CDH staff
Bryan Carter
Center Director
Dr. Carter’s experience with virtual environments began with his dissertation project on which he began work in 1997; a representation of a portion of Harlem, NY as it existed during the 1920s Jazz Age and Harlem Renaissance. This project, Virtual Harlem, was one of the earliest full virtual reality environments created for use in the humanities and certainly one of the first for use in an African American literature course. Virtual Harlem has been presented at venues in Paris, The Netherlands, Sweden, Hungary, and multiple sites in the US. In 2004, the University of Paris IV- Sorbonne, funded the development of Virtual Montmartre. Dr. Carter was asked to be the project leader and was awarded the prestigious “Professeur Invite” from the Sorbonne to spend 6 months in Paris.
This project realized itself in the development of an interactive Web Site and a small 3D representation of the Lapin Agile, the oldest surviving cabaret in Montmartre which is still in operation. The evolution of Virtual Harlem was funded in 2006 by the National Black Programming Consortium and the Government of Norway with the development of Virtual Harlem and Virtual Montmartre in Second Life. Dr. Carter began teaching classes that met totally in Second Life in 2005 where his students have participated in role play, developed content and have collaborated with students from around the world.
In addition to these activities, Dr. Carter is very active with faculty development nationally and internationally. He has conducted workshops for faculty on Digital Humanities as well as specialized topics such as “Generational Learning Styles”, “Podcasting”, “Blogging”, “Internet Broadcasting” and Second Life. He has done summer workshops for the National Council for Teachers of English on Digital Humanities, led a workshop session for the Digital Africana Studies Conference at the University of Maryland-College Park, conducted workshops on Technology in the Classroom at Alabama A&M, and at international venues such as Vaxjo University in Sweden and the University of Paris IV-Sorbonne.
Bryan Carter
Dr. Carter’s experience with virtual environments began with his dissertation project on which he began work in 1997; a representation of a portion of Harlem, NY as it existed during the 1920s Jazz Age and Harlem Renaissance. This project, Virtual Harlem, was one of the earliest full virtual reality environments created for use in the humanities and certainly one of the first for use in an African American literature course. Virtual Harlem has been presented at venues in Paris, The Netherlands, Sweden, Hungary, and multiple sites in the US. In 2004, the University of Paris IV- Sorbonne, funded the development of Virtual Montmartre. Dr. Carter was asked to be the project leader and was awarded the prestigious “Professeur Invite” from the Sorbonne to spend 6 months in Paris.
This project realized itself in the development of an interactive Web Site and a small 3D representation of the Lapin Agile, the oldest surviving cabaret in Montmartre which is still in operation. The evolution of Virtual Harlem was funded in 2006 by the National Black Programming Consortium and the Government of Norway with the development of Virtual Harlem and Virtual Montmartre in Second Life. Dr. Carter began teaching classes that met totally in Second Life in 2005 where his students have participated in role play, developed content and have collaborated with students from around the world.
In addition to these activities, Dr. Carter is very active with faculty development nationally and internationally. He has conducted workshops for faculty on Digital Humanities as well as specialized topics such as “Generational Learning Styles”, “Podcasting”, “Blogging”, “Internet Broadcasting” and Second Life. He has done summer workshops for the National Council for Teachers of English on Digital Humanities, led a workshop session for the Digital Africana Studies Conference at the University of Maryland-College Park, conducted workshops on Technology in the Classroom at Alabama A&M, and at international venues such as Vaxjo University in Sweden and the University of Paris IV-Sorbonne.
Center Director
Principal Investigators
Dr. Mahmoud Azaz
Associate Professor - School of Middle Eastern & North African Studies, University of Arizona.
Project – CUES on Foreign Language Pedagogy.
Dr. Jonathan Crisman
Assistant Professor - Public & Applied Humanities, University of Arizona.
Project – ACLS Photogrammetry (ethniCITY).
Gaidi Finnie
Executive Director - San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art.
Project – Experiencing the Freedom Rides: A Digital Narrative.
Project – Experiencing the Tuskegee University Legacy Museum: A Virtual Tour.
