International Authors will be presenting their Experience of Games and Learning

Ms Grace D’Arcy, Academy of the Near Future

Grace is the Engagement Programme Manager of Academy of the Near Future, an education programme in partnership between CONNECT Research Centre at Trinity College Dublin and Dublin City Council. She aims to bring young people into the conversation about new technologies in our communities through interactive workshops and hands-on activities. She is leading on the Citizen Science and ‘Design Your Future City’ programmes with Transition Year students, as well as developing the strategy for what Academy of the Near Future does next.

Grace’s presentation (s): Break it before you Make it’ – a design thinking approach to explore STEM with students

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Mr Rizal Adi-Saputra, Institut Teknologi Adhi Tama Surabaya, Indonesia

M. Rizal Adi-Saputra is an Informatics Engineering student at Institut Teknologi Adhi Tama Surabaya, Indonesia focusing on Augmented Reality Development. Currently, M. Rizal Adi Saputra is a researcher in software engineering and game and virtual reality application development. M. Rizal Adi Saputra will complete the Bachelor’s Degree in 2023.

Rizal’s presentation (s): Augmented Reality Innovations for Promotional Purposes: A Case Study of the Mpu Tantular Museum

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Mr Bilal Ahmad, Trinity College Dublin

ilal is a Research Fellow and Technology Lead for Software Solutions in Edtech at the Learnovate Centre at Trinity College Dublin. His key areas of research are at the intersection of Software Engineering and Human-Computer Interaction i.e., Edtech, Smart Ageing, UX Research and Global Software Development, augmented with development of software. More recently, he is involved in Edtech projects related to immersive learning, universal design for learning and core digital/data skills. He holds a PhD in Software Engineering from Lero, the Irish Software Research Centre based at the University of Limerick. During his PhD, he was engaged in research, development, and evaluation of a social volunteering network application for older adults with IBM Ireland.

Bilal’s presentation (s): iWorkSafe: a scenario-based solution to workplace safety training

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Dr Gabriele Aroni, Manchester Metropolitan University

Dr Gabriele Aroni is Senior Lecturer in Game Arts at the School of Digital Arts of Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK. Trained as an architect (MArch University of Florence), he pursued his studies in digital media (MSc Oxford Brookes University) and communication (PhD Toronto Metropolitan and York Universities). He previously taught at the Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in Suzhou (China), Toronto Metropolitan, and OCAD Universities in Toronto (Canada), and worked as interaction designer at Studio Roosegaarde in The Netherlands. His research is situated at the intersection of architecture, game studies, cultural heritage, and semiotics. His publications space from architectural history and semiotics, to the aesthetics of digital games and copyright law. His latest book “The Semiotics of Architecture in Video Games” (2022) is available from Bloomsbury Academic.

Gabriele’s presentation (s): Teaching History of Art and Architecture with Commercial Digital Games

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Mr Moe Ash, The Catalyst

Moe Ash is a learning architect dedicated to the notion of designing learning experiences. He holds a BSC degree in Human Resources Management and minor in Economics from Sadat Academy for Management Sciences , a master’s degree in International Development from the American University in Cairo. An CIPD-HR associate, Certified Instructional Designer HRCI, Certified competency matrix develope, Certified assessment center analyst from Middle Earth HR. Moe is currently looking into acquiring his degree in business psychology aiming to blend gamification & performance management in a tight cohesive mold.
Moe is the founder of The Catalyst, an instructional design consultancy focused on the sole purpose of creating impeccable learning experiences.

Moe’s presentation (s): Dismantling Boardgames

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Dr Janet Benson, Trinity College Dublin

Janet is the Learning Lead and Senior Researcher at the Learnovate Centre at Trinity College Dublin. Her key areas of research are in adult learning theory and learning design, as well as effective onboarding and workplace wellbeing – with a particular interest in gamification and game-based learning. Janet completed a MSc. with the University of Edinburgh, focusing on game-based learning in the workplace as part of her dissertation. She recently completed a course in Positive Health with the Royal College of Surgeons, to further her understanding of workplace wellbeing.

Janet’s presentation (s): iWorkSafe: a scenario-based solution to workplace safety training

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Mr Dean Brennan, Munster Technological University

Dean Brennan is an MTU Graduate and currently undertaking a PhD in Cyber Security. He is an active competitor in Capture the Flag competitions and hackathons and brought this experience to the development of the Escape Room. He has represented Ireland at International competitions in cybersecurity.

