Graduation Spotlight: Bryn Shellenback, Visualization
Bryn Shellenback felt most creative as a child when she was drawing her favorite book characters, or playing video games like “Skylanders.”
In high school, she took technical animation classes and participated in statewide 3D animation competitions. That was when Shellenback knew she wanted to study technology and art.
The El Paso native is set to graduate Thursday with a Bachelor of Science degree in Visualization. Shellenback will also be honored as a distinguished student in the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts’ Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday.
“I truly appreciate that I’ve been selected for this award,” she said. “Texas A&M creates amazing graduates and builds merit and character. I’ve been blessed to forever be a part of this university and the Visualization program.”
Shellenback said her proudest achievement was making “Wiz-Herd,” a game she helped to create in a Game Development course, which was featured in Viz-a-GoGo 32. She also enjoyed programming a game titled “Souper Quest” during a Principles of Design III course. Shellenback also worked as a technical artist for the college’s LIVE Lab.
“I feel like the lab has been incredibly important to my growth in Viz,” she said. “Most importantly, I’ve made some lifelong friends during my time at the LIVE Lab, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work there.”
Shelleback credited two professors who were crucial in her academic development: Mason Smith, instructional assistant professor; and Hadeel Ramadan, instructional associate professor and undergraduate program director.
“Professor Smith helped me navigate the complexities of the gaming industry and has guided me in considering what I really want out of my job and career,” she said. “Professor Ramadan has been a wonderful advocate for me and is always happy to talk to me about my goals and future plans.”
Following graduation, Shellenback will start her Master of Science degree in Visualization, and she will continue to work at the LIVE Lab. Her career goal is to be a technical artist for a game studio.
“I hope to focus on tool development for game environments or tool development for the pipeline,” she said.
Photo by Jose Davila.
