In this episode of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, recorded live in Vancouver, SIGGRAPH 2025 Education Chair Nandhini Giri continues the conversation from the SIGGRAPH 2025 Educator’s Forum Panel: Education Disrupted. Joined by Greg Berridge, Glenn Goldman, and Derek Ham, the group explores emerging trends in education, innovative teaching strategies, and ways academia and industry can collaborate to prepare the next generation of creative professionals. Tune in for insights on lifelong learning and highlights from this year’s energizing Educator’s Day.
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About Our Guests
Nandhini Giri is an educator, researcher, and practitioner, currently working as a professor of human computer interaction and director of the experience realities lab at Purdue University. Giri studies human-centric approaches and design expertise development in computer graphics educational and interactive entertainment professional practices. Giri and her students design experiential learning systems and game-based pedagogical tools for improved user learning experiences. Her notable animated film credits include Laya (2019), Boss Baby (2017), Home (2015), Penguins of Madagascar (2014), Mr. Peabody and Sherman (2014), Rise of the Guardians (2012), Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012).
Greg Berridge is a experienced Learning & Development leader with 20+ years in training strategy, artist growth, and education across VFX, animation, and real-time industries. Skilled in building scalable learning systems that support business goals and creative excellence. Strong background in instructional design, LMS setup, and program evaluation. Certified by Epic Games (Unreal Engine) and Autodesk. Proven team leader, mentor, and educator with experience in change management and academic-industry partnerships. Recently earned a Master’s in Education Technologies & Instructional Design, with a focus on integrating emerging tech into curriculum and online learning.
Glenn Goldman is a Professor in the Hillier College of Architecture and Design at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and was one of the people responsible for the creation of the School of Art + Design, serving as its Founding Director for almost thirteen years with responsibilities for programs in digital design (including entertainment design), industrial/product design, and interior design. He is a registered architect and a licensed professional planner who has previously taught at Iowa State University and Boston Architectural Center and worked at various architecture firms. He is a former president of ACADIA (the Association for Computer-Aided Design in Architecture) and is the chair of the SIGGRAPH Education Committee.
Derek Ham is the Director of Carnegie Mellon’s Entertainment Technology Center. He is an award-winning VR director, design educator, and immersive storyteller. In his research, he continues to investigate both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology to find ways these tools can expand the way we work, play, and learn. His most notable projects “I Am A Man” and “Barnstormers: Determined to Win” both share a special focus on the use of virtual reality as a tool for the empathetic storytelling of African American history.