Dean’s presentation (s): Cyber Security Escape Room

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MS Clara Butz, Academy of the Near Future

Clara is an Engagement Programme Lead within the Academy of the Near Future. She is leading the programme “The Connective Detective” that engages primary school students with the potential of digital connectivity. Her background is in social science and digital transformation. Clara brings a strong passion to empower young people to use technology to make a difference in their communities.

Clara’s presentation (s):

Ms Elaine Calnan, Munster Technological University

Elaine Calnan has recently joined the MTU Cyber Skills team as a marketing intern. A third year Marketing student at MTU, Elaine was recently nominated for Marketing Intern of the Year at MTU. Elaine brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, excelling particularly in event management, content creation, and content marketing. She was assigned to work under the Cyber Futures initiative in January. Since then, she has assisted in developing the escape room and delivering it to students at events and schools. She has worked on ways to make the escape room activity not only engaging but also an educational experience. Through her interactions with students, Elaine not only makes cybersecurity exciting but also informs them about the diverse career opportunities in the field.

Elaine’s presentation (s): Cyber Security Escape Room

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Ms Mariana Chihenseck-Blanco, Academy of the Near Future

Mariana is an Engagement Programme Lead within the Academy of the Near Future. She is working on a project called “Building Leaders, Crafting Communities” in collaboration with Dreamspace at Microsoft Ireland project, using Minecraft as a tool to increase awareness and understanding of smart and sustainable cities. She has a BSc in Biotechnology Engineering and a MSc in Biotechnology and Business. Mariana is passionate about STEM, leadership and technology, aiming to transform student’s perception of STEM

Mariana’s presentation (s): Break it before you Make it’ – a design thinking approach to explore STEM with students

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Mr Aziz Choiri, Institut Teknologi Adhi Tama Surabaya, Indonesia

M. Aziz Choiri is a student of Informatics Engineering at Adhi Tama Institute of Technology in Surabaya, Indonesia, focusing on Educational Game Development. Currently, M. Aziz Choiri is a researcher in the field of software engineering and educational game application development. M. Aziz Choiri completed his Bachelor’s degree in 2022.

Aziz’s presentation (s): Incremental Model For Designing An Android-Based Educational Game “Adventure The Kingdom of Majapahit

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Ms Miriam Curtin, Dublin City University

Miriam Curtin joined the Cyber Skills team as part of the STEM Teacher Internship Programme facilitated by DCU. She completed a 12-week placement during the summer of 2023, where she worked on different research projects and the Escape Room. She graduated from University of Limerick in September 2023 with a Bachelor’s of Science concurrent with Teacher Education (Biology and Agricultural Science). She joined the Cyber Skills team again in January 2024 and is now working on the Science Foundation Ireland National Challenge Fund Digital for Resilience research project.

Miriam’s presentation (s): Cyber Security Escape Room

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Mr Brian Doyle, Na Gaeil Chicago

Brian O Dubhghaill (Brian Doyle) is an American-born gaeilgeoir, Irish-language teacher, and aspiring game designer. He holds an M.A. in Linguistics, with a specialization in Sociolinguistics, from Northeastern Illinois University. His master’s thesis, “Scríobh na nDaoine: Orthographic Variation, Ideology, and Literacy Practices in Irish” (2008), examined the topic of spelling and script reform, reflecting a long-time interest in visual design. During the pandemic, Brian rekindled two passions, Irish-language study and fantasy roleplaying. He earned a B2 Irish certificate from Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) in 2021 and currently teaches beginning Irish online for the nonprofit organization, Na Gaeil Chicago.

Brian’s presentation (s): GaelQuest: A fantasy card game for learning Irish

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Ms Eabha Dwyer, Munster Technological University

Eabha Dwyer is in her final year of a Marketing degree in MTU, Cork. She has been working with Cyber Skills and Cyber Futures for over 15 months, starting out as a marketing intern and now a part-time researcher. During her Marketing Internship she worked on planning, creating and executing the Cyber Security Escape Room. She considers it the highlight of her role at Cyber Skills and have found educating teenagers on the importance of cyber security, everyday common risks and relevance of it in any industry or career is beyond rewarding and is proud to have been a part of it.

