Alex Ward

Creative Technologist

Enschede, NL·github.com/ahward21

About

I am Alex Ward, a first year Interaction Technology master student at the University of Twente, passionate about exploring the intersection of technology, human behaviour, and unique experiences, both digital and outdoor.

Throughout my studies, I've developed a set of skills from custom application creation, VR development, 3D modelling, and coding (including C#, Python) using tools like Unity and Blender. I have a good understanding of the technical aspects as well as a fascination with the psychological and social implications of human-technology interaction. I particularly enjoy collaborating closely with clients and academic partners, including PhDs and Assistant Professors, to translate their unique concepts and 'visions' into tangible solutions using tech.

My technical foundation is complemented by real-world experience, such as my work as an outdoor climbing instructor, where I've further learned to communicate complex concepts clearly and foster confidence. As an experienced climber, I have great problem-solving skills, resilience, and a keen awareness of risk management. These attributes, with my certifications (first aid, wilderness first aid, Red Cross pool/open lake), reflect my commitment to safety and responsibility in both outdoor and technological contexts.

I'm a strong believer in the importance of user experience and empathy, whether developing a software solution, crafting an immersive VR application, building a detailed 3D model, or guiding a young climber through their first ascent.

Experience

Feb 2023 – Present

Knowledge Specialist

Interaction Lab, Enschede

  • Providing general support for equipment in the lab
  • Creating tutorials and how-to guides for equipment
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create and implement a DokuWiki for our lab
May 2024 – Aug 2024

Lead Climbing Instructor

Deer Crossing Wilderness Camp

  • Caring for campers aged 8–16
  • Instructing outdoor climbing classes using natural anchor points, triple point redundancy and how to fall 'safely'
  • Teaching windsurfing, bouldering and sewing for repair
Sep 2022 – Apr 2025

Teaching Assistant

University of Twente, Enschede

  • Teaching VR basics in Unity
  • Assisting in Blender (3D modelling)
  • Running weekly project meetings with mentee groups
Feb 2022 – Apr 2022

VR Event Assistant

Reis Opera, Enschede

  • Guiding audiences through VR experiences
  • Troubleshooting tracking
  • Creating a post-performance feedback system for visitors

Education

2026 – Present

MSc Interaction Technology

University of Twente

2021 – 2025

BSc Creative Technology

University of Twente

Where I started exploring the intersection of technology, creativity and human interaction. Favourite projects include a pneumatic animatronic robot for GOGBOT and automated systems.

Engineering and Technology

Twente Pathway College

A-levels: Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics

Jesmond Park West Academy

Skills

Unity, C#, Python, Blender, Fusion 360, VR / XR, Motion capture (OptiTrack, Xsens), SQL, WordPress, 3D printing, Arduino

Certifications

First aid, Wilderness first aid, Red Cross pool / open lake

Selected projects

2025/2026

Evaluating Center of Mass in Bouldering

BSc thesis - Analyzing climber's center of mass dynamics

2026

Innovation Corridor at MST

Developed an interactive multiplayer MR experience for the Innovation Corridor at MST using Blender and a Dreamoc HD3.2 display.

2026

Real-Time Gait Lab

A Unity application for real-time running gait visualization and custom biomechanics analysis using Xsens suit and other tracking sensors

2025

Enschede Museum Nacht

Feedback system for Enschede Museum Nacht

2025

Non-Contact Modality Feedback

Utilizing non-contact feedback within Virtual Reality

2025

Optitrack Autism Study

Motion tracking research for autism spectrum analysis

2024

La Mouette

Family Vacation Rental Website

2024

Game Jam

Rapid prototyping and game development, I chose VR

2024

Rowing Reimagined

VR Rowing technique analysis

2023

GriefVR

VR experience exploring memory and loss

2021

Sic-R

GOGBOT Art Festival