Yifan Chen
Programmer
Yifan Chen is a programmer with a background in Mathematical Sciences and a focus on engine and gameplay systems development. With strong foundations in mathematics, algorithms, and systems thinking, she works on real-time rendering, engine tools, and large-scale interactive systems. Her interests include graphics pipelines, performance optimization, AI systems, and building robust technical frameworks that empower creative game design.
Jimmy Jian
Programmer
Jimmy Jian is a technical artist and engine engineer. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Landscape Design, he chose to pursue his passion for the game industry by studying computer graphics and real-time rendering at Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center (ETC). He is currently dedicated to developing more efficient algorithms and UE5 engine tools to improve artists’ productivity and enhance the visual quality and expressiveness of games.
Cayla Kennedy
Producer
Cayla is a creative technologist with a generalist background. She is passionate about combining her technological expertise with her love for storytelling to create unique location-based experiences. Prior to her time at the ETC, she graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a major in Creative Technology and Design and minors in Computer Science and Film and Television Production.
Jack Peng
Experience Designer
Jack Peng is a dedicated game designer and level designer with a passion for creating innovative game mechanics and levels. After graduating with a B.S. in Interactive Media Arts, Jack began pursuing a Master of Entertainment Technology from Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center. Driven by a passion for expanding the possibilities of games, he hopes to create games and experience that challenge conventions, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact on players.
Devika Santosh
Producer and Narrative Director
Devika focuses on designing interactive experiences that support meaningful storytelling. At the ETC, she has been developing a focus on experience design, while also contributing to narrative development, fabrication, UI/UX, and production. With a background in Computer Science and Engineering, she is particularly interested in merging her technical foundation with her love for creative storytelling and human-centered design.
Handan Zhang
Artist
Handan Zhang is a VFX artist and technical artist with a bachelor’s degree in Digital Media and Art & Design. During her college years, she explored interactive art, UI/UX design, generative art, and developed solid experience in 3D art. She now focuses on creating stylized visual effects for games and is learning computer graphics related knowledge to improve her technical abilities. She aims to become a professional VFX technical artist, bringing together art and technology to make vivid and creative visual effects.
Instructors
Shirley Saldamarco
Shirley Saldamarco is a professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center and a seasoned entrepreneur, producer and educator with more than three decades of experience in the entertainment, media and themed entertainment industries. With a strong foundation in theater from Carnegie Mellon’s School of Drama, Shirley combines her creative expertise with her passion for teaching and producing.
John Dessler
John Dessler is a special faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center, where he teaches courses in visual storytelling, VR story and sound, location-based entertainment, UI/UX design and digital art and design. With a multifaceted background as a creative director, programmer, writer, entrepreneur, musician, performer and visual artist, John brings a rich blend of creativity and technical expertise to his teaching.