The Clock That Forgot to Chime is a 3D-animated short film about a mechanical ballerina inside a Grandfather clock. When local bugs steal the gear that opens the door to her stage, she must leave her home for the first time to get it back.
Blog
-
Kin Tandem
In Kin Tandem, a new local co-op adventure, take the role of a pair of feline siblings as they climb their way through a magic temple. Work in tandem to combine Barsa’s strength with Manu’s spells as you solve challenges and defeat enemies.
Virtual Production for Sports
Virtual Production for Sports is a senior project focused on building student-run, live-streamed halftime show broadcasts and additional sports content using Unreal Engine 5, LED walls, and a custom mobile broadcast cart, bringing real-time virtual production to Drexel Athletics.
2025 Unreal Engine Student Showcase
The 2025 Senior Project Reverie has been selected for Epic Games’ official
Unreal Engine Student Showcase Reel. Out of thousands of submissions
worldwide, only about 25 projects earned a spot in this prestigious annual
reel — and Reverie is one of them.We‘re thrilled to share some incredible news!
The 2025 Senior Project Reverie, created by our Animation & Visual Effects
(ANFX + DMVP) seniors, has been selected for Epic Games‘ official
Unreal Engine Student Showcase Reel. Out of thousands of submissions
worldwide, only about 25 projects earned a spot in this prestigious annual
reel — and Reverie is one of them.This marks the first time a Drexel University student project has been
highlighted in Epic‘s showcase, a huge milestone for our Digital
Media program and a testament to the talent, creativity, and technical
excellence of our students and faculty.Congratulations to the entire Reverie team — your hard work is now
inspiring the next generation of creators around the globe!Worms through time
Following a platform studies approach to video games, this article explores Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), a cluster of machine learning-based upscaling and anti-aliasing techniques designed to make graphically intensive games run faster and in higher resolutions. Its inclusion as an optional setting in video games influences how players sense time.
Following a platform studies approach to video games, this article explores Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), a cluster of machine learning-based upscaling and anti-aliasing techniques designed to make graphically intensive games run faster and in higher resolutions. Its inclusion as an optional setting in video games influences how players sense time, in terms of increased frame rates and temporal artefacts, and the visual instabilities, flickerings and ‘ghosted’ images that this technology creates. To offer a closer look at the visual manifestations of temporal manipulation at play in contemporary upscaling technologies, this article focuses on the video game Control (Remedy Entertainment 2019). While Control is not mechanically concerned with time management or manipulation, this article argues that the game thematically addresses the takeover of futures by medial pasts in a way that rhymes with the temporal manipulation inherent in DLSS’s use of machine learning models.
Digital Media Student Spotlight – Preeti Shenoy
Meet Preeti Shenoy, a current Digital Media Master’s student at Drexel University expected to graduate in 2025. Preeti’s journey through the program exemplifies the transformative power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone while discovering new creative possibilities through technology and interactive design.
Finding the Right Fit
Preeti’s path to Drexel’s Digital Media Master’s program was driven by both practical considerations and creative inspiration. While the program’s economic accessibility initially caught her attention, it was the impressive work of previous graduates that truly inspired her to apply. Seeing the innovative projects and creative outputs from alumni demonstrated the program’s potential to nurture meaningful digital media work.
Expanding Creative Horizons
Throughout her time in the program, Preeti has been drawn to courses that challenge traditional boundaries of interaction and creativity. She particularly enjoyed IDM 617, a UX research methods class that provided her with valuable analytical skills. Additionally, DIGM 520 and 521 opened her eyes to new possibilities within interactive media, expanding her understanding of what could be considered interactive design.
These courses didn’t just teach technical skills—they fundamentally shifted how Preeti thinks about digital experiences and user engagement.
Growing Through Challenge
One of the most significant challenges Preeti faced was adapting to the program’s ambitious scope. Many classes encourage students to experiment with a wide range of technologies, which initially felt overwhelming. However, this challenge became a catalyst for growth.
The experience pushed her well outside her comfort zone and helped her develop confidence in tackling unfamiliar technology. She now approaches new tools and platforms with the mindset of figuring things out as she goes—a skill that proves invaluable in the rapidly evolving digital media landscape.
