Digital media projects are advancing at RIT with new support made possible through MAGIC Spell grants awarded to faculty

Rochester, New York – Innovative research in digital storytelling and interactive media is moving forward at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) with the help of new seed funding from MAGIC Spell Studios. The grant program, designed to foster creativity and experimentation, is already helping faculty members turn ambitious ideas into tangible projects that could have lasting impact in film, gaming, and education.

Assistant professor Meghdad Asadilari is among the first recipients. A faculty member in the College of Art and Design, Asadilari specializes in 2D and 3D animation, visual effects, and computer simulations. With his grant, he is several steps closer to completing an animated film that draws from his personal immigration story.

For Asadilari, the financial boost came at exactly the right time. He used the award to purchase high-powered equipment capable of running advanced animation and simulation programs like Houdini and Unreal. These tools allow him to craft more realistic details in his work, including subtle touches such as flowing threads or the intricate patterns of a handwoven carpet designed by his grandfather. By incorporating these lifelike elements, Asadilari hopes to create a film that captures not only the technical brilliance of modern animation but also the emotional texture of his family’s journey.

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“Earning this grant demonstrates that my project is strong enough to be considered for additional funding from sources outside of the university,” Asadilari said. “I’m proud to be able to make and share this film with the world because it tells the special story of my Iranian family, an experience that so many people can relate to.”

The project is moving quickly, with plans to submit the finished film to festivals in the near future. For Asadilari, the grant is more than just a financial stepping stone—it is a recognition of the value of personal storytelling in academic research and creative practice.

A Boost for Early-Stage Ideas

The MAGIC Spell grant program was created to give faculty the resources they need during the most vulnerable stage of a project’s development. Awards of up to $5,000 are available to full-time faculty and staff members across all colleges at RIT. The money can be used for hardware, software, student research assistants, experimental costs, conference travel, or networking opportunities.

“The MAGIC Spell grant program provides an essential financial boost to help projects cover early development costs,” said David Long, MAGIC Spell Studios director. “Researchers know that early results and prototypes can bring lucrative external funding. The goal of our grant program is to kickstart this process.”

By offering support at the beginning, MAGIC Spell aims to position researchers for success in securing larger grants from outside organizations. Already, the program has begun to prove its worth as multiple faculty-led projects take shape.

Games for Children with Visual Impairments

Pamela Beach, associate dean in the College of Health Sciences and Technology, is using her grant to pursue an idea at the intersection of gaming and accessibility. With support from RIT’s game design and development program, Beach is building a prototype video game to help children with visual impairments practice essential orientation and mobility skills.

In the game, players use a virtual cane to navigate real-world scenarios recreated in a digital environment. Controllers designed by RIT students mimic the feel of an actual cane and provide users with auditory information and haptic feedback to guide them safely through their virtual surroundings.

“Research shows that children with visual impairments tend to be more reclusive, lack self-confidence, and can have lower rates of employment in the future,” Beach said. “The early-intervention prototype that we’re building and testing can be used at home or in clinical settings with their caregivers to expose these children to scenarios in a fun, safe environment that will enhance critical skills and, ultimately, their quality of life.”

Beach has already tested the game at Camp Abilities in Brockport, N.Y., a summer program for children and teens with visual impairments. Feedback from participants is helping her refine the sensory cues and responsiveness of the prototype, ensuring that it is both effective and enjoyable for young users.

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“One of the greatest parts of this grant is the opportunity to collaborate with faculty members from other colleges and disciplines that I wouldn’t normally have the chance to interact with,” Beach said. “We’re all working toward the same goal: to develop meaningful research that is making a difference.”

Looking Ahead

So far, six grants have been awarded through the MAGIC Spell program, covering projects that span multiple disciplines and creative interests. Applications for the 2026 cohort are due by January 12, 2026, and organizers expect a strong response from faculty across the university.

For RIT, the grant initiative reflects a commitment to supporting ideas at their earliest stages, when a modest investment can often determine whether a project remains an idea or grows into something impactful. Whether it is an animated film rooted in family history or a game designed to give children greater independence, the projects funded by MAGIC Spell are proof that creative research can change lives.

By giving faculty members the tools and confidence to pursue their visions, the grants are helping to build a future where digital media is not only entertaining but also empowering.