A New Era of Innovation: Derek Ham Leads Carnegie Mellon’s Entertainment Technology Center
Derek Ham has been the new director of Carnegie Mellon’s Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) in Hot Metal Labs, formerly 700 Technology Drive, since September of this year. Ham brings a strong background in interdisciplinary research from his former position as head of the Department of Media Arts, Design, and Technology at North Carolina State University, where he delved into game-based learning, immersive storytelling, and algorithmic thinking. His work, particularly in virtual and augmented reality, explores how these technologies can reshape interaction design, setting the stage for his vision of the ETC as a hub for innovative storytelling and immersive experiences.
Recently, Ham expressed deep resonance with the ETC’s foundation and mission. “You can tell a lot about an institution by its foundations, the way it was formed, and who formed it,” Ham said. The ETC’s unique position, established between Carnegie Mellon’s School of Computer Science and the College of Fine Arts, speaks to the interdisciplinary spirit Ham values. His research and experience in immersive storytelling rest as much on aesthetics and visual communication as they do on technological advancements. For Ham, this foundation aligns with his background and represents an opportunity to expand creative potential in interactive entertainment.
At the ETC, Ham aims to nurture what he refers to as an “un-disciplinary” environment. The center’s unique culture welcomes diverse talents — from game design and film to sound engineering and animation — and invites students and faculty to work across traditional boundaries. Ham notes, “The center and the degree program are set up in a way that allows us to explore storytelling and technology in the broadest sense here, outside the traditional rules of filmmaking and the standard practices found in the game design profession.” This boundary-breaking approach enables ETC students to experiment freely, fostering an environment where innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration drive creative growth.
Ham’s goals for the center reflect the shifting landscape of the entertainment industry. With rapid changes in consumer behavior and technological advancements, from immersive screens to the AI revolution in animation and CGI, Ham sees the ETC as a leader in addressing these challenges. “The entertainment industry is going through a lot of change right now,” he said. “Immersive screens in the form of head-mounted displays and holographic screens are being created at rates faster than the rate in which content is created for them.” By equipping students to navigate these evolving technologies, Ham believes the ETC can push the boundaries of storytelling and interaction design in profound new ways.
In his recent note to the ETC community, Ham expressed his excitement for the work at the center and his gratitude for his warm welcome. He describes his first month as a whirlwind of introductions and inspiring projects, from seasoned students working on advanced projects to first-year students experiencing the center’s vibrant culture for the first time. Ham's enthusiasm is clear as he commits to honoring the ETC’s history and tradition while driving new opportunities and innovation.
Derek Ham's arrival at ETC marks a new chapter in the institution’s journey, promising to explore new creative horizons, ethical responsibility, and inclusivity. As the center continues to lead in immersive entertainment, Ham’s leadership and vision position it to remain a pioneering force in shaping the future of storytelling.
Written by Neema Tavakolian