Thanks to its popularity the previous year, Tech Horizons started out strong with Tech x Biology. Once again at the VR Lab, we explored new innovations in VR, exploring therapy simulations, immersive ways to learn anatomy, and so much more!

Another popular event from the previous year, Tech x Art also made a second appearance. This time, the event centered around digital art and 3D Modeling. After a brief showcase from our various graphic designers, attendees learned how to use OnShape to create 3D models of everyday objects.

This event centered around the evolution of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning as a field. We learned about the history and origins of AI, prompt engineering, and real-world applications. After a brief discussion, attendees played trivia and had an opportunity to win prizes!

For Tech x Video Games, members learned about bitsy, an ultra small game engine, browser based, for making small, web-based games. Members were given step-by-step instructions to create their very own game in bitsy, and uploaded them to itch.io!

For Tech x Finance, attendees were given the opportunity to explore the emerging sector of FinTech, the use of software and algorithms to deliver financial services faster, cheaper, and more accessible than traditional banks. This event provided information on digital payment methods, the stock market, everyday finance, cryptocurrency, and more. Afterwards, attendees experimented with a stock market simulation.

For Tech x Architecture, we explored site analysis, smart cities, smart buildings, neuroarchitecture, self-healing materials, and more. Afterwards, members had the opportunity to utilize SketchUp, a common software for entering into architectural design.

For Tech Horizons’ last event of the year, attendees learned about the evolution of animation and technology in film, CGI, and motion capture. Additionally, we brought Professor Daniel Orban from the Computer Science & Engineering Department. With experience in visualization, rendering, and animation, he provided a wealth of knowledge to the event.

For Tech Horizons’ very first event, we invited Alx Preston from Heart Machine. Preston is best known as the creator of Hyper Light Drifter, a game that won iPad Game of the Year in 2019. In addition to a [adjective] guest speaker, attendees learned about the hardware and software that goes into video game development.

For Tech x Biology, Tech Horizons visited the VR Lab in the Health Sciences Education Center (HSEC). We explored various immersive experiences, ranging from nature documentaries to surgery simulations.

For Tech x Art, we discussed how User Experience, User Interface, and Graphic Design play a role in website and app development. Attendees experimented in Figma, a cloud-based design and prototyping tool used to create digital interfaces.

To wrap up the fall semester, Tech Horizons brought out Tech x Music. Attendees learned about algorithms, sound engineering, and how innovation is reshaping the music industry. This event had unique activities, like exploring GarageBand, utilizing a Seaboard keyboard, and making an autotuner in Python.

For Tech Horizons’ first collaboration event, we partnered with Women of Color in STEM (WOCSTEM) for a panel event. The panel featured two guests, both industry professionals who navigated changing career paths, imposter syndrome, and working in the tech industry as women of color.

To wrap up Tech Horizons first year, we brought Dr. Johan B. Ubbink, Professor and Head of the Food Science and Nutrition Department at the University of Minnesota. With expertise in research and development, chemistry, and food technology, Dr. Ubbink provided attendees with a wealth of experience.