Dallas College

Student Experience: Eli Gershtein

Eli Crater Gershtein is a technical artist who specializes in creating real-time visual effects for the video game industry. With more than four years of experience, he has contributed to AAA Games as a Service (GaaS) titles, thriving in dynamic, cross-functional team environments alongside artists, designers and engineers. His work focuses on developing and optimizing VFX assets and pipelines using tools like Unreal Engine and Houdini, with a strong foundation in procedural workflows, shader development and scripting.

Eli brings a unique perspective to his role, stemming from a 12-year background in archaeology. This previous career provided a deep, practical foundation in technical analysis, research, and photogrammetry, skills he now applies to digital creation.

This blend of scientific precision and artistic vision allows him to be an innovative and versatile problem-solver. He is passionate about leveraging his diverse experience to build immersive, high-quality game worlds and enhance the player experience through compelling visual effects.

Eli on what ignited his passion for game design: "I took a VFX that completely sparked my curiosity and I went full throttle into technical art and VFX."

Watch Eli's full interview with Dallas College Game Design.


Read More

Michael Gutierrez

Michael Gutierrez

Engineering Student
“The community here was the biggest surprise. People often assume community colleges are places where students leave right after class, but Dallas College is full of connection, involvement and interesting people.”
Engineering
An illustration of a person's head

James C. Woodall

Quality Assurance Director and Graphics Artist Blind Mind Studios
“I would recommend this program for students wanting to rub shoulders with industry giants, those who hunger to develop professional games, and those who are curious about whether their skill-set fits with the gaming industry.”
Interactive Simulation and Game Technology (Game Design)
Neethu Kuriakose

Neethu Kuriakose M., EdTech

Data Entry Clerk, Dallas County Immunization/Medical Records Division; Adjunct Faculty, Computer Science and Information Technology
“I strongly recommend Dallas College for anyone who wants to take classes with affordable tuition, and who might like to work on campus while being a student.”
Computer Information Technology
Scott Sengbush

Scott Sengbush

Game Producer Game Circus
“I have been a gamer for as long as I can remember, so I decided to pursue a career in gaming. I took a 3D animation class in the Summer and fell in love with it instantly.”
Interactive Simulation and Game Technology (Game Design)
A headshot of Eli Gershtein
Eli Gershtein
Visual Effects Artist
Interactive Simulation and Game Technology (Game Design)
School of Engineering, Technology, Mathematics and Sciences
Updated September 22, 2026