Dr. Kim Gallon
Associate Professor - Department of History, Purdue University.
Project: Stayed and Stolen – Enhancing the Humanities Through Innovation.
Dr. Jennie Gubner
Assistant Professor - School of Music, University of Arizona.
Project – Alzheimer Creative Aging in Tucson.
Amy Hartman-Gordon
Executive Director - Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson Museum.
Project – Advancing the Presidio.
Porfirio Gutiérrez
Master Textile Artist.
Project – Arizona State History Museum: Wrapped in Color, Legacies of the Mexican Sarape.
Dr. Janine Hinton
Associate Clinical Professor - College of Nursing, University of Arizona.
Project – Simulated Clinical Time Travel and Augmented Intelligence to Prevent and Manage Patient Deterioration.
Project – Intelligent Simulation Environment (ISE).
Dr. Annette Kim
Associate Professor - Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis, University of Southern California (USC).
Project – ACLS Photogrammetry (ethniCITY).
Dr. Sonja Lanehart
Associate Professor - College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Arizona.
Project – ACLS Photogrammetry (ethniCITY).
Project – Anti-Racism XR Studio-Provost Challenge RI.
Dr. Jacqueline Maximillion
Associate Professor of Practice - Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona.
Project – Santa Cruz Environmental Science 360 Experience.
Tyler Meier
Executive Director - Poetry Center, University of Arizona.
Project – Late Diagnosis Starting with a Tweet Animation.
david turpie
Project – Buffalo Soldiers in Arizona.
Dr. Omar Youssef
Senior Lecturer - College of Architecture, Planning & Landscape Architecture, University of Arizona.
Project – Labyrinth Virtual Reality Project.
Joseph Farbrook
Associate Professor - School of Art, University of Arizona.
Project – Anti-Racism XR Studio-Provost Challenge RI.
Cynthia Stokes
Assistant Professor - School of Music, University of Arizona.
Project – Anti-Racism XR Studio-Provost Challenge RI.
Jon Kevan
Instructional Designer - UCATT, University of Arizona.
Project – UArizona Health Sciences Global & Online Experiencing Age Bias.
Lisa Falk
Head of Community Engagement - Arizona State History Museum, University of Arizona.
Project – Pottery.
Dr. Michael Engs
Cultural Historian.
Project – Arizona Heritage Tours Black Presence in Southwest (Dunbar).
Graduate Research Assistants
TRISTIN ANAYA
Tristin Anaya, a native Tucsonan, is a graduate student in the Management Information Systems program. His expertise lies in 3D scanning and printing of intricate models, and creating Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality applications. Tristin has worked on projects for the National Park Service and the History and Culture Access Consortium. His diverse interests include a love for Mexican food, thrifting, aquariums, and simply spending time with friends.
COSMo BRUSA ZAPPELLINI
Bio coming soon!
MANAS BUCHADE
Manas, from Mumbai, India, is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Management Information Systems. Manas has an interest in communications, business, management, and technology. In his free time, he loves watching movies and TV shows and is a big art buff.
CaT Elliott
From Bisbee, Arizona, Cat is a Master’s student studying Information Science, emphasizing human-centered computing in the School of Information. She is involved in the Veterinarian Sciences Project and Virtual Reality/Digital Storytelling. and enjoys rock climbing and creating digital art in her free time.
amelia matheson
Amelia, from Montego Bay, Jamaica, is pursuing a master’s degree in Cybersecurity. She enjoys reading, watching K-dramas, and hiking with friends. She is involved in various 3D scanning and Augmented Reality projects, including projects partnering with the Smithsonian, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and numerous local organizations.
Rajitha Tiruthani
Rajitha is a graduate student in the Data Science program with interests in artificial intelligence, healthcare analytics, and interactive technologies. She contributes to CDH projects in orthographic image processing and the development of human avatars capable of speaking multiple languages. She also assists with software development and mentors students, with a focus on bridging the gap between research and real-world applications.
