Barry Silverstein '84, a former senior director and chief technology officer of optics and display at Meta's Reality Labs, is set to lead the University of Rochester's Center for Extended Reality (CXR). With a vision for the future of augmented reality, Silverstein believes that academia plays a crucial role in shaping this technology. He emphasizes the University of Rochester's unique capabilities in combining technological and humanistic elements to make extended reality, including AR, VR, and AI, useful and valuable for humanity. Silverstein's passion for this field is evident as he aims to bring together experts from various disciplines to advance AR and VR technologies.
Silverstein's journey began at the University of Rochester, where he earned his degree in optics. He found the program challenging but rewarding, teaching him not only technical skills but also the art of learning. This foundation proved invaluable throughout his career. After graduating, Silverstein joined Eastman Kodak Company, working on diverse projects from space-based optical systems to 3D digital cinema projectors. He maintained his connection to the Institute of Optics, ensuring his skills remained sharp.
In 2013, Silverstein moved to IMAX, where he led a team to develop the Prismless Laser Projector, a groundbreaking optical system that revolutionized image quality. This achievement earned him and his team an Oscar-worthy Scientific and Engineering Award. Silverstein's expertise led him to Meta in 2017, where he focused on making AR and VR technology viable for commercialization. His work at Meta further solidified his connection to the University of Rochester, as Meta Reality Labs funded various research projects.
Silverstein's career has been a seamless transition between research and product development. He aims to empower others to achieve similar success. As the director of CXR, he envisions a collaborative hub bringing together experts in optics, computing, data science, neuroscience, education, and the humanities. Silverstein is excited to expand the center's scope, combining the University's strengths in science, technology, medicine, music, and the humanities to address societal impacts of technological advancements.
With a strong team of co-leads, Silverstein is poised to make significant contributions to the field of extended reality. His leadership and vision will undoubtedly shape the future of AR and VR technologies, fostering innovation and collaboration at the University of Rochester.
