UI concepts.
At the conclusion of the showcase, awards were given to students who have demonstrated exemplary dedication to their craft. Interim Executive Director Tim Difato presented these awards.
Outstanding Achievement Game Design — “A Railway Riddle” by Aryam Amar
“A Railway Riddle,” a 3D model by Aryam Amar, invites players to step into the shoes of detectives solving the mystery of the missing Hope Diamond. Reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” players search for the mastermind behind the robbery. The project’s visuals created using Maya, Adobe Substance Painter, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Unreal Engine 5, and TourBox, evoke the same time period for an immersive experience. Senior lecturer Nick Heitzman supported the project’s development as a faculty advisor.
Outstanding Achievement Animation — “Roadkilled” by Gabrielle Berman
“Roadkilled,” an animated film by Gabrielle Berman, integrates slapstick comedy with dark humor. Over 16 weeks, Berman crafted the story following a careless man who inadvertently runs over a cherished pet using Maya, Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects, and Adobe Photoshop. Faced with the aftermath, he embarks on a quest to persuade both himself and others that the pet is alive. Lecturer Aaron Karlson supported the project’s development as a faculty advisor.
Outstanding Achievement Experience Design & Production — “Beyond the Biosphere VR” by Maylen Casal
“Beyond the Biosphere VR,” by Maylen Casal, combines virtual reality and education. With a focus on environmental science and animal conservation, this immersive project aims to raise awareness and educate users about endangered or vulnerable species in their natural habitats. Developed over 15 weeks, the project utilized Unity, Visual Studios, Figma, Oculus, and Maya. Lecturer Darius Brown supported the project’s development as a faculty advisor.
Outstanding Achievement Augmented & Virtual Reality — “Outpost Horizons” by Johnny Delgado, Thaddeus Muchnok, JJ Marin, Diana DaSilva, and Brendan Caruso
“Outpost Horizon” is a cooperative VR and mobile game by MiDAS students Johnny Delgado, Thad Muchnok, JJ Marin, Diana DaSilva, and Brendan Caruso. It invites players into a near-future world where they work for the Icarus Foundation, tackling challenges at an offshore facility. One player dons a VR headset for risky repairs, while the other manages operations from headquarters. Together, they solve puzzles, navigate hazards, and uncover the company’s secrets. The game was developed using Unreal Engine 5, Unity, Maya, and Substance Painter. Associate Seung Hyuk Jang supported the project’s development as a faculty advisor.
2024 BADAS Director’s Award — Katia Carlo Berríos
The Director’s Award is the highest recognition for outstanding achievement in the BADAS program. The award honors exceptional academic performance and a strong dedication to supporting peers, leading initiatives, and promoting creativity, innovation, and collaboration among the Digital Worlds community.
Katia Carlo Berríos has served as the BADAS Society President for two years and has fostered a community of like-minded artists. In her presidency, Carlo Berríos led the BADAS Society’s annual Extra Life event to new heights, raising nearly $6000 for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.
2024 MiDAS Director’s Award — Rachel West
The Director’s Award is the highest recognition for outstanding achievement in the MiDAS program. The award honors exceptional academic performance and a strong dedication to supporting peers, leading initiatives, and promoting creativity, innovation, and collaboration among the Digital Worlds community.
Rachel West is a mentor within the Institute and the Reality Lab fostering collaboration and community among her peers. West has acquired numerous achievements throughout her education, such as engaging in a special interview between NASA Administrator Senator Bill Nelson and SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell. Upon graduation, West will be joining the Froliq team as an XR developer.
