Dr Tom Penney

About Me

Dr. Tom Penney is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Design and Program Manager for the Bachelor of Design (Games) at RMIT University. With over a decade of experience in digital design, games, and interactive media, he combines academic excellence with innovative artistic practice.

Expertise & Research

  • Digital Design & Games
  • Cross-Reality (VR/AR)
  • AI & Digital Media
  • 3D Imaging & Unity3D
  • Interactive Art
  • Digital Education
  • Practice-based Research
  • Cultural Studies

Academic Experience

  • 2024 - Present
    Senior Lecturer (Digital Design)
    RMIT University, School of Design
  • 2020 - Present
    Program Manager (Games)
    RMIT University, School of Design
  • 2016 - 2019
    Lecturer (Digital Media)
    RMIT University, School of Design

Research & Innovation

As one of Australia's pioneering artists in 3D photogrammetry and game engine technology for contemporary art, Dr. Penney's work spans digital media, cultural studies, and educational innovation. His PhD project "Critical Affection" broke new ground in critical play theory and digital media representation.

Currently investigating innovations in general artificial intelligence for image making, his research interests encompass digital culture, interactive art, and the intersection of technology with cultural expression.

PhD & Masters Supervision

  • 25 Jun 2024
    Subverting Sensors: Interrogating the Sensor Society through Critical Mixed Reality Practice
  • 1 Dec 2023
    Browser Compositions
  • 22 Feb 2023
    Future Anxieties: XR in Speculative Critical Design
  • 15 Dec 2020
    Future Artefact: A Network of Gestures
  • 17 Mar 2020
    Digital Fashion Bodies: Performing Posthumanity In Virtual Reality
  • 30 Aug 2019
    Machine Talking: Speculative Conversations with AI through Practice-oriented Research
  • 5 Jul 2019
    Strategies for the Design of Reflective Shortform Videogames
  • 7 Mar 2019
    Adventures in Vaporwave: A Participant-led Creative Practice Exploration of Everyday Life in a Weird Internet Community
  • 21 Nov 2018
    AI Perceptions of Gender
  • 1 May 2018
    Emotional Information

Teaching Focus

Specializing in digital studio education, Dr. Penney integrates industry practice with academic scholarship. His approach emphasizes:

  • Agile skills development in digital fields
  • Work-integrated learning
  • Critical theory and practice
  • Interactive and internet art
  • Digital media politics and criticism