Graduation Spotlight: Nicholas Mireles, Visualization
Nicholas Mireles grew up in Georgetown, and would often go to the movie theater on weekends, attempting to catch every new release.
As his love of film grew, he started a DVD collection and would watch the director’s cuts and behind-the-scenes clips. Mireles became enamored with the “movie-making magic” process.
“I think my initial interest in technology came because I was interested in how I could better my movie-watching experience,” Mireles said. “This love for both technology and movies really compounded my interest since elementary school, and set me on a path where I knew my future career was going to be something that involved the two.”
He is set to graduate Saturday with a Master of Science degree in Visualization. Mireles will also be honored as a distinguished student in the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts’ Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday.
“I am very grateful to have this recognition,” he said. “It has been my privilege to support and grow the technical aspects of the Visualization program. I am incredibly appreciative of how my job has allowed me a leadership role to advocate for the students within the program.”
Mireles said a highlight of his time in the program was his work on the program’s pipeline, which is the process of streamlining software used in animation classes. Mireles also worked as the pipeline’s student technician since his junior year.
“Serving in this role was extremely rewarding and influential to my career development,” he said. “I helped with transitioning the pipeline and render farm to a new service that is cloud-based. We completed the project after two years of work, and I am excited about the opportunities this new system can provide for expansion and growth.”
Mireles said two individuals were pivotal during his time in the program: Caleb Kicklighter, instructional assistant professor; and Justin Sheehy, a Visualization graduate who worked as a pipeline architect.
“Professor Kicklighter was very influential in my growth as a student, as he respected and trusted my judgment, which allowed me to do what I felt was best for the pipeline with his full support,” Mireles said. “Justin was extremely integral in helping me develop my pipeline skills. I would not be where I am today without his mentorship and guidance.”
Mireles has already started his post-graduation job, working for the college as pipeline engineer in Visualization.
“I am extremely excited to be transitioning into this role,” he said. “I am hopeful that I will be able to grow and expand the pipeline to new heights that the program has never seen.”
Photo by Sundos Alriffi.
