About Me
Hello! I'm Quinn Aho, currently a second-year student at Wayne State University in the vibrant heart of Midtown Detroit. My academic journey encompasses the intersection of computer science and digital arts, a combination that fuels my passion and drive. Determined to make the most of my university years, I'm eager to kick-start my professional journey ahead of the curve. When I'm not immersed in coding or digital design, I lead an active lifestyle. Snowboarding is my winter escape, while diving and gymnastics challenge my physical limits and discipline. Music, however, is the soul of my free time—both performing and producing it allows me to express my creativity and emotions in a unique way.
A Computer Science Student
I'm deeply committed to my studies in computer science and digital arts, driven by a profound passion for technology. Over the past 2.5 years, I've acquired hands-on professional experience through two pivotal internships. I served as a Technology Growth Intern at GS Engineering in Houghton, MI, and further honed my skills as a VR Visualization Intern at Corvid Technologies in Mooresville, NC. These experiences were pivotal in my professional development.
Unreal Engine & XR Development
I have developed a strong interest in Unreal Engine & XR. Through my internships and academic projects, I have gained substantial experience and passion for UE development. I believe this field holds significant potential for growth and the applications for UE development are vast in the future.
What I've Done
Created a KPI Recorder Plugin for Vehicle Simulation
- Most recently, I led the development of a KPI Plugin for vehicle simulation analysis, enabling efficient data extraction and analysis to replace real-world data, leveraging game engine tech to save resources.
- Created and optimized a vehicle mockup in Unreal Engine, including rigging in Blender and adjusting suspension and collision in UE for realistic simulation.
- Contributed to agile project management by participating in bi-weekly scrum and other team meetings.
- Gained expertise in Unreal Engine plugin development, utilizing Blueprint and C++ programming.
Hack Dearborn 2 Project! (10/21 - 10/22)
- Developed an engaging educational VR application that transports users to historical events, featuring interactive AI NPCs that converse with you, enhancing the learning experience!
- Utlized UE5, AI APis, and Metahumans.
- Remained awake for 24 hours to showcase our project to key industry figures.
Animated a Promotional Cinematic for Raytheon Technologies:
- Used Unreal Engine to create a promotional cinematic showcasing Raytheon’s concept weapon design.
- Utilized keyframe animation with UE4 sequencer, particle effects, scene design, post processing effects and custom materials.
- Utilized UE4’s Datasmith plugin for translating CAD assets into project assets. Used Blender to decimate and prepare other assets.
No media due to ITAR restrictions. This is subject to change once released to public.
Created a VR Anthropomorphic Test Device (ATD) Positioning Tool.
- Created a virtual reality positioning tool for a Hybrid III ATD model. Utilized inverse kinematics in UE4 to quickly and intuitively position and orient limbs to aid engineers in setting up simulation geometry.
- Rigged full ATD model in Blender and matched bone location and orientation with high fidelity computational model.
- Developed standalone project with complete workflow for spawning ATD and positioning lower limb. Included joint rotation limits on a per-DoF basis to ensure realistic positioning.
UE5 Weather Visulization Tool.
- Created a UE5 weather visulization tool for a bigger arcitectual visulization tool i'm currently developing.
- Utilizes UMG UI and blueprint & C++ Development
Implemented Improvements to Corvid’s VR Modeling and Simulation Visualization Software, Vision.
- Implemented user interaction features, refined internal systems, and addressed bugs and errors to enhance the overall performance and user experience of ‘Vision’.
- Examples include: VR label mapping system implementation, menu reset functionality, material error detection, ect.
Ground Vehicle Simulation & Animation R&D
- Conducted research and development to produce VR simulation environments, interactive models, and cinematic displays tailored for military use @ GS Engineering.
- Explored Unreal Engine capabilities to optimize production workflows for simulations and animations.
No media due to CUI restrictions.
Research Papers:
Enhancing Virtual Reality Experiences with GPT-4-based Technologies.
This thesis explores using GPT-4, an advanced language model, to enhance various aspects of virtual reality (VR). It covers natural language interactions, voice commands, virtual assistants, collaborative VR, training and education, adaptive storytelling, and virtual world creation. The goal is to improve user experiences in VR by leveraging GPT-4's capabilities.
Job Satisfaction in the Unreal Engine/VR Developer Profession.
This whitepaper investigates job satisfaction in the Unreal Engine and VR development profession. It covers essential factors, including intellectual stimulation, autonomy, a supportive work environment, and real-world impact. Insights from Dr. Cruz-Neira, a prominent computer science professor, enrich the findings. Ideal for students and professionals seeking a rewarding career in this dynamic field.
Skills & Softwares
Unreal Engine
- VR Software & Tool Development
- Blueprint Development
- Cinematic Animation (Sequencer)
- Cascade & Niargra Particle System
- Animation Blueprint and Keyframing
- UE C++
- Material Development
- Scene Creation / Art
3D Modeling:
- LS Pre-Post
- Blender Modeling and Rigging
- Z-Brush
- Solidworks
- AutoCAD & Autodesk
Languages & Technologies:
- Python
- IK Systems & State Machines
- HTC/Oculus Development
- API Intergration
- Shader Programming (Open GL)
- Cesium for Unreal
- C++
- HTML, Javascript & CSS
- Houdini
Other Softwares:
- Git & Gitlab
- Blender Modeling and Rigging
- Davinci Resolve
- Ableton Live