exterior of The James and Anne Duderstadt Center viewed at twilight

DMC Staff

Meet the Digital Media Commons (DMC) staff to see how we can help.

DMC Administration

Angela Clark

Amy Chappuis

Picture of Sian

Sian Olson Dowis

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“I manage and support the Digital Media Commons’ diverse group of student employees. With a background in university teaching, I am passionate about promoting student well-being and building inclusive, accessible, creative, and joyful learning environments. You can talk to me to learn more about our student consultant program and how our consultants can help you engage with the Digital Media Commons’ technologies.”

Facilities, Operations, and Events

Portrait of Taylor Simon

Taylor Simon

[email protected] | 734-763-3266 | Suite 2161

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“As Director of Facilities, Operations, and Events, I provide strategic leadership for Duderstadt Center facilities and event operations. I oversee the building’s reservable and public spaces, operational logistics, events, and coordinated support to ensure a seamless experience for our community. Proud DMC team member since 2018.”

Nicholas Imboden

[email protected] | 734-615-3190

Liam Meisner-Driscoll

[email protected] | 734-615-3190

Sarah Rutkofske

[email protected] | 734-615-3190

L Sylvester

[email protected] | 734-615-3190

Benjamin Thompson

[email protected] | 734-936-3191

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“Hi, I’m Ben! As Special Events Planner, I plan and coordinate support for all events at the Duderstadt Center. I also oversee the first floor information desk, manage daily operations, and work closely with our student staff there to create a smooth and welcoming experience for all. I’m here to help bring your event’s success to the Duderstadt Center! If you have any questions regarding events or building reservations, please reach out!”

Emerging Technologies Group

Stephanie O’Malley

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“I am 3D artist, animator and adjunct lecturer that has taught several courses on XR content creation and game development. My career prior to U of M originated in the video game industry developing games for Xbox, Playstation & Wii. I am here to assist you with with any questions you have about software for developing XR content and I can offer you guidance on pipelines for XR platforms like the Rift, Vive or Hololens, either using game engines like Unreal and Unity, or our in-house Jugular software.”

Portrait of Dari

Sara ‘Dari’ Eskandari

Theodore W. Hall

Theodore W. Hall

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“My mission is to make it as easy as possible for you to visualize your models or data in virtual | augmented | mixed | extended reality (VR | AR | MR | XR). We support the MIDEN (Michigan Immersive Digital Experience Nexus), Oculus Rift, Microsoft HoloLenses and other Microsoft Mixed Reality headsets, 3DTV, stereo walls, and even simple desktop windows with optional anaglyph stereographics. We support 3D meshes, LIDAR point clouds, raster and vector GIS data, volumetric data, and even scatter-plots from arbitrary CSV files. I can help you to configure our current software or discuss possible software enhancements.”

Portrait of Steffen Heise

Steffen Heise

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“I provide support for the Visualization Studio, help with motion capture, the render garden and Maya”

Portrait of Sean Petty

Sean Petty

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“I’m here to help you bring your extended reality or other visualization projects to life. I can help you build your own software solutions through consultation or we can work to setup a project with our team and we’ll do the work for you. I have a specialization in 3D graphics programming, so I can help with any complex or out-of-the-box needs you have for computer visualization.”

Portrait of Danny

Daniel Vincenz

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“I’m a graphics artist and UI/UX developer specializing in web, mobile, and virtual reality platforms. I love making work that’s clean, friendly, and accessible. If you need someone to make something look nice, or make sure anyone can use it, I’m here to help.”

DMC IT Operations

Kylie-Grace Mars-Snyder

[email protected] | 734-764-2090 | Suite 2161

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“I’m a reformed singer turned audio and media engineer who enjoys building complex integrations between analog and digital systems.

I support the myriad of productions and their associated technologies that come through the audio and video studios. I am here to help facilitate the technical and creative needs of your project. Learn more about me at https://kpsnyder.com

Jeff Collins

[email protected] | 734-647-5737 | Suite 1315

Forest Malott

[email protected] | 734-615-5434 | Suite 1315

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“The DMC IT Operations team supports the DMC specialized labs utilizing advanced computers, various media devices, XR, audio, video, and the software that is needed to develop and create in each of these fields. We also run the background systems supporting the labs.”

Nathan Milety

[email protected] | 734-647-3570 | Suite 1315

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“My work is primarily focused on maintaining the Windows Operating System. If you need software deployed, or updated, or new tech integrated with Windows computing environment, I’m here to do just that!”

Jim Schmidt

[email protected] | 734-615-0621 | Suite 1315

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“I want to ensure our DMC computers are running properly, so that anyone can sit down and get right to work at any time. This means keeping software and hardware up to date, tested, and maintained with a minimum of interruption and inconvenience to our clients. It also means being there to lend a friendly hand when an unfortunate interruption does pop up.”

Ground Connections

Shawn O’Grady

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“My journey at the Duderstadt Center began in 2008 as a 3D printing support specialist. Since that time, we have grown to support hands-on learning in laser cutting, milling, electronics workbenches, 3D scanning, and hand tools. I strive to provide an inclusive environment that supports students with tools and learning resources they need to grow. If you are looking for a specific resource, a workshop, or just need help getting a fabrication project off the ground, don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Kathie Ferguson

Portrait of Marjorie Gaber

Marjorie Gaber

Portrait of Ryan Wilcox

Ryan N. Wilcox

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“My background is in film and television production. With over 30 years experience in production and a passion for new tech gadgets and toys, I truly embrace the use of media tools in everything from instructional videos, to complete narratives of the story you wish to tell.”

Media and Studio Arts

Portrait of Steve Eberle

Stephen Eberle

[email protected] | 734-389-5307 | Suite 2161

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“As the Associate Director I manage Media and Studio Arts team, that support the studios, media infrastructure, activities, and users of the Duderstadt Centers’ media production spaces. I have more than twenty years of experience at the Duderstadt Center, developing, consulting, and deploying new media technology tools to help students, staff, and faculty realize their academic, research, and artistic goals.”

Headshot of Matthew Girard

Matthew Girard

[email protected] | 734-763-3072 | Suite 1315

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“I am available to support productions that occur in the audio and video studios.”

Portrait Photo of Patterson McKinney

Patterson McKinney

[email protected] | 734-763-6156 | Suite 1315

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“I support video studio projects and can assist with all elements of production. I am also a resource for answering post-production-related questions.”

Work photo of Catherine Miller

Catherine Miller

[email protected] | 763-647-6280 | Suite 1315

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“I am available to assist with production needs and post-production support.”

Kathi Reister

Kathi Reister

[email protected] | 734-763-0606

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“As Arts Programming Manager of the Duderstadt Center (DC) Gallery, I manage the ever-changing schedule of gallery exhibits and events. I am available to guide students through the exhibition process: planning, installing, and promoting their work.

Additionally, I am on the website editing team and I am one of the tour guides for DC tours. Feel free to ask me about any of these. I am happy to chat!”

Headshot of Jim Roll

Jim Roll

[email protected] | 734-936-3191 | Suite 1315

Nathan Hutchins

[email protected] | Suite 1315