Presenter

Derek Ham, PhD is a Professor and Department Head of Media Arts, Design and Technology at NC State University’s College of Design. He is an award-winning VR director, design educator, and immersive storyteller. Trained as an architect, he earned his PhD in Design Computation from MIT, a Master’s in Architecture from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, and a Bachelor of Architecture from Hampton University. In his research, he continues to investigate both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology to find ways these tools can expand the way we work, play, and learn. His most recent VR Project “Barnstormers” was shown at the CannesXR- 2022 Marché Du Film - Cannes Film Festival in the category of XR storytelling. Outside of traditional classes, he runs the Mixed Reality Lab where he works with students in the areas of media, entertainment, and emerging technology.