Eabha’s presentation (s): Supporting the transition from Scratch to Python coding: Using Pytch to create a Space Invaders-style game

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Ms Stine Ejsing-Duun, Aalborg University, Denmark

Associate Professor Stine Ejsing-Duun focuses on how people meet the world through technology, how it shapes us and how we shape it. She currenlty investigates how design can be used as modes of inquiry that can help us create preferable futures and how tech allows us to act upon and transcend ourselves in everyday spaces providing us with new perspetives. Other of her research interests and areas of expertise include Technology for and in education, Design theory, practice and thinking, Computational thinking/Playful programming, Gamification, Gameful design, game theory and practice, location-based games, Epistemology of the hand: Hacker/maker culture, tinkering, Prototyping, Mediated spaces/hybrid spaces, Aesthetics and learning, and Design-based Research.

Stine’s presentation (s): Participatory Urbanism: Making the Stranger Familiar and the Familiar Strange

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Mr Nanang FakhrurRozi, Institut Teknologi Adhi Tama Surabaya, Indonesia

Nanang Fakhrur Rozi is a lecturer in the Informatics Department at Institut Teknologi Adhi Tama Surabaya (ITATS) in Indonesia. He holds a Computer Science degree specializing in Software Engineering and Information Retrieval from the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS). His research interests lie in game development, particularly for educational applications. At ITATS, he gives lectures on web development, database management, and information retrieval. He also contributes to open-source projects, which can be found on his GitHub profile.

Nanang’s presentation (s): Incremental Model For Designing An Android-Based Educational Game “Adventure The Kingdom of Majapahit

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Ms Sara Fiori, Trinity College Dublin

Sara holds a M.Sc. degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Politecnico di Milano (Italy). Her research interests focus on computer science education, accessibility, digital and social inclusion. She is currently working as a research assistant in the Pytch project, based in the Trinity College Dublin School of Computer Science and Statistics. Pytch helps people to bridge the challenging gap between block-based programming and text-based programming, with the widely-used Python programming language.

Sara’s presentation (s): Supporting the transition from Scratch to Python coding: Using Pytch to create a Space Invaders-style game

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Dr César Garcia-Garcia, University of Guadalajara

Dr. César García is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in academia and research. Currently serving as a Full-Time Professor at the University of Guadalajara since 2014, Dr. García specializes in Computer Science Engineering and Applied Mathematics. He holds a Ph.D. in Information Technology from the University of Guadalajara, where he focused on modeling and simulation. Additionally, he completed doctoral studies in Applied Mathematics at the University of Toulouse-Capitole, France, specializing in mathematical modeling. Dr. García has made notable contributions to the field through numerous publications and thesis supervision. His current research interests are artificial intelligence, serious games, and energy efficiency

César’s presentation (s): Educational Game Design: Exploring Energy Matrices through a Monopoly-Inspired Approach

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Dr Leslie Haas, Xavier University of Louisiana, United States of America

Teaching experiences across Dr. Haas’ career include working with K-12, undergraduate, and graduate students. Additional experiences include instructional coaching, professional development, curriculum design, and department administration. Opportunities in highly diverse settings have acted as both a catalyst and foundation for her focus on integrating and connecting literacy across disciplines through culturally and linguistically responsive instructional practices. Dr. Haas is particularly interested in technology-based literacy opportunities for underrepresented populations through engagement with popular culture, specifically gaming and fanfiction. She has been honored for her work in research, teaching, and technology through Buena Vista University, Fierce Education, The Texas A&M University System, and The Dallas Catholic Foundation.

Leslie’s presentation (s): Exploring Literacy Through Quests

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Prof Thorkild Hanghøj, Aalborg University, Denmark

Thorkild Hanghøj is a Professor of Games and Learning at Aalborg University, Dept. of Communication and Psychology, Copenhagen. His work focuses on exploring links between social gaming, dialogue, and inclusion. He currently manages the research project “Esport as learning space and bridge builder for vulnerable youth” (2023-2027) funded by the Velux Foundation, which explores how vulnerable young people (age 16-25) may benefit from taking part in social gaming activities as a bridge builder to other domains.

