Tamuda Chimhanda ('26, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science) serves as the Community Health Innovation Fellow, a joint initiative between iZone and Studio X. In this role, Tamuda leads the design and development of a research-driven VR intervention in partnership with Mt. Hope Family Center. The project is focused on supporting trauma-exposed youth and the clinicians who work with them. His work integrates design thinking, emerging XR technologies, and stress-regulation research to prototype and evaluate immersive tools that promote emotional regulation and resilience. Through this fellowship, Tamuda bridges technology, research, and community collaboration to explore how virtual reality can be responsibly and effectively applied in youth mental health settings.
Gayatri Shetty ('26, Bachelor of Arts, Digital Media Studies and Computer Science) serves as an Instructional Designer in Studio X and project leader for the development and implementation of Studio X’s first for-credit course, Intro to XR: Theory & Practice, which is being offered for the Spring 2026 semester. The fellowship offers valuable experience in curriculum design, educational technology, and extended reality (XR), and provides opportunities to collaborate with faculty, staff, and industry professionals in an innovative learning environment.
Emmie Lin is ('26, Bachelor of Arts, Digital Media Studies and Computer Science) serves as an Extended Reality (XR) Developer in Studio X and is responsible for collaborating with faculty and staff to create immersive experiences, developing and running workshops on immersive technologies, and mentoring undergraduate XR specialists in Studio X. The fellowship provides experience in helping to shape Studio X initiatives, through planning and hosting events, contributing to Studio X app development, and providing leadership on internal projects.
Gabi Miller ('27, Bachelor of Arts, Business and Political Science) serves as the 2025-2026 iZone Changemaking Fellow and is responsible for collaborating with campus partners on the Pathways to Persistence Program, which aims to build on pre-college initiatives by creating a continuous academic and social support system to help disadvantaged students persist through their first year attending the University of Rochester. The fellowship provides experience in leading community-engaged projects at iZone and in serving as a liaison with campus and community partners.
Darnell King Jr. (26') serves as a Karp Library Fellow Second-Year Advisor responsible for mentoring the current cohort of Karp Library Fellows and implementing a peer-to-peer promotional campaign, which includes developing marketing materials and serving as ambassadors for the Karp Library Fellowship program at University events.
