As part of our series profiling graduating seniors, we’re highlighting Jenna Watts ’25, Virtual Reality Development, whose post-college plans will take her to Los Angeles to help bring virtual reality solutions to the medical and defense industries.
Growing up just outside of Los Angeles, Watts began studying fine arts as a child. But in high school, digital art gave her a new drive to connect with people.
“As I developed, I found myself wanting to create deeper connections with viewers—not just having them see my work, but truly experience it,” she said. Immersive experiences were the logical next step. “I realized art could transcend mere aesthetics and become a powerful tool to help people and industries through both technology and the arts.”
Her Ringling College journey through Virtual Reality Development has expanded her artistic horizons even further. In addition to gaming applications, Watts has had opportunities to work in a variety of industries, including the medical sector and the Department of Defense. After graduation, she plans to continue to build on the connections she’s made as a student, moving back to southern California to further the relationships between technology/simulation and the wider world.
“I constantly push my work to evolve and create varied emotional and intellectual responses from viewers,” she said.
Watts’ senior thesis project, which is on view until May 9 in the Verman Kimbrough Building, room 210, involves an immersive driving game created in collaboration with fellow graduating VRD senior Jason Zarrilli for the Talon Simulations LLC motion platform simulator. Players take on the role of a rookie smuggler navigating a neon city, picking up and delivering goods while racing against time and avoiding damage to maintain their cover. The goal is to complete all deliveries to earn “top dog” status. The two won bronze at Best of Ringling for their collaboration.
Added Watts, “If you enjoy rollercoasters and go-karts, you’d be the perfect player for our high-energy experience!”
Watts was also a member of the first-ever XR Women student chapter here at Ringling College. She was present for the chapter’s official announcement during the Augmented World Expo (AWE) in Long Beach, California, last year.
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