Video Game Innovator Offers an Inside Look at Virtual Industry at UAlbany College of Computing and Information
Tobi Saulnier, CEO and founder of 1st Playable Productions dishes on Playstation, Nintendo and Pop Culture as part of CCI's "Technology Leaders of Today� Series on Tuesday, Oct. 14
Contact(s): Catherine Herman (518) 956-8150
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Tobi Saulnier, CEO and founder of 1st Playable Productions in Troy, will showcase video games as a blend of high tech and diverse art as part of the Technology Leaders of Today speaker series. (Photo Mark McCarty) |
"Games have far more influence than just their cultural impact," said Saulnier. "Video games today are also a primary driver of technical innovation and artistic expression. People might not realize it, but games have already started to change how issues and ideas are debated, and how we connect with one another."
The talk will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 5 p.m. in the University at Albany Life Science Research Building Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
"We are fortunate to have Tobi Saulnier and her talented team of game designers in Tech Valley," said Peter Bloniarz, Dean of the College of Computing and Information. "Games aren't just fun -- they teach children skills and cooperation, stimulate their imagination, and entertain at the same time. Their virtual worlds are good environments for learning computing and programming concepts."
The Technology Leaders of Today Speaker series is an effort of the College of Computing and Information Women in Technology initiative to highlight women role models in technology. Tobi Saulnier is the only woman CEO of a video game company in the Capital Region. She will share information about the current and future states of the gaming industry and discuss how women in particular can get involved.
"As a young woman taking her first college course on computers, I decided immediately that computing was not for me," said Saulnier. "I spent the next four years avoiding the field entirely. Much to my surprise my next encounter after graduating was entirely different, and I have been playing with computer technology ever since."
About the University at Albany College of Computing and Information
The College of Computing and Information is a unique community of leading educators and researchers and talented students, positioned at the forefront of the information society. CCI's mission is to support world-class, discipline-based research and educational programs related to computing and information. With its partnerships in the corporate, government and nonprofit sectors, the College provides expertise and collaboration efforts that benefit New York State and the nation.
About the Technology Leaders of Today Speaker Series
In January 2008, a series of lectures was launched for women in computing and information fields to present their industry experience. The talks are free and open to all students, faculty and community members. The lecture series mission is: 1) to introduce and inspire options and opportunities for women across campus and in the community, and 2) to dispel the myths about the field of computing.
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Educationally and culturally, the University at Albany-SUNY puts "The World Within Reach" for its 18,000 students. An internationally recognized research university with 56 undergraduate majors and 128 graduate degree programs, UAlbany is a leader among all New York State colleges and universities in such diverse fields as public policy, nanotechnology and criminal justice. With a curriculum enhanced by 300 study-abroad opportunities, UAlbany launches great careers. For more information about this globally ranked University, visit www.albany.edu. For UAlbany's extensive roster of faculty experts, visit www.albany.edu/news/experts.shtml.
