Dread Maestro

Project Overview 

Maestro is an interdisciplinary research project focused on developing a mixed-media installation in which users conduct visual and auditory experiences through bodily gestures. The system draws from archetypal frameworks (e.g., Jungian psychology), allowing users to inhabit symbolic space—animus, anima, shadow, light—through their movement. The goal is to develop a system that interprets gesture as emotional and symbolic expression, using machine learning, spatial tracking, and multimedia synthesis.

This project blends engineering, AI, music, and design into a meaningful act of creation. Students will contribute to a unique artifact that functions as both a research object and an immersive art piece, with the aspiration of a live demo or exhibition-ready installation by Spring 2026.

Objectives 

  1. Gesture Mapping & Hardware Foundations
  2. Emotional AI Pre-Training
  3. Archetypal Gesture Recognition

Major Tasks 

The major tasks of the project are outlined below. These are nominal and are likely to change somewhat throughout the course of the year. These are meant to illustrate the general nature of the work that the position entails.

  1. System Architecture & Sensor Selection
  2. Local AI Sentiment Mapping
  3. Symbolic Gesture Training
  4. Visual & Sonic Feedback Mapping
  5. Threshold Interaction Design
  6. Narrative & Experience Design
  7. User Testing & Interactive Refinement

Preferred Skills and Interests 

  • Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence
  •  Coding and Systems Integration
  • Music and Sound Design
  • Art / Interaction Design / Multimedia Expression

How to Apply 

Applications will be reviewed by Dr. Gray and by continuing/former researchers from the team.  After a review of the application, our team will contact candidates to schedule a zoom screening interview.  Review for positions will be conducted either during Summer (for Fall on-boarding) or Winter (for Spring on-boarding). Please complete the MS Form, uploading the following deliverables; 

  • A brief (~1 page) essay or cover letter explaining which of the projects you are interested in, and why you think you might be a good fit for that project (or those projects).  If you are applying for multiple projects, extend your essay a little and describe your interest and qualifications for each position.  Be sure to let us know your major and where you are in your academic career (sophomore, junior, etc.) 
  • A resume outlining your work experience and education 

Please reach out to Dr. Gray (dagray3@vt.edu) if you have any questions or concerns. 

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