Erin Schmidt is an Imaginarium lab technician majoring Web Design & Engineering (WDE) with minors in Computer Science & Engineering (COEN) and Management Information Systems (MIS). In the Imaginarium, Erin serves as both a game developer of the Metaverse team and a research lead exploring Human-AI interaction. Introduced to the lab by Sofia, another team member on the Metaverse team, Erin was immediately impressed by the team's eagerness to learn and explore new possibilities, despite being “absolutely terrified” in her own words. Erin’s journey into game development began with an introductory Unity course designed by lab manager Em, eventually leading to her becoming an integral part of the body positivity team's development efforts.
The Imaginarium has provided Erin with a supportive environment to grow both technically and personally, being not only a place of collaboration and critical efforts but also a place where she has found an on-campus family. Erin loves the constant exchange of ideas she experiences when in the lab and the way a passing question of “What are you working on?” can evolve into a deeply insightful conversation. A standout memory for Erin was during an intern cohort meeting when Dr. Jeong shared his experiences as an introvert, giving Erin the confidence to keep pushing her own boundaries, even in spaces that feel challenging.
Outside of the lab, Erin enjoys a variety of hobbies, including listening to music, mountain biking, and playing video games. She also has a soft spot for re-watching comfort TV shows, building LEGOs, and stargazing while listening to their favorite songs like "New Skin" by Duncan Fellows and "Life in the City" by The Lumineers. These moments provide balance to her drive and dedication in both academic and personal pursuits.