A Horror Game with Vintage Flair
The project Preeti is most proud of demonstrates her creative growth and technical development: a point-and-click horror game inspired by the movie Longlegs. Created for DIGM 540, a class that encourages broad exploration within digital media, the project allowed her to combine storytelling, visual design, and interactive programming.
The game’s concept was ambitious in its attention to historical detail. Since Longlegs is set in the 1990s, Preeti wanted the game to feel authentic to that era. She conducted extensive research into Windows 97’s user interface, microinteractions, and graphics to create an immersive experience that transported players back to that specific technological moment.
Her technical approach involved creating assets in Figma before importing them into Unity for animation and interactivity. While she had some previous Unity experience, this marked her first attempt at creating something entirely from scratch without instruction. The learning process of figuring out how to maximize the project’s interactivity proved both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Current Endeavors
Currently, Preeti is balancing two major projects: her thesis and her senior project. Though different in content, she’s begun to notice interesting overlaps between them. This experience allows her to apply knowledge from her undergraduate education alongside the research methods and theoretical frameworks gained through the master’s program.
The synthesis of these different academic experiences is helping her see how various aspects of her education connect and reinforce each other.
Career Perspective
Preeti’s time at Drexel has given her valuable insight into the demands of the digital media industry. She recognizes that there’s often demand for “unicorns”—professionals who can handle multiple aspects of digital media production. Her education has provided her with the opportunity to explore this versatility before committing to it as a career path.
With both undergraduate and graduate experience, she feels equipped with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to understand her professional options and make informed decisions about her future direction.
Advice for Future Students
For those considering or beginning the Digital Media Master’s program, Preeti offers encouraging wisdom: “Don’t be afraid to experiment. If you approach the degree with the mindset that you’re here to learn something valuable, even the hard parts start to feel rewarding.”
This mindset has clearly served her well throughout her own journey of creative and technical growth.
Connect with Preeti: LinkedIn | Instagram | Portfolio (Coming Soon)
Drexel in Los Angeles: Your Gateway to the Entertainment Industry
For aspiring entertainment professionals at Drexel University, the path to Hollywood doesn’t have to wait until after graduation. Since 2011, the Drexel in Los Angeles (DiLA) program has been connecting students directly to the heart of the entertainment industry through an immersive summer experience…
For aspiring entertainment professionals at Drexel University, the path to Hollywood doesn’t have to wait until after graduation. Since 2011, the Drexel in Los Angeles (DiLA) program has been connecting students directly to the heart of the entertainment industry through an immersive summer experience that combines professional internships, specialized coursework, and cultural exploration.
A Comprehensive Industry Immersion
Established within Drexel’s tradition of experiential learning, DiLA was designed to strengthen students’ access to the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. This intensive summer study away program supports students as they navigate professional internships during the day while taking specialized industry-focused classes in the evenings.
What sets DiLA apart from typical study abroad experiences is its deliberate focus on professional development within a specific industry. Students don’t just visit Los Angeles—they become part of its professional ecosystem through meaningful internships at production companies, studios, talent agencies, and other entertainment organizations.
Beyond the Classroom and Office
While internships and coursework form the core of the program, DiLA also emphasizes cultural immersion. Students participate in additional educational and cultural programming that highlights the diverse experiences Los Angeles has to offer.
Past participants have enjoyed organized excursions to iconic destinations including:
- Disneyland
- Hollywood Walking Tours
- The Magic Castle
- Baseball games at Dodger Stadium
- Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier
- Warner Bros. Studio Tours
Some events are included in the program, while others are ticketed events that students can opt into, allowing for a customizable experience of the city’s cultural landscape.
Specialized Coursework
Evening classes in DiLA are designed to complement students’ daytime internship experiences with industry-specific knowledge. The curriculum features courses such as:
- An Evening With…: Face-to-face conversations and lectures with industry professionals and Drexel alumni working in Hollywood
- TV Industry: An overview of the organizational structures and business models utilized by current television content and distribution companies
- Industry Communication & Creative: A crash-course in professional conduct, communication, and navigating the L.A. entertainment industry
It’s important to note that classes taught in Los Angeles do not replace required courses for students’ majors. Participants should plan accordingly and consult with their Program Directors about making up any required courses typically offered during summer terms.
Internship Expectations
Weekday internships form the backbone of the DiLA experience. Students are expected to work professional internships during standard business hours, with some ambitious participants balancing two positions simultaneously. While most internships in the entertainment industry are historically unpaid, these positions provide invaluable experience, connections, and portfolio materials. In some cases, unpaid positions have led to paid work opportunities.
