Human-computer interaction is the theme of Trevin Morales’ short, 2D animated film as he prepares to graduate this month from New Mexico State University’s top-ranked animation program in the Creative Media Institute (CMI). His final project is titled “Mechanical Craving,” about an isolated man’s sacrifices for his AI companion.

“I’ve wanted to do animation ever since I was in high school and my brother participated in the CMI program,” Morales said. “I’m from Las Cruces, so seeing there was a chance for me to stay close to home and pursue a career that I'm very passionate about made me very happy.”