Next Lab

Dan has led innovation and digital transformation projects at Higher Education institutions and in the private sector. He has authored a national curriculum for digital media in the UK, helped establish the first purpose-built university campus for Emirati women in Dubai, researched Augmented and Virtual Reality in Education as an Associate Professor and won awards for architecture, innovation and collaborative work on future learning environments at the University of Canberra, James Cook University and Arizona State University.

His research and passions lie in future thinking, systems design, and learning architecture. He is developing models that utilize AI, game tech, spatial computing, and decentralized education models to drive institutional change.

Dr. Bea Rodriguez-Fransen is the Director at Next Lab, bringing together diverse partners, research, and communities together to boldly imagine and co-create humane technology and equitable futures. She has served in various leadership and fundraising roles in higher education, local government, nonprofit, entrepreneurship and innovation sectors. A certified foresight and design justice practitioner, she facilitates futures thinking sessions and workshops (locally and internationally) and founded ASU’s Futurists Community of Practice. In 2024, she was chosen as 1 of 10 educators across the world chosen to speak at TED World Theater. Her TED Talk and book emphasize decolonizing futures, and provides practical tools for educators and practitioners in various sectors around the world.

Michael brings over three decades of engineering and operational experience from the startup, technology, education, and interactive entertainment industries. He holds an M.Sc. in Media Management from The New School and a B.A. in Integrative Studies from Arizona State University.

Throughout his career, Michael has served in various technical and leadership roles at Hasbro, Microsoft, Sony PlayStation, Electronic Arts, The Los Angeles Film School, and University of Arizona.

Michael’s contributions have earned him credits on over 100 video games. He is an active member of The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, and participates annually in the D.I.C.E. and Webby Awards.

Amanda is an artist and educator based in Chandler, AZ. They have been with Next Lab since 2021: beginning as a Studio Associate, promoted to Management Intern and eventually to Program Coordinator, a position they now work full-time.

Amanda holds a MEd in Secondary Education, a BFA in Animation, a BS in Media Arts and Sciences, and a certificate in Computer Gaming–all from ASU. Their undergraduate Barrett honors thesis is a techno-feminist satire comedy show that wields humor to open a conversation on how technology might be utilized against marginalized communities.

Alongside their experience in art, storytelling, and game design, Amanda has been a professional improv comedian since 2016 and is involved in the youth and community theatre scene around the valley, including working as a drama tech for Perry High School directing their shows, and as an improv instructor for Chandler Youth Theatre.

Jesus has been a member of Next Lab since May 2021, becoming a Management Intern after being a co-lead of the Game Engine Guild and serving as a project Tech Lead. Jesus graduated with a B.S. in Informatics and a Certificate in Computer Gaming from Arizona State University in 2023. He is currently working towards a M.S. in Media, Arts and Sciences with a focus in Extended Reality Technologies at the Mesa MIX Center, influenced in part by the kind of work that takes place in the Studio.

At the Next Lab, we hire Studio Associates from across the university, encompassing undergraduates to doctorate-level students, to form a diverse and inclusive team. We value diversity in thought, skill, and background, as it fosters richer ideation and creativity, which is highly valued by our partners. These partners include local government, large tech companies, and ASU faculty and staff, who support our associates through their grants and research funding.