MiDAS Spotlight: Nick Reno
Undergraduate Degree: Computer Science (College of Liberal Arts & Sciences)
Three words that best describe you: Ambitious, Motivated, and Reliable
What brought you to the MiDAS program?
I researched under a professor in my Junior and Senior years of undergrad, and I heard the topic of MiDAS thrown around a few times. It wasn’t until I ran into a friend in my senior year when they told me about their involvement in the MiDAS program that I learned more about it. After doing more research about the program, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue before leaving university and looking for work.
What was your lightbulb moment that took you down this career path?
As corny as it sounds, I got my career path idea from a movie: Ready Player One. I have been invested in Extended Reality since 2020 but seeing that movie made me think of the possibilities that Extended Reality can hold in the near future. I wanted to be at the forefront of that field with the new technology being used.
What interactive experience are you looking forward to creating in the near future?
A lot of people feel that bad things such as natural disasters would never happen to them, and if something did happen, they would know what to do for many situations and would not be in danger at all. This line of thinking hurts a lot of people. To avoid this, we could create a program where people experience some natural disasters and are given steps to take to ensure their safety, both in the long term and short term where quick reaction is necessary. As daunting as this idea may seem, it could help save the lives of those who are unknowingly unprepared for danger.
What is your favorite class you’ve taken in your program?
With my undergraduate background, I have mainly had exposure to programming. It wasn’t until my senior spring semester that I took a 3D modeling class and then continued with the graduate 3D modeling class in the following summer semester. I enjoyed this new type of technology and the work that I was doing. I am eager to see what more I can create with these skills after completing the program.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I am fairly new to the field of Extended Reality and wasn’t exposed to it until 2020. Before that I wanted to do something in cybersecurity, and before that, I wanted to do something in law. After a lot of searching, I’m happy that I eventually found the field that I truly fit in.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten?
My goal for the near future is to continue getting as much exposure and experience in the field of Extended Reality that I can. In the long term, I want to work with a company that creates enhanced movement in Virtual Reality, like 360-degree treadmills. These machines will increase the level of immersion for someone inside a virtual environment, and they are a lot of fun to use.
Favorite place you’ve visited?
I’ve had the opportunity to backpack in Europe twice and see a lot of countries. I’d say overall my favorite place I’ve visited is Innsbruck, Austria. It’s a beautiful and colorful town surrounded by mountains with numerous cool hiking trails.
