Ronald Punako, Jr., Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

Johnstown, Pa, Us

Pepxel is a new creative playground where I develop entertainment games. As Chief Joymaker, I build titles from the ground up to test new concepts and scratch any creative itch. Freed is Pepxel's flagship title - a whimsical 84-level adventure platformer that holds 100+ achievements and 31 secrets.

Johnstown, Pa, Us

Led CTC's Visualization and Extended Reality (V&XR) capability executing research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) projects to stimulate new client growth, innovate within existing programs, and to contribute to the industry knowledge base through publications and presentations. Established free-roam Optitrack human performance lab w/ synthetic weaponry.-Developed prototype generative AI, multimodal, and emotion perceiving avatars in Unity HDRP-Developed prototype learning enterprise architecture in AWS-Developed prototype multiplayer VR workplace populated with Web browsers and remote desktops-Led development of Polyform construction automation system MVP for dynamic construction of architectural features, sculptures, media, training, and AI spaces.

Johnstown, Pa, Us

Won grant to research modernization of corporate innovation management pipeline and established corporate innovation centers for teams to ideate. Worked on team to establish 3,700 sq. ft. visualization and extended reality (V&XR) laboratory designed for seated, standing, and room-scale experiences and V&XR internal research and development capability.-Designer, usability tester, and requirements manager on the Small Group Scenario Trainer (SGST)-Led development of child interview and criminal interrogation training simulations for the U.S. Army-Led gaming prototype for intelligence community resulting in new client program-Led Co-Tour prototype enabling joint on-site AR and remote VR visitation at Fort Ligonier Museum-Led development of holographic exhibit for John Murtha Center at University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown-Led development of equipment maintenance training with Oculus Rift, Leap Motion, and Unity

Johnstown, Pa, Us

Developed Real-Time Environments and Avatars for Learning (REAL) framework for authoring and deployment of interpersonal communication training. REAL was one of the first full-featured game authoring extensions compatible with the Unity editor.-Technical Liaison of REAL Corrections Learning Environment (CLE) simulation for the DoJ and PADoC-Technical Lead of REAL SSTRO simulation for training officers to work with foreign counterparts

Johnstown, Pa, Us

Supported 365x24x7 SLA Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative international outreach. The ADL Initiative bridges across Defense and other Federal agencies to encourage collaboration, facilitate interoperability, and promote best practices for using distributed learning to provide the highest-quality education, training, informal learning, and just-in-time support. Worked on teams developing the following:-International call-for-papers Web app to support ADL conferences-Adlnet.gov Web Content Management System and front end in Cold Fusion/Flash/Javascript-Adlnet.gov video player and ADL co-laboratory guest kiosk system in Flash-Survey tool supporting NATO peace support operations course research-Expanded DoD Fuel Cell Test and Evaluation Center Web Content Management System

Web application developer for a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) supported portfolio of 27 malls and 27 hotels in eastern U.S. -Co-developer of a Hotel Management System for Holiday Inn and Marriott properties-Led development of Mall Lease Management System

Sioux Falls , Sd, Us

Played linebacker and special teams for the Johnstown Jackyls of the Indoor Football League (IFL)

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Computing Technology In Education

Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), Computing Techology In Education

M.S., Computer Information Systems

B.S., Professional Studies Of Computer Science