A Fort Lauderdale-area high school student turned heads with her video submission for a scholarship to the PreCollege program at Ringling College of Art and Design. Talia Sverdik, currently attending Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, included the video as part of her application to the PreCollege Virtual Reality Immersion.
“I am blown away by Talia’s submission,” said Joel and Gail Morganroth Endowed Department Head for Virtual Reality Department Head Martin Murphy. “Her passion for VR technology and its applications in healthcare is truly inspiring. Talia represents the future of immersive learning, and we are thrilled to have her as part of the PreCollege program this summer.”
Sverdik’s entry showcased her technical skills while demonstrating a profound understanding of VR potential. It’s the latest in a series of impressive VR-related projects that she’s undertaken.
Sverdik, who said she learned VR platforms like Blender and Unity through YouTube tutorials, previously interned at a proton radiotherapy center, where she initiated a 3D animation of the proton beam machine in use. That animation was used to demonstrate the technology to patients and ultimately ease their fears and anxieties.
At Pine Crest School, she has led VR workshops for teachers and classmates alike. She’s also worked with friends and coaches to develop XR training modules for the school’s football team.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to delve into the world of Virtual and Augmented Reality this summer,” said Sverdik. “I want to level up my modeling and mixed reality capabilities to be able to produce professional level modeling, immersive user experiences, and to delve deeper into the VR training capabilities, to help lead the future of XR.”
The VR PreCollege Scholarship Competition aims to foster innovation and creativity in the next generation of VR developers by recognizing and supporting young talents who are interested in pushing the boundaries of the VR medium.
PreCollege is Ringling College’s four-week summer residential program for high school students. The Summer 2024 program is still accepting applications through June 2. The program runs June 23-July 20. Applications for Summer 2025 will open in November and early application is advised.
