Jake Metz

Jake Metz is the Assistant Director of Infrastructure at IMMERSE, bringing over a decade of experience in infrastructure design in multimedia production and immersive computing at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. As the founding Technology Specialist of the Library Media Commons, Jake led the creation of emerging technology spaces like the Spatial Computing and Immersive Media (SCIM) Lab, supporting XR development, spatial audio, and virtual production. His work has contributed to campus-wide initiatives such as VR @ Illinois and the GenAI Solutions Hub. Beyond the University, Jake is the founder of the local Immersion Festival and has served as technical director for a range of arts and technology events, while also designing technology-enhanced infrastructures for studios and venues. At IMMERSE, Jake aims to leverage and expand existing campus resources, while building new, state-of-the-art facilities. He is dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and connecting the campus to cutting-edge immersive technologies across research, education, and the arts.