About

I'm Nathanael Arden Schager, a creative technologist in New York. I build experimental interfaces with emerging technology: AI world models, XR experiences, interactive installations, and the occasional robot.

I'm currently at Google Creative Lab, prototyping with generative AI. Before that I spent two years at TikTok as an interactive engineer working on AR. I studied computer science at Stanford and hold an MFA in Design and Technology from Parsons, where I am also adjunct faculty.

The other half of my practice is art, which lives at nathanael.art.

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Experience

→ Resume (PDF)

NATHANAEL SCHAGER

NYC / NJ • www.nathanael.work • nathanaelschager@pm.me

ABOUT

AI-focused designer, engineer, and educator building experimental interactions using emerging tech.

SKILLS

AIClaude Code, Cursor, TensorFlow, OpenCV, MediaPipe

CodeJavaScript (Three.js, React, Node), TypeScript, Python, C++, GLSL

DesignFigma, UX, Rapid Prototyping, Sound Design, Installation

WORK EXPERIENCE

Creative Technologist (Contract) – Google Creative Lab, New York, NYJuly 2025 – Now

Led UX and Three.js interface work for Project Genie: website animations, marketing, branding, and use-case prototyping for interactive world models
Shipped 10 creative AI tools for Flow 2.0 launch; mentored external creators on AI-led engineering
Built React Native prototypes for the Project Disco browser, including its agentic mouse cursor
Created an interactive web installation featuring Project Genie, shown at Cannes Lions

Freelance Creative TechnologistOct 2022 – July 2025

Developed a VR space showcasing Deaf culture with HTC VIVE Arts for Gray Area Festival
Technical director for a 40-user VR exhibition at Lincoln Center's Summer for the City
Built shader animations in TouchDesigner & Unreal for Necto, a Venice Biennale 2025 installation

Interactive Engineer – TikTok, Mountain View, CAJune 2020 – Oct 2022

Engineered AR effects that engaged 80M+ TikTok users worldwide, resulting in 7B+ video views
Contributed foundational engineering to TikTok Effect House, focusing on tools and components
Prototyped and built shaders, tools, and AR algorithms, earning six patents (three as first inventor)

Telerobotics Engineer – Nimble Robotics, San Francisco, CAJune 2019 – June 2020

Built and deployed XR interfaces for remote control of 50+ semi-autonomous warehouse robots

AR Engineer Intern – Snap Inc., Los Angeles, CAJune 2018 – Sept 2018

Developed procedural algorithms and shaders that shipped in Snapchat's 3D Snap tool

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Adjunct Faculty (AI & Python) – Parsons School of Design, New York, NYAug 2025 – May 2026

Teaching Assistant (VR) – Parsons School of Design, New York, NYAug 2024 – Dec 2024

EDUCATION

MFA Design and Technology – Parsons School of Design, New York, NYAug 2023 – May 2025

BS Computer Science (HCI Focus) – Stanford University, Stanford, CASept 2012 – June 2017

AWARDS

Cannes Lions Grand Prix (Digital Craft)June 2026

D&AD Wood PencilMay 2026