Realize your future with TMU Graduate Studies

Passion for animation
Gavin Ball
Master of Digital Media (MDM) alumnus
At TMU, graduate students don't have to choose between becoming an academic or an industry leader.
After working in the animation industry, Gavin Ball became a professor at Ontario Tech University and founded his own creative consulting studio, Full Circle CS, which is currently developing Gladiotron, an interactive 3D webcomic and game.
Why did you start Full Circle CS?
I wanted to make media with a positive message that reflects my values. I’m fortunate to work with a collective of passionate artists committed to developing and producing the best games, stories and art that we can.
What motivates your work?
Growing up, I was often discouraged when people didn’t believe in me. Eventually, however, I realized I could do anything I wanted if I applied myself. It’s something I wish I had known earlier and want to share that with the next generation, particularly those in underserved communities.
How has the TMU Transmedia Zone supported your efforts?
Being accepted into the Transmedia Zone to develop Gladiotron has been a massive blessing. I’ve really benefited from the mentorship, community and workspace. Being in that environment has challenged me to be more innovative.
How did your TMU graduate education prepare you for your career?
It was an eye-opening experience that made me think differently about digital media. [TMU] opens your mind to think about what is possible, to think entrepreneurially and help solve the problems of tomorrow.
What advice do you have for graduate students?
Since the MDM program is only a year long, it’s best to have an idea before you come in and know what your goals are. It’s what you make of it, so get involved in as many opportunities as you can while you’re here.
Photo: Ian Patterson
“[TMU] opens your mind to think about what is possible, to think entrepreneurially and help solve the problems of tomorrow.”
MDM alumnus Gavin Ball founded his own creative consulting studio, Full Circle CS, which is currently developing Gladiotron, an interactive 3D webcomic and game.

‘The journey continues to be amazing’
Cyrus Sundar Singh, Communication and Culture PhD student and Documentary Media MFA alumnus

Shaping the future of health care
Kittie Pang, Master of Health Administration (Community Care) student

A new look at the world’s oldest profession
Jenny Duffy, master’s alumna, Philosophy & Public Policy and Administration

Making black-and-white more grey
Nathaniel Brunt, Communication and Culture PhD student and Trudeau Scholar

Supporting women through building science
Building Science master's students

Using drones to locate people with dementia
Dalia Hanna, Computer Science PhD student

Building sustainability into architecture
Matthew Ferguson, Architecture master's student

Flipping the script on Black men's pain
David Grant, Master of Social Work alumnus

Standing up for immigrant women
Vathsala Illesinghe, Policy Studies PhD student

Giving refugees a second chance
Adrienne Smith, Immigration and Settlement Studies MA alumna

Opening possibilities with inclusive tech
Mauricio Meza, MBA-MTI alumnus

Secret marathon meets social change
Kate McKenzie, Master of Digital Media alumna

Transgender research meets transformed lives
Jake Pyne, Master of Social Work

Cannabis research meets new potential
Steve Naraine, Molecular Science MSc

Jewelry business meets digital disruption
Noura Sakkijha, Ted Rogers MBA

City issues meet the big picture
Dr. Colin Robert Phillips, Policy Studies PhD

Cancer research meets better patient care
Dr. Michael Kolios, Professor and Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, Faculty of Science

Professional passion meets real-world opportunities
Jacky Au Duong, Master of Professional Communication

Inspirational faculty meets innovative research
Dr. Amira Abdelrasoul, Chemical Engineering PhD

Entrepreneurship meets accessibility
Maayan Ziv, Master of Digital Media alumna

Life-changing experience meets long-term success
Adedoyin Adesemowo, MBA-MTI

Ancient traditions meet empowered youth
Dr. Réal Carrière, Policy Studies PhD