ETC students during Fall Festival.

Our People

The Heart of the ETC? All of Us.

Technology and storytelling are only part of the equation. What sets the ETC apart is the community that brings it all to life.

Our network is a tightly knit one. It’s made up of our expert faculty, dedicated staff, talented students and a diverse group of alumni who continue to be a part of this community long after graduation. Together, they form a one-of-a-kind culture of creativity, curiosity and mutual respect that defines the ETC experience.

This sense of community is more than just a supportive environment; it’s a foundation for meaningful work. It encourages risk-taking, fuels interdisciplinary collaboration and fosters lifelong connections that extend far beyond campus.

If you want to know what makes the ETC special, start with the people that make it.

Derek Ham.

Meet Our Director

Derek Ham is the Director of Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center, where he leads innovative research and collaborative projects at the intersection of technology, design and storytelling.

Meet the ETC Team