Student Developers
Zoe Baker
Zoe, originally from Atlanta, Georgia, is pursuing a degree in Animal Science. She enjoys spending her free time reading, baking, and going on nature walks. I love listening to a wide range of music genres, from country to R&B. These hobbies help me stay balanced and recharge outside of my academic work. She is currently working on projects for Veterinary Medicine and Buffalo Grass.
BREANNA BARNES
Breanna Barnes, from Phoenix, AZ. I am a Sophomore majoring in Business Marketing with a minor in Fashion Industry Technology and Science (FITS). She is passionate about the intersection of fashion, marketing, and technology. Breanna loves exploring innovative ways to combine digital tools and data analysis with creative design and business strategy. Some of her favorite hobbies include going to the gym, traveling, and shopping.
TRISTAN BRITT
Tristan Britt is a senior Systems Engineering major with a minor in Engineering Management. He contributes to projects that integrate advanced technologies such as 3D scanning, Augmented Reality, and virtual reality to preserve and share cultural heritage. With experience in systems modeling, simulation, and digital design, Lonzo focuses on building solutions that bridge the gap between engineering and the humanities.
ANITA DUNCAN
Anita is an Information Science major who loves reading and books, and plans to pursue a career in library science. Outside of academics, Anita is interested in film, fashion, and crafting, which provide her with fun and creative outlets. As a student developer, CDH has given her a great way to connect her interests with hands-on experiences.
ALICIA HALL
Alicia is a public health student from Milwaukee, WI. I like reading, playing video games, and listening to music. She participates in the center’s work by assisting with 3D scanning capture, 360-degree camera videos, and post-processing efforts for various projects. She is also instrumental in the social media rebranding for the CDH.
Trey Harrison
Trey, a native Tucsonan, is a Sophomore studying Computer Science in the College of Science with a minor in mathematics. He is interested in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and augmented reality. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis, traveling, and playing the drums.
Camryn James
Camryn James is majoring in Cyber Operations with a minor in Hip Hop. He was born and raised in Chicago, a city that fuels both his drive for innovation and passion for culture. Camryn is also a DJ, blending sounds and creating experiences that bring people together through music. He strives to bridge their technical expertise with their creative side, finding unique ways to merge cybersecurity, digital media, and Hip-Hop culture
CAIDENCE JOHNSON
Caidence Johnson,was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. She is a thirrd year undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience and Cognitive Sciences, with a minor in Biochemistry. She additionally is conductins research under Dr. Bhattacharya where I work with fruit flies to study Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Ira Puranik
Ira, from Phoenix, Arizona, is studying Neuroscience and Cognitive & Statistics and Data Science in the College of Science. She is involved in the Temi Robotic Programming project, where she is researching its AI capabilities. After completing her undergraduate education, Ira wants to pursue a graduate degree in healthcare informatics. In her free time, she loves to travel whenever she can, spend time with friends and family, and listen to music.
Anastasia Rastelli
Anastasia Princesa Rastelli is majoring in Applied Computing (AI) and Creative Intelligence & Innovation, with a minor in Film and Television. She’s passionate about music—she plays violin, piano, and sings, writes, and produces her own pieces. Most of her work focuses on AI, scanning, and audio/video, but she also has a strong artistic side, with a passion for filmmaking, editing, and drawing.
Julian Scheder Black
Julian, a native Tucsonan, is pursuing degrees in Optical Sciences and Engineering. He has experience with Unreal Engine, which he uses for hobby projects and lab work, such as the Pima County Visitor Center project. Julian’s hobbies include restoring and using vintage computers as well as tinkering with and building electronics.
PULAT URALOV
Pulat is a senior majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Artificial Intelligence. He works extensively with Volumetric Capture, AR and VR development, Web development, Unity development, and 3D printing. In his free time, Pulat likes designing video games, building computers, and playing the guitar.
JAY WHITNEY
Originally from Minnesota, Trey has lived in Arizona, Greece, and New York City. He is a Computer Science major with a minor in Information Science, Technology, and Arts. He enjoys listening to music, analyzing sports, and spending time with friends. Trey’s academic interests lie in discovering ways to utilize technology for the greater good—his expertise lies in creating 360-degree tours, 3D scans, and volumetric capturing.