Thorkild’s presentation (s): Social gaming as a gateway to inclusion for vulnerable young people

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Mr Richard Harte, Learnovate Centre, Trinity College Dublin

Richard was the UX lead on the ALPACA project. He holds a Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering from Maynooth University and a PhD from NUI Galway, where he studied older adults’ user experience with wearable medical devices. Richard has worked on several large EU healthcare projects in areas such as gait analysis, fall detection, patient monitoring, data visualisation and medical UI design. He also recently worked in EU projects related to educational technology and accessibility. His skill set includes user-centered design, user testing, ethnography, UI design, risk management, impact assessments, qualitative research and his interests are all things user experience.

Richard’s presentation (s): The birth of Alfie the Alpaca; Using game based learning to bring an early literacy screening tool to life

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Dr Peter Howell, University of Portsmouth

Peter is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Games Design in the School of Creative Technologies at the University of Portsmouth, and the Course Leader for BA (Hons) Computer Games Design. Prior to teaching he was a Game Designer at The Chinese Room. He has over 10 years’ experience teaching game design and development in Further and Higher Education, focusing primarily on game systems design, player experience design, 3D asset creation, level design and scripting, and academic games research. His research interests lie in the intersection of psychology, game design, game play, and games education.

Peter’s presentation (s): Learning and reinforcing geographical skills within fieldwork activities as a video game for KS3

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Dr Julia Kiernan, Lawrence Technological University

Dr. Julia Kiernan’s research and teaching are intimately linked, and regularly examine the shifting impacts of inclusive pedagogical and curricular intervention in the digital humanities, environmental humanities, and game design. Her current research is framed within narrative, new media, and transmedia adaptation; her primary theoretical frames are rhetorical listening, narrative theory, and trauma studies. Her favoured research methodology is active research, which focuses on the impacts of listening, reflection, and feedback throughout learning processes. At Lawrence Technological University, she is currently an Assistant Professor of Communication; in fall 2024, she will maintain this role while also joining the Game Design program as an Associate Professor.

Julia’s presentation (s): Land of the Three Fires: Intentional Game Design and the Affordances & Constraints of Creating Authentic, Transdisciplinary and Critical Learning Outcomes

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Dr Aoife Long, Munster Technological University

Dr. Aoife Long is the Education and Public Engagement Manager for the HEA-funded Cyber Skills project based at Munster Technological University. In this role she leads an SFI Discover-funded project to promote cyber security as a career to young people and has led the team developing the Escape Room. She has a PhD on biofuels policy to the School of Engineering at University College Cork. Prior to undertaking her PhD, I was based in Lebanon as part of the UNICEF co-ordination team responding to the Syria Crisis. In my early career I worked as an engineer and transport planner in both public and private sector organisations.

Aoife’s presentation (s): Cyber Security Escape Room

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Mr Luke McKenzie, Munster Technological University

Luke McKenzie is a third-year marketing student at Munster Technology University, currently interning at Cyber Skills. His responsibilities include analysing data with Google Analytics, managing website content, and posting content on Cyber Skills’ social media platforms including LinkedIn, X and Instagram. Luke also helps manage prospective student enquiries into Cyber Skills pathways and micro credentials. He has participated in events like IWISH at the RDS in Dublin and has contributed to designing escape room challenges presented at events and schools nationally. In his free time, Luke enjoys tinkering with computer hardware and building computers.

Luke’s presentation (s): Cyber Security Escape Room

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Prof Alison McNamara, Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences

Professor Dr. Alison McNamara holds the position of Professor of Mobile Applications at Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany. Originally from Ireland, she pursued her undergraduate studies in Software Engineering at the University of Galway. Following graduation, she continued on her professional journey in Luxembourg. Subsequently, she pursued a Master’s degree in Knowledge Management Systems back at the University of Galway.

Transitioning to industry, she spent several years immersed in Dublin’s tech scene – ‘Europe”s Silicon Valley’. Her academic pursuits were reignited when she was awarded a scholarship to undertake a full-time PhD at the University of Galway, focusing on the intersection of gesture-based technology and game-based learning. Her career trajectory within the tech sector involved diverse roles, culminating in a project assignment that led her to Germany in 2017, where she once again applied her expertise as a software developer leading to a career as lead software developer and consultant also founding her own company. Post-PhD, she assumed roles in Dublin’s tech scene and later ventured to Germany, continuing as a software developer. Amidst the pandemic, she initiated the “Java with Ali” YouTube channel, offering tutorials in Java programming. Her research interests include Gesture-Based Technology and Game-Based Learning.

