Student Spotlights
Ryohei Shima
Why did you choose this major?
I chose to pursue a degree in Digital Media Studies because I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of technology and art. Throughout history, technological advancements have transformed the way art is created, experienced, and shared. I wanted to explore both the historical context and the practical techniques that continue to shape our digital world today.
What’s your capstone project?
I am the team lead and product manager for my mobile phone app Boredom, a mobile app designed to help users manage screen time by reducing daily usage by just a few minutes. By gradually decreasing your screen time, Boredom offers a gentle, almost unnoticeable approach for breaking phone addiction. If you cut just 3 minutes a day, how much time could you save in two months?
Why is community engagement important to you?
Community engagement is important to me because meaningful connections and collaboration are essential to both personal and collective growth. It challenges us to listen, to understand diverse perspectives, and to remain open to change. By engaging with a community, I’m able to create projects that reflect real experiences and have a stronger, more lasting impact.
What are your plans after you graduate?
After I graduate I will continue to work on my capstone project. I aspire to be a product manager in the near future!
What is your proudest accomplishment while at the UofR?
My proudest accomplishment while at the University of Rochester has been working on my capstone project. It was my first time leading a team to tackle an issue that affects people globally. While the project is still in progress, the experience of leading a group and working together towards a common goal has already been incredibly rewarding.
What do you like to do when not in school?
I like to make music when I’m not in school. I go by pleasur3, which you can check out on Spotify or Apple Music!
A Rochester must?
You have to walk along the Genesee River on a good day, not when it’s cold, cloudy, and sad. I recommend to do it without your phone! Just listen to the birds, the wind blowing, and your own footsteps.
Feast/meal of the times? Details, please!
Nigiri Sushi! I love botan shrimp, sea urchin, salmon, and fatty tuna. It reminds of the days my grandparents brought me to a sushi restaurant and let me order whatever I wanted.
An inspiring book/movie/show? We are really curious as to why!
I recently watched Look Back by Tatsuski Fujimoto. It’s just an hour long, but it left a deep impression on me. It made me think about why I create art in the first place and reminded me of the reasons we push through frustration and keep going. frustration and keep going. It made me reflect on my life as it is, rather than getting caught in what it could have been.
Fun fact or quote
“To be loved is to be changed”
Ask me about…
Fashion and music!