SKILLS
PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
GAME ENGINES
DEV TOOLS
DIGITAL MEDIA
PROJECTS
Algorithmic Thinking Game
Working with a subject matter expert, I designed a digital learning game based on scaffolding research and Blockly. The game helps learners develop algorithmic thinking skills necessary for creating computer programs and logic.
Once I laid out the initial design of the game with the team, two talented game developers built and programmed the experience. Only a portion of the game is shown here, but learners complete all levels, each adding a new concept or skill. The learning game is currently used with introductory programming high school and college students.
Routing Ruckus
Designed and developed as a learning game for high school students taking AP Computer Science, this multiplayer Roblox experience helps students learn the importance of redundancy and fault tolerance across networks. Using the course standards and learning objectives as a guide, I designed and developed an obby or obstacle style game with the concept of bringing high-speed internet to multiple cities and towns.
Players avoid platform hazards while navigating to each city's floating network hub, flipping switches to connect high-speed network cables. Once all the cities are connected, players launch the network to test its fault tolerance and redundancy during an alien invasion!
Elusive Bigfoot
I designed a role-playing, top-down, puzzle game as part of my game design studies. My game design document defines the game's intended player, pillars, and mechanics. Playtesting data was collected using quantitative and qualitative analytics. The results of playtesting are included within the game design document.
Players assume the role of Bigfoot, lost in the forest and separated from their family. Collect magic orbs to open portals, find your way home, and escape human investigators in this puzzle role-playing game. Mystical gems give Bigfoot special abilities to remain elusive.
3D Objects Interactive
The 3D coordinate system is often used for developing video games, graphics, and virtual reality applications. Unlike many computer-aided design (CAD) tools, the y-axis is on the vertical plane rather than the z-axis. In 3D digital graphics development, the z-axis creates depth rather than height.
In the example below, I coded an interactive 3D environment using the three.js JavaScript library. The interactive allows learners to explore creating 3D objects in relation to a 3D coordinate system.
Use the following mouse controls to navigate:
- Scroll Wheel = zoom in/out
- Right-click = hold and move to pan side-to-side
- Left-click = hold and move to orbit
ABOUT ME
I began developing video games with BASIC programming at a young age. I created computer games, graphics, and animations with an Olivetti M20 computer. Ever since, I've enjoyed coding, creating games, and building digital spaces. I'm fascinated with web technologies, video game development, and computer science.
I have a passion for modern art and retro video game aesthetics. I'm a low-res pixel artist, and I enjoy creating tiny characters, worlds, and objects. Some of these pixelated sprites are used in my games, but several of them just find their way into my collection of animated art.
I began my teaching career as a special education teacher where I led the use of assistive and instructional technology. I earned my master's degree in educational technology and curriculum from Ball State University (BSU) where I studied the use of the Python programming language with elementary students to teach mathematics, specifically geometry concepts.
While working at Project Lead The Way (PLTW), I led the design and development of an online physical computing curriculum. As part of that project, I established an educational technology partnership with Microsoft MakeCode and the Micro:bit Educational Foundation. I also designed professional development and trained cohorts of licensed middle school educators in physical computing and computer science instruction.
I recently led the Digital Learning Team at ECPI University. We designed and developed web-based learning games, simulations, and instructional media for students and faculty. Currently I'm a curriculum developer for CodeHS and manage web and game development courses.
I'm a licensed computer science teacher in the State of Indiana, a member of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) and the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), and a volunteer referee/juror for robotics and video game development student competitions. I'm also a coffee fanatic who enjoys playing games, reading, watching movies, taking walks with our dog, and just laughing with my family.