Alison’s presentation (s): Exploring the Impact of Digital Game-Based Learning with the Leap Motion Controller using Artificial Intelligence on Programming Pedagogy at Third-Level

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Ms Luciana Medeiros, Learnovate Centre, Trinity College Dublin

Luciana was the lead UI designer on the ALPACA project. She is an experienced commercial designer, working since 2000 in Design agencies and IT companies. She has designed award winning projects focused on innovative and gamified learning concepts. Designer specialist working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team of researchers through innovative learning projects using next-generation prototypes in the EdTech sector. Luciana’s diverse skill set includes graphic and digital design projects on different platforms with an emphasis on Game-based learning. Cross-functional work in the centre working on a variety of types of projects in the field of UX/UI, creating digital assets such as storyboards, user flows, user journeys, wireframes, user interfaces, interactive prototypes, illustrations, animations, visual identities, branding, websites. Luciana holds a BA in Design, also in Architecture and Urbanism from UFPE (Recife, Brazil), a Post Grad. in Interaction Design and Interfaces for Digital Devices from CESAR.edu (Porto Digital, Brazil) and a Professional Diploma in UX Design (UX Design Institute, Ireland).

Luciana’s presentation (s): The birth of Alfie the Alpaca; Using game based learning to bring an early literacy screening tool to life

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Dr Hazel Murray, Munster Technological University

Dr. Hazel Murray is a cybersecurity researcher with research interests in password security, authentication, quantum cryptography and local differential privacy. She completed her PhD on authentication security at Maynooth University under an Irish Research Council GOI Postgraduate Scholarship. Her undergraduate is in Mathematics Education from Maynooth University which she graduated from with highest results. Hazel has worked as a cryptography lecturer at Dublin City University for two years from 2018-2020. In 2020-2021, Hazel worked as a visiting researcher at the University of Chicago working on practical implementations of local differential privacy in online tracking.

Hazel’s presentation (s): Cyber Security Escape Room

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Dr Ben North, Trinity College Dublin

Ben has been programming computers since a young age, including writing a successful Arkanoid clone back in the shareware era. He holds an MA (mathematics) and DPhil (engineering) from the University of Oxford, UK. He is currently a Research Fellow at Trinity College Dublin, working as part of the Pytch project since its beginning. Among other research responsibilities, he acts as Pytch’s main developer. He has taught programming to primary-age learners in after-school coding clubs and to masters students at university. He enjoys helping people to realise that they can tell computers what to do, and can make things they are proud of, being creators and not just consumers of technology.

Ben’s presentation (s): Supporting the transition from Scratch to Python coding: Using Pytch to create a Space Invaders-style game

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Ms Gillian OCarroll, Munster Technological University

A Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at MTU, Cork, Gillian O’Carroll qualified as a Chartered Accountant with EY and has extensive experience working in IT Risk and Project Management in the financial services industry. Gillian holds a Commerce degree from University College Cork (UCC), an MBS in Corporate Finance & Accounting (UCC), and a Diploma in Risk Management, Compliance & Internal Audit (Chartered Accountants Ireland). Gillian’s research interests include Operational Resilience for Financial Services and Key Outsourcer Risk Management.

Gillian’s presentation (s): Cyber Security Escape Room

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Dr George OMahony, Munster Technological University

Dr George D. O’Mahony graduated top of his class with a first-class honors Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from University College Cork (UCC) in 2015. He graduated as a UCC Quercus University Scholar and was chosen the UCC College of Science, Engineering and Food Science (SEFS) Graduate of the year for 2015. He also received the Cork Electronics Industry Association and Engineers Ireland Awards for Top Graduate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering 2015. After graduation, he worked as a Project Manager in the pharmaceutical industry with PM Group/MSD. Before commencing his Ph.D. in 2017, he worked as a research intern with United Technologies Research Center Ireland focused on Internet of Things device security and wireless communications.

