Derek Ham, Ph.D., is a professor and department head of media arts, design, and technology at NC State University’s College of Design. He is an award-winning VR director, design educator, and immersive storyteller. Trained as an architect, he earned his Ph.D. in design computation from MIT, a master’s in architecture from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, and a bachelor of architecture from Hampton University. 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 recent VR project, “Barnstormers,” was shown at the 2022 Cannes XR. Outside of traditional classes, he runs the Mixed Reality Lab where he works with students in the areas of media, entertainment, and emerging technology.

As the SIGGRAPH 2024 Immersive Pavilion Chair, Derek is responsible for the outreach, planning, selection process, and implementation of the annual conference’s Immersive Pavilion program.