Rod’s formal academic training is in neuroscience. He has a corporate backgroundworking with companies such as Intel, HP, and DreamWorks Animation SKG to develop first-of-its-kind products and technologies around the world.
At Intel, Rod founded and managed Intel’s worldwide Community Solutions Program – this program paired Intel technology and resources with experts outside of Intel in various industries to create new products.
Later, Rod collaborated with DreamWorks Animation SKG to develop a new technical model for rendering animated images used in motion pictures from geographically remote locations. This new technical model was used in the production of Academy Award® nominated movies such as Shrek Forever After, Kung Fu Panda 2, and How to Train Your Dragon, Despicable Me, and Puss in Boots. This technical process has since become an animated motion picture industry standard.
Rod is the author of the Ben and IQ ExploreTM children’s book series. This series entertains and educates children on various topics from gardening to healthcare with 3 books.
Rod maintains his academic roots and actively works with schools and universities around the US to develop digital media production training initiatives. Rod plays an active role in the community. He is on the Board of Advisors to the Disney Pixar spin-out company Story Xperential, co-founder of AI Tech Start-up 3POV, the Board of Advisors to the New Mexico Telehealth Council, an advisor to the Ingenuity Venture Fund, a mentor for the Activate NM business incubator, an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship in New Mexico Highlands University’sDepartment of Business, and a member of numerous motion picture, technology, business, science, and digital media industry organizations.
Rod’s work has been recognized by earning the Intel Pegasus Award (highest award for creativity and entrepreneurship), City of Albuquerque Creative Visionaries award, American Federation of Advertising Addy Award, and Distinguished Teaching Scholar in Artificial Intelligence.
Rod speaks nationally about the important relationship between emerging film, digital media, education, and world economy.