George’s presentation (s): Cyber Security Escape Room

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Mr Andy Rachman, Institut Teknologi Adhi Tama Surabaya, Indonesia

Andy Rachman is a lecturer in the Informatics Engineering Study Program at Institut Teknologi Adhi Tama Surabaya, Indonesia. Research fields regarding Software Engineering, Games, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, UI/UX, and Information and Communication Technology Development. Andy Rachman is also a lecturer in game development, virtual reality, and educational technology. In 2022, Andy Rachman will receive two titles simultaneously from the Institut Teknologi Adhi Tama Surabaya, namely as the 1st Rank Most Productive Book Writer and the Lecturer with the Third Best Recognition

Andy’s presentation (s):

Dr Roxana Recio-Colmenares, University of Guadalajara

Dr. Roxana Berenice Recio Colmenares is a researcher and member of the National System of Researchers in Mexico, recognized as a Candidate for National Researcher for the period 2023-2026. Her expertise lies in the areas of thermo-solar energy and design and evaluation of energy micro-grids using artificial intelligence. Dr. Recio Colmenares holds a Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, a Master’s degree in water and energy engineering, and a Doctorate in water and energy, all from the University of Guadalajara. Her current research interests are solar drying technology for food preservation, designing micro-grids applying artificial neural networks, and energy efficiency.

Roxana’s presentation (s): Educational Game Design: Exploring Energy Matrices through a Monopoly-Inspired Approach

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Dr Carolina Recio-Colmenares, University of Guadalajara

Dr. Carolina Livier Recio Colmenares is a distinguished researcher and member of the National System of Researchers in Mexico, recognized as a Candidate for National Researcher for the period 2022-2025. Her expertise lies in the field of Design and Optimization of Advanced Materials, contributing to the Lines of Generation and Application of Knowledge at the University of Guadalajara, specifically within the Department of Water and Energy Studies. In addition to her research endeavors, Dr. Recio Colmenares serves as the Program Coordinator for the bachelor’s degree in Energy Engineering at the University of Guadalajara. Dr. Recio Colmenares holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, a master’s degree in water and energy engineering, and a Doctorate in Water and Energy, all from the University of Guadalajara. Her current research interests are ecological remediation using advanced materials as well as energy efficiency.

Carolina’s presentation (s): Educational Game Design: Exploring Energy Matrices through a Monopoly-Inspired Approach

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Ms Chloe Roche, Munster Technological University

Chloe Roche is a Bachelor of Business in Marketing student in her final year. She began working in CyberSkills and Cyber Futures over a year ago starting as a marketing intern, with no knowledge of the cybersecurity sector and is now a part-time researcher, gaining a huge insight into the importance of cybersecurity. She considers the creation of the Escape Room has been by far one of her greatest achievements. Being given an opportunity to come up with an idea that has progressed to the scale it has, has been extremely rewarding. “Allowing for it to educate adolescents about the importance of cybersecurity and how to protect themselves. This is something I am extremely proud to say I have been part of.”

Chloe’s presentation (s): Cyber Security Escape Room

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Mr Michael Saiger,

Michael is a multifaceted designer and researcher specializing in the intersection of youth engagement and mental health game development. With a background in Digital Health and Wellbeing from the University of Strathclyde and Game Design and Production Management from Abertay University. He is particularly interested in player experiences, engagement evaluation, and retention strategies within the gaming industry. As an independent designer and researcher, Michael has contributed to projects for prominent organizations like Mattel, BBC, and Drinkaware. His research focuses on user involvement methodologies, such as co-design, in applied game design for young people. Most recently, Michael has contributed to the TeachQuest project, an ESRC funded project to explore communication methods of recruitment in teaching.

Michael’s presentation (s): Designing Persuasive Games for STEM Teacher Recruitment

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Zofia’s presentation (s): How can Virtual Reality enhance communication during online academic conferences?

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Dr Cliodhna Sargent, Munster Technological University

Dr. Cliodhna Sargent is the Education and Public Engagement Manager for the Nimbus Research Centre, and as part of this role she works with the Cyber Skills team on the delivery of the Cyber Security Escape Room to schools and through industry. Prior to this Cliodhna was responsible for a TUTF funded project which was focused on enhancing the awareness of blockchain technology within industry and academia in Ireland. She also spent several years working with the V-LINC research group on the development and management of economic clusters across various sectors including ICT, tourism and agri-food. Cliodhna holds a PhD in Biological Sciences and a Masters in Sports and Leisure Management both from MTU

Cliodhna’s presentation (s): Cyber Security Escape Room

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Ms Helen Slade, University of Portsmouth

Helen graduated with a B.A Hons in Geography and Social Anthropology followed by a PGCE and have over 40 years’ teaching experience in a variety of different secondary schools. During her career she fought hard to ensure that every Geography student had an offsite fieldwork experience in a range of locations as she fervently believes in the power of experiential learning. She gained a Masters in I.T in Education in 2003 with the dissertation focusing on using computer games for teaching and learning. Helen is currently in the third year of a part-time doctoral degree at the University of Portsmouth where her research focus continues to be using video games for teaching and learning for schools.