A Year-Long Journey
While DiLA takes place during the summer, it’s actually a year-long commitment that begins in the fall term prior. Throughout fall, winter, and spring terms, participants attend group sessions and one-on-one meetings, meet preparation deadlines, research internship opportunities, and follow up on leads provided by the program.
This extended preparation period ensures that students arrive in Los Angeles with connections already forming and a strategic plan for making the most of their summer experience.
Who Can Participate
DiLA is administered within Drexel’s Department of Cinema & Television and is open to full-time students in the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. Eligible majors include those in the Department of Cinema & Television or related fields in Digital Media, Entertainment & Arts Management, and Music Industry.
Building Your Hollywood Network
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of DiLA is the opportunity to build a professional network in Los Angeles before graduation. Through internship supervisors, guest speakers, alumni connections, and industry events, students begin developing the professional relationships that often prove crucial in entertainment careers.
Many Drexel alumni currently working in Hollywood credit DiLA with giving them the connections, experience, and confidence needed to successfully relocate to Los Angeles after graduation and hit the ground running in their careers.
Taking the First Step
For eligible Drexel students interested in entertainment careers, DiLA represents an unparalleled opportunity to test the waters in Los Angeles, build a professional network, and gain industry-specific experience before graduation. The program exemplifies Drexel’s commitment to experiential learning, creating a bridge between academic study and professional practice in one of the world’s most competitive industries.
Students interested in participating should reach out to the Department of Cinema & Television for information about upcoming information sessions and application deadlines.
Drexel CHI UX Club: Where Design Meets Community
The Drexel CHI User Experience Club stands as a vibrant hub for students passionate about user experience, human-computer interaction, and design. As an official campus chapter of ACM SIGCHI (Association for Computing Machinery’s Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction), the club connects Drexel students to the broader professional UX community…
The Drexel CHI User Experience Club stands as a vibrant hub for students passionate about user experience, human-computer interaction, and design. As an official campus chapter of ACM SIGCHI (Association for Computing Machinery’s Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction), the club connects Drexel students to the broader professional UX community while fostering collaboration and skill development on campus.
A Mission to Empower Creative Minds
Since its founding in 2019, the Drexel CHI UX Club has dedicated itself to showing creative students how they can translate their passion into sustainable careers. The organization provides a supportive community where members can share ideas, collaborate on projects, and develop professionally in the rapidly evolving field of user experience.
The club aims to bridge the gap between creative passion and professional practice by offering specialized workshops that promote good practices in UX while building a community of like-minded individuals who support each other’s growth.
Inclusive by Design
True to the principles of good user experience, the Drexel CHI UX Club embraces inclusivity in its membership. The club welcomes students from all majors and academic levels, including undergraduate and master’s students. This interdisciplinary approach creates a rich environment where diverse perspectives contribute to more innovative thinking about design and user experience.
Learning Through Doing
The club’s calendar features a variety of engaging events designed to build both technical skills and professional networks:
- Design Slams: Fast-paced creative challenges that push participants to apply design thinking under time constraints
- Educational Workshops: Including sessions on Dark Patterns in UX that reveal how apps and websites can manipulate users and how to recognize these tactics
- Technical Skill Building: Hands-on workshops with industry-standard tools like Figma that help members build practical skills
- Portfolio Reviews: Opportunities for members to receive feedback on their work from peers and sometimes industry professionals
- Social Events: Regular gatherings like picnics that strengthen the community bonds beyond the classroom or lab
- Annual Carnival Fundraiser: A creative way to engage the broader campus community while supporting the club’s activities
Connected to the Broader Community
The Drexel CHI UX Club maintains strong connections that extend beyond campus. Their affiliation with ACM SIGCHI provides members with access to resources, publications, and events from the world’s leading organization for professionals involved in human-technology interaction.
The club regularly collaborates with their sister organization, Philly CHI—another chapter of ACM SIGCHI open to UX/UI professionals and enthusiasts throughout Philadelphia. This connection offers students valuable networking opportunities and insights into the local industry landscape.
