Jul 14 2018

Get to know more of the Social VR Team at Facebook

By Meta Careers
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Pierre L., Android VR Engineer

“I loved gaming and computers as a kid, but growing up in inner-city Toronto, I didn’t even know what programming was until I started my first computer science course at the University of Toronto. It was a tough learning curve, but I had the grit, resilience and work ethic to keep going. I was inspired to work in a creative space where you are visually rewarded for your software engineering work. Now, as part of Facebook’s Social VR team, I’m focused on graphics work for mobile VR platforms, such as GearVR and Oculus Go. I get to work at the intersection of art and technology and help build products that solve real-world problems and bring joy to people. And, we get to work with some of the best people in the industry, who are veterans of gaming, computer animation and FX. We're able to get creative and solve new problems, while shaping the next computing platform.
One of the most powerful things VR enables is the ability to bring people together and allow them to have shared experiences, even when they’re not in the same physical location. VR can be an empathy machine, bridge geographic boundaries, revolutionize education and training, and provide incredible experiences that would not be possible in real life. And while we are just at the beginning of this nascent industry, the 5-10 year outlook is amazing. We’re just getting started.”

Saf S., Technical Program Manager

“I love how technology can connect us to our friends, family and the greater community in faster and more engaging ways, no matter where we are located in the world. The virtual reality (VR) ecosystem is expanding with different types of users and programs so fast, it’s exciting to be part of the high growth phase of an emerging technology.
As part of Facebook’s Social VR team, I’ve had the privilege of launching tons of new features to the Facebook Spaces app that enable people to connect with their friends and community of fellow VR enthusiasts. We’ve got a long way to go before we connect 1 billion people in VR, but I look forward to actively bringing meaningful and immersive VR experiences to people on a global scale.”

Lisa K., Community Lead

“This is such an interesting time to be involved with virtual reality (VR). We are not just creating a new piece of hardware or software, we’re creating a new space in the VR field which helps people stay connected. I’m working with my team to build communities and help others share meaningful moments through Social VR, and we could not be more excited to be contributing to the development of this space. One day we'll all look back and say "I was there when it started!" There are so few times in life when you have the opportunity to say that.
My career was hardly a straight line and included many twists and turns along the way. Despite a few detours, I can’t help but be grateful for the decisions I made that led me to my current position with Facebook. I’ve learned that every step of the way (even the detours) can lead to something great, as long as you believe in yourself and continue searching for your passion. You never know what’s around the next corner!”

Eric R., Director of Product

“I’ve been passionate about social virtual reality (VR) since discovering the work of Stanford’s Virtual Human Interaction Lab early in the decade, and have been working in the space since 2013. After selling the VR company I founded, AltspaceVR, I thought it was the right time to explore new opportunities. I was beyond excited to join the Social VR team. I've been inspired by Facebook's commitment to VR and I'm motivated by how much there is yet to do. With Facebook, I’ll be part of a team that’s making waves in VR on such a large scale.
VR has the opportunity to be the next great communication medium and at Facebook we’re right in the center of that challenge. I can’t wait to show you what we’re working on next!”

Dino I., Product Design Manager

“I have a 6-year-old daughter and she will be growing up in a very different world. It may be a world where more of her interactions will be augmented or virtual. I want to make sure that when this future happens, it will be safe, welcoming, aspirational and truthful. Working on the Social VR team at Facebook enables me to have a hand in the world she’ll be experiencing, as we work together to understand social presence and create tools to connect and build community in AR and VR.
In addition to the amazing work we’ve completed, the Social VR team is one of the most compassionate teams I have ever been part of. The team is made up of not only some of the most talented designers, project managers, engineers and artists; it's a team that truly believes in the importance of the projects we are working on. We are from very diverse backgrounds but come together under the same ideals and sense of humanity. This may sound cheesy, but everyone here really wants to make the world a better place.”

Alex A., Social VR Software Engineer

“It all started with a hackathon in early 2016. I was a Production Engineer, working on Infrastructure Automation at Facebook, but I had a strong personal interest in virtual reality and wanted to try my hand in developing something for it. I seized the opportunity during the hackathon, creating a prototype which allowed people to access their computer’s desktop in a new intuitive way that took advantage of VR’s unique capabilities. My hack was well received and even resulted in me showing it to Mark Zuckerberg himself.
From there, I met with a product manager, who had just joined the company to create a new team that would explore the full realm of Social VR, focused on using VR technology to keep people connected around the world. I joined his new team as the first engineer, and we produced even more prototypes - some of which ended up being part of the design for Facebook’s first Social VR product, Facebook Spaces! The icing on the cake is the amazing team I work with. In addition to being brilliant and collaborative, my team loves to have fun. For example, we have a “Selfie of the Week” contest, where we pick the funniest selfie that was taken in VR throughout the week! The winner is rewarded with some heavy cheering and bragging rights for the week, and it’s all smiles around the office.”

Yiyu L., Research Scientist & Manager, VR Content Services

“To be honest, I was initially a little nervous to become a manager. My original manager was going on paternity leave for five months and wanted me to step in while he was out. He believed in me and had full faith that I was ready for the role and could rise to the occasion, which gave me the confidence to take on the role. During my time covering for him, our team went through several changes and transitioned our focus to help with the development of our new space in virtual reality, Social VR.
I learned so much during this time and it led me to explore my options in management to see how I could become even more involved in Social VR. Now, as Research Scientist and Manager, I am able to identify innovative solutions and discover VR content in order to build communities and keep people connected in the same virtual world. I am so thankful to my manager for pushing me to step out of my comfort zone, and I am so excited to help others realize their full potential as well!”
#SocialVR #VirtualReality #WhyWeBuild #ByteSizeBios

Rachel C., Art Manager, Social VR

“I didn't have a lot of experience in virtual reality (VR), but I knew it was something I wanted to explore after spending 20 years working in the film and game industries. During my interview with Facebook, I met with some really great people with similar backgrounds and right away my interest piqued. I discovered a world where my past experiences could help shape the future of VR, and I embraced the exciting challenge of building a 3D art team within the Social VR space.
The best thing about the Social VR team? The Team. There is a partnership and collaboration across disciplines, including leadership. Everyone is passionate about making great products in VR. We are encouraged to contribute ideas, ask questions and and give feedback to each other and the products we make.”

Lucy B., Product Manager

“I was very intrigued when I learned that Facebook was beginning to explore the world of virtual reality (VR). Most of my career has been spent working on video games, and I was interested to learn how this new medium could not only make for greater gaming, but also new and enhanced social experiences. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to explore exactly that when I joined the Social VR team at Facebook as a product manager.
Our team is creating 3D VR experiences where people can connect and build communities. We’ve been developing the engine features to support these experiences, and the activities and tools that our audience will need to inhabit, engage and make it their own. We’re a team with backgrounds in film and games, and it’s fascinating to learn from one another, while focusing our combined energy on VR. Every day brings a new challenge, and I can’t wait to see where our team will take the technology next.”
Art credit: Social VR avatars by character artist Steve Rheinfrank.

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