Helen’s presentation (s): Learning and reinforcing geographical skills within fieldwork activities as a video game for KS3

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Dr Brett Stevens, University of Portsmouth

Brett Stevens joined the academic staff with the University of Portsmouth in 2001 and is now a Principal Lecturer and Research and Innovation lead for the School of Creative Technologies. His research focuses on user interaction, primarily for Augmented and Virtual Reality in heritage organisations, with a specific interest in experiencing the unseen and un-seeable. He has co-authored more than 50 publications, including two best papers and a book on Semantic Meta-data. He has supervised over 20 PhD students to successful completion and is a member of the British Computing Society and fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Brett’s presentation (s): Learning and reinforcing geographical skills within fieldwork activities as a video game for KS3

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Ms S Sulistyowati , Teknologi Adhi Tama Surabaya, Indonesia

Sulistyowati is a lecturer in Information Systems at Institut Teknologi Adhi Tama Surabaya, Indonesia. Her research focuses on Software Engineering, Algorithms, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Educational Games, and Expert Systems. Sulistyowati is also a lecturer on ISBN book products and a reviewer for accredited national journals in Indonesia. Sulistyowati has also won two National Research, Technology, and Higher Education grants

S’s presentation (s): Incremental Model For Designing An Android-Based Educational Game “Adventure The Kingdom of Majapahit

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Dr Jill Tussey, Buena Vista University, United States

Dr. Jill Tussey’s career in literacy education has provided a variety of experiences in curriculum and instruction across K-12, undergraduate, and graduate courses. Her areas of interest include student engagement and motivation with targeted focus on digital literacy, poverty impacts, and socialemotional learning. Service leadership is important to Dr. Tussey and can be clearly seen in her current work as the Division Chair for Literacy, TESL, and Early Childhood at Buena Vista University. She has authored and edited books, chapters, and journal articles. Additionally, she has presented at local, state, national, and international settings over a variety of literacy topics

Jill’s presentation (s): Exploring Literacy Through Quests

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Mr Nico Valdivia-Hennig, University of California

Nico Valdivia Hennig (He/They) is an award-winning Chilean game designer, ludic activist, and cultural studies researcher with over a decade of experience in game design. They are a PhD candidate in Hispanic Studies at the University of California, Riverside, with a Designated Emphasis in Speculative Fiction. Their research focuses on ludic activism, game design, and game production in Latin America. Nico co-founded Niebla Games, which has launched both board and video games for PC and mobile platforms. In 2022, their studio was selected for Google’s Indie Games Accelerator program. Notable accolades include “Best Game Design” at EVA Córdoba 2019 in Argentina, “Best Chilean Studio of 2021”, and recent nominations for the Explorer Award at the AMaze/Berlin Festival of Experimental Game Art 2024, as well as for Best Social Matters Game and Best Diversity Game at the BIG Festival/Gamescom Latam 2024 in São Paulo, Brazil. Nico has extensive experience lecturing on game design and narrative within game development programs in Chile. They also co-founded Río Junto, a Latin American cultural exchange hub, and the Ludocrítica Network. Recently, Nico became a fellow-in-residence of the Speculative Play and Just Futurities program at Indiana University, supported by the Mellon Foundation.

Nico’s presentation (s): Game Design for Students and Community alike: A Teaching Method

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Mr Jan Waligorski, AGH University of Krakow

Jan’s presentation (s): How can Virtual Reality enhance communication during online academic conferences?

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Dr Ahu Yolac, Lawrence Technological University

Dr. Yolac is a game studies researcher, game designer, and gamer. She is a multidisciplinary designer with a Ph.D. in Arts Education with a focus on Game Design from UIUC, an MSc in Industrial Design from METU, and a BFA in Interior Architecture and Environmental Design from Bilkent University. She is interested in games as transdisciplinary, critical, and informal learning spaces. She conducts design-based research projects on intentional design practices with the goal of enhancing critical thinking outcomes for both gameplay and the design process. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor of Game Design at Lawrence Technological University.

Ahu’s presentation (s): Land of the Three Fires: Intentional Game Design and the Affordances & Constraints of Creating Authentic, Transdisciplinary and Critical Learning Outcomes

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