Shanna Tellerman (@shannawp); Founder and CEO of Sim Ops Studios, Inc., a spin-off company from Carnegie Mellon University. Sim Ops is developing the comprehensive independent game development solution, Wild Pockets; a free web-based 3D game engine with a built-in transaction system and distribution network.

Shanna has overseen operations, development, fund raising, and strategic relationships since the formation of Sim Ops. She has over seven years of experience working in the video game and emerging serious games industry with a focus on breaking down the barriers for creative development in 3D environments.

Graduating with a Masters degree in Entertainment Technology from Carnegie Mellon University in May 2005, she was hired by the University to continue development and to investigate commercialization opportunities for the technology that formed the foundation of Sim Ops Studios.

Shanna has experience in a variety of roles including her initial involvement as visionary, product manager and designer, focused on user-centered design and research in game development, through to her current role as CEO focused on all levels execution in the company from the product roadmap to business development.

In 2004, Ms. Tellerman had the opportunity to work for Electronic Arts on The Sims 2, the sequel to the best-selling PC game ever. She has also researched and co-authored the paper titled “Emergent Stories in Massively Multiplayer Online Games: Using Improvisational Techniques to Design for Emotional Impact,” (International Conference on Entertainment Computing, 2004). She received her Bachelor’s in Fine Arts and a Minor in Multi-Media Production from Carnegie Mellon University in 2003.