On campus, the club has built partnerships with other student organizations, including:
- Drexel UXID Program: Collaborating on events that complement classroom learning
- Drexel Hack4Impact: Partnering for JavaScript workshops that build technical skills
- Drexel AI: Engaging in discussions about artificial intelligence and its relationship to user experience
Leadership Development
While the club operates as a collaborative community throughout the year, it opens applications for Executive Board positions every spring. These leadership roles offer students the chance to develop organizational and management skills while shaping the direction of the club.
Join the Community
For students interested in exploring user experience or building on existing skills, the Drexel CHI UX Club offers an accessible entry point into both the discipline and its professional community. The club demonstrates how UX extends beyond the classroom, creating opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in practical, creative ways.
Whether you’re a design major looking to refine your UX skills or a student from another discipline curious about how user experience might connect to your field, the Drexel CHI UX Club provides a welcoming community where creativity and technology intersect.
Stay connected with the club:
Instagram: @drexelchi
DrangonLink: Drexel CHI UX Club
Step Right Up to the Drexel CHI UX Carnival
When winter quarter arrives at Drexel University, the lobby of Westphal’s URBN Center transforms into a festive escape from academic pressures. Cotton candy swirls, popcorn pops, and laughter echoes as students line up for games, treats, and the chance to pie a club officer in the face. Welcome to the annual Drexel CHI Carnival—a spirited tradition that has quickly become one of campus’s most anticipated community events.
Not Your Average Fundraiser
Since its inception in 2022, the Drexel CHI Carnival has redefined what a student organization fundraiser can be. Rather than taking the conventional route of partnering with local restaurants or hosting a simple bake sale, the CHI UX Club’s Executive Board decided to create something more engaging and memorable.
The carnival represents a refreshing departure from typical fundraising approaches. Instead of merely collecting donations, the event creates a genuine experience that brings people together and offers students a welcome break from the intensity of classes while supporting the club’s activities throughout the year.
The result is an event that combines free offerings like cotton candy and popcorn with ticketed attractions including a bake sale, original artwork created by club leadership, face painting, and themed carnival games. In past years, brave E-Board members have even volunteered for the popular “Pie a CHI” booth, where students could purchase tickets for the chance to deliver a whipped cream pie to a willing club officer’s face.
Creating Campus Connections
While the carnival serves as a crucial fundraiser for the club’s year-round programming, its impact extends far beyond the financial. The event has become a community touchstone that brings together students from across disciplines and programs.
In one particularly heartwarming instance, a Drexel professor paused class 15 minutes early to bring their entire class to the carnival, purchasing tickets for each student to enjoy the festivities. These kinds of spontaneous connections exemplify the community-building potential of the event.
The timing of the carnival—typically during winter quarter—provides a welcome respite from both academic pressures and Philadelphia’s chilly temperatures. By transforming the URBN Center lobby into a colorful carnival atmosphere, the event creates a pocket of joy during one of the most demanding periods of the academic year.
Funding Future Experiences
Proceeds from the carnival directly support the Drexel CHI UX Club’s diverse programming throughout the year. The funds help provide refreshments for meetings, materials for hands-on workshops (like paints and canvases for design-themed social events), and resources for educational sessions focused on user experience and design.
By attending and participating in the carnival, students not only enjoy an afternoon of fun but also invest in future opportunities to learn, connect, and develop professional skills through the club’s activities.
A Tradition in the Making
Though relatively young as campus traditions go, the CHI Carnival has consistently met its fundraising goals while drawing impressive attendance numbers. The event’s success demonstrates the power of creative thinking in student organization management—an approach that, fittingly, reflects the design thinking principles at the heart of the CHI UX Club itself.
Rather than viewing the carnival as a direct application of user experience principles, the club sees it as complementary to their more focused professional activities. The carnival provides a needed counterbalance to the seriousness of classes and career-oriented workshops, reminding everyone that play and creativity are essential elements of a well-designed university experience.
Mark Your Calendars
For Drexel students looking for a break from routine or simply craving cotton candy on a winter afternoon, the annual CHI Carnival offers a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow students while supporting one of campus’s most active organizations.
Keep an eye on the Drexel CHI UX Club’s Instagram @drexelchi during winter quarter for announcements about the next carnival date. Whether you’re drawn by the sweet treats, the chance to discover student artwork, or the opportunity to pie someone in the face for a good cause, the CHI Carnival promises an experience worth stepping away from your studies for.