Member Profile: Aliyah Sakurai Wise
1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?
I have been working with Bonnie Mitchall and the ACM SIGGRAPH History Archive for a little over a year now. My main role is a Digital Archive Content Manager, where I research and gather information on SIGGRAPH and SIGGRAPH Asia, and upload them onto the archive. Some of my daily tasks include image processing, data management, and adding or connecting fields of data. I have worked on different SIGGRAPH/SIGGRAPH Asia events such as Animations, Real-Time Live!, and Emerging Technologies. My first year of work was primarily focused on SIGGRAPH Asia content.
2. What was your first job?
My first job coming into college is my Digital Archive Content Manager role here at the history archive. I am also a part of the Honors College .at Bowling Green State University, where I have worked as a peer facilitator and served on the Student Advisory Board. I’ve also held various leadership positions across campus with the Asian Student Union and Japanese Club, where I create graphics and social media content.
3. Where did you complete your formal education?
I will be graduating from Bowling Green State University this upcoming spring with a BFA in Digital Arts and minor in Computer Science.
4. How did you first get involved with ACM SIGGRAPH?
I first got involved with ACM SIGGRAPH through a school-led trip to SIGGRAPH 2024 in Denver. I absolutely fell in love with the conference. I had wonderful conversations with peers and industry professionals, fueling my passion for art and computer graphics. It was my first SIGGRAPH that I also learned about Student Volunteer opportunities. Since then, I have been serving as a Student Volunteer in Vancouver and Los Angeles. Now, as a team member of the archive, we got to present in Los Angeles about our work and host events for SIGGRAPH history lovers.
5. What is your favorite memory of a SIGGRAPH conference?
My favorite memory at a SIGGRAPH conference has always been the people that I meet every year. As a Student Volunteer and History Archive team member, I get so many opportunities to meet and learn from so many people–whether it is a fellow student or a pioneer. It is surreal hearing from the people that I research and work on a weekly basis back at home. These stories and lessons are what fuels the archive.
6. Describe a project that you would like to share with the ACM SIGGRAPH community.
I am currently working on my BFA Senior Thesis at my university. This is a passion project dedicated to someone very important in my life that I lost my freshman year of college. While the project is still in development, it is a Virtual Reality experience with themes on navigating grief and memory made. With my educational background in digital arts and computer science, I have developed a new interest in VR and games. I am hoping this project helps me dive right in!
7. If you could have dinner with one living or non-living person, who would it be and why?
I would want to have dinner with the person I am dedicating my senior thesis to, as mentioned previously. I wish I got to tell her how impactful she has been to my art education and career. She was always so supportive and caring for my passions and projects growing up, and I wish she knew how much she inspired me and my artistic process. Since her passing, so much of my life has changed that I wish she were a part of. Whether it was my work I’ve done since beginning college, my career development, or these amazing experiences like attending SIGGRAPH.
8. What is something most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I quite enjoy cooking. I grew up with my Japanese family recipes, so a big part of living independently for me has been trying to recreate my favorite foods just as my mom and grandma makes them (it is impossible, unfortunately).
9. From which single individual have you learned the most in your life? What did they teach you?
My professor Yamin Xu at BGSU has taught me all I know about anything 3D-related. He has been such a great resource for learning both in and outside of the classroom. I’ve grown a love for 3D modeling and simulations thanks to his mentorship. My family and friends are the people who teach me what is ultimately important in my life. Most of my projects are related to or drawn inspiration from them.
10. Is there someone in particular who has influenced your decision to work with ACM SIGGRAPH?
Bonnie Mitchell has supported my career and involvement with SIGGRAPH. It is thanks to her that I’ve been able to attend the conference for the past three years and be an involved member of the ACM SIGGRAPH Community. During SIGGRAPH 2025 in Vancouver, she explained to me the ACM SIGGRAPH History Archive and Committee and the work that she is a part of. It has been such a great experience so far, and I am excited to see where my journey will continue to grow.
11. What can you point to in your career as your proudest moment?
My proudest moment in my career so far has definitely been my SIGGRAPH 2026 experience. When our team got to present our findings and archival work at the conference, I really got to see the impact that this archive has on our community. From hearing pioneers’ experiences to sharing with other Student Volunteers about the Archive, I got to see wisdom being passed down from one generation to passion growing in another. It is an amazing moment to share and learn with people who have the same passions!