Dr. Rod Sanchez, Lead Instructor

Rod’s formal academic training is in neuroscience. He has spent the last decade working with companies such as Intel, HP, and DreamWorks Animation SKG to develop first-of-its-kind digital products and technologies around the world. At Intel, Rod founded and managed Intel’s worldwide Community Solutions Program – this multi- billion dollar program paired Intel technologists and resources with industry experts outside of Intel in various industries to create new products. Rod led the development of the first wireless hospital in Italy, the first wireless school in Central America, the first robotic pharmacy in the US, and many other technical projects around the world. 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, 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 illustrated book series. This series, which premiered during the spring 2017, entertains and educates children on various topics from gardening to healthcare. 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 served on the Board of Directors of the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation, the Board of Advisors for the United States Department of Energy, the board of advisors for the Los Alamos National Laboratory Venture Acceleration Fund, the Board of Directors of the Center for Hands on Learning, a member of the HP Production Studio Advisory Council, a Visiting Professor in the school of Business, Media, and Technology at New Mexico Highlands University, an Adjunct Professor in University of New Mexico’s Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media program, the Founder and Director of the Innovation Laboratory, the Founder and Director of the “Dream Factory” technology incubator, and a member of numerous motion picture, technology, science, and digital media industry organizations. Rod speaks nationally about the important relationship between emerging media, education, and world economy.