UCF’s FIEA Program Shapes Future of Serious Gaming Industry

The Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) has emerged as a pivotal force in the video game design industry since its inception 20 years ago. With over 1,000 graduates, FIEA has successfully placed alumni in more than 400 companies, including prominent names like EA Sports, Nintendo, 2K, and Roblox. The program is now extending its influence into serious gaming, where immersive learning and gamified training are gaining traction in various sectors.

FIEA graduates are stepping up to meet the growing demand for innovative training solutions. Three alumni exemplify this trend, each carving out a distinctive niche in serious gaming that underscores the importance of their work.

Brenda Raza: From Fashion to Military Training

Brenda Raza, a graduate from the class of 1997 and later obtaining her master’s degree in 2019, currently serves as a leading 3D artist at Carley Corporation. Before joining FIEA, Raza had a different career path, having worked in fashion design in New York. Her transition into the gaming industry was driven by a desire for more meaningful work.

“During my undergraduate days, I wouldn’t have considered myself a gamer, though I did dabble in Mortal Kombat,” Raza recalls. “When my professors found out I’d been an Army Reservist, they encouraged me to dig further into that side of 3D modeling and simulation.”

Today, Raza develops interactive training simulations for soldiers, replacing traditional manuals with engaging digital content. “It’s rewarding to know that what I’m doing can help a soldier,” she adds, emphasizing her commitment to military support through creative design.

Katie Wollam Ferguson: Bridging Gaming and Defense

Katie Wollam Ferguson, a 2008 graduate with a master’s degree obtained in 2009, is a project engineering associate manager at Lockheed Martin. Her role involves creating interactive applications that help military personnel familiarize themselves with complex systems. Ferguson highlights the invaluable experience that FIEA provided, particularly through professors with industry backgrounds.

“If there’s a failure code, they need to be able to locate the component quickly and replace it, anywhere in the world,” Ferguson explains. Her team’s applications are designed to be highly realistic, ensuring that users can efficiently navigate real-life scenarios.

Growing up in Central Florida, a hub for modeling and simulation, Ferguson seized the opportunity presented by FIEA as it launched during her freshman year. “It’s motivating to know our training tools can positively affect our military personnel and help achieve the ultimate goal: to keep them safe and ensure they come home,” she states.

Mike Harris: Service and Software Development

Mike Harris, a current student set to graduate in 2024, is a designer at BreakAway Games. His background as a U.S. Marine informs his approach to game development in the serious gaming sector. “What I’m doing as a designer falls in line with the ethos of the Marine Corps,” Harris notes, emphasizing commitment and integrity in his work.

During his time at FIEA, Harris was invited to judge the Serious Games Showcase and Challenge, leveraging his military experience to assess simulation accuracy. This experience led him to connect with executives at BreakAway Games, where he is now part of a team focused on developing software that enhances military operations.

“I’m working on a team to develop software to improve the real-world operation tempo for the military,” Harris explains. His work not only reflects personal dedication but also aims to contribute positively to the broader military community.

As the demand for serious gaming applications grows, FIEA alumni like Raza, Ferguson, and Harris illustrate the program’s commitment to preparing graduates for impactful careers. Their stories highlight the unique intersection of creativity, technology, and service, demonstrating that gaming can play a crucial role in training and education across diverse fields.