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.


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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
A headshot of Erin England

Erin England

Associate Level Designer
“It was great! I felt like the teachers were really involved and they answered all my questions I had. They pushed me in the right direction and the classrooms were really tight-knit. You meet people and it was a good environment to learn. ”
Interactive Simulation and Game Technology (Game Design)
Sunisa “Yuki” Saeli

Sunisa “Yuki” Saeli

Computer Science student and STEM Ambassador
“Join a club or organization! That is what allowed me to explore, try new things, learn what I really like and enjoy, and what I want to do in the future.”
Computer Science
Ari Hernandez

Ari Hernandez

Electrical Engineering student and STEM Ambassador
“Some people in non-STEM majors reject the idea of being in a STEM organization because they feel they aren’t smart enough or talented enough. I’m not the smartest or most talented person in the room, but I’m curious, and that’s more than enough. Don't let your own sense of limitation stop you.”
Electrical Engineering
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 March 20, 2026