Mae'r cynnwys hwn ar gael yn Saesneg yn unig.
Trosolwg
I received my Bachelor of Arts from Ball State University and my Master of Arts at Kingston University London both in Creative Writing. I use my background to inform my research of identifying how video games use their abilities as a story-telling medium to direct the way that players see their world, especially in relation to gender. Representations found in game spaces use narratives and mechanics to present game universes in specific ways concerning gender, race, and class – ways which are then projected into the real world. My particular research interests lie in evaluating both narrative and ludic portrayals and their outcomes in real-world attitudes. Once in a blue moon, I manage to find time to play games for fun too!
Ymchil
Diddordebau ymchwil
In summary, my research interests are focused on minority representations in games, though I am particularly intrigued by portrayals of sexuality and gender. More specifically, my current research is a mixed method of critical theory and media studies and focuses on the connections made by video games: connections between representations in games and player world view -- and how these shape the interactions players have with each other.
This is done through the examination of the marriage of ludic and narrative aspects of games and what they claim about suitability for the masculine and feminine as well as assumptions of people of colour, people with diabilities, etc. These roles are often dependent on stereotype, reflecting the beliefs of the cultures in which they are created (and reflecting that stereotype back into the culture).
My research also analyses games which seek to combat stereotype-themed play by offering positive portrayals and genuine explorations of topics like sexuality, race, and religion.
Additionally, my research examines traits in players which can predict in-game choice based on various demographical characteristics including gender, frequency of play, race, and others.
Sexism in gaming communities also inspires my research. I seek to define and measure traits found in those who harass fellow players and why they feel compelled to target marginalised groups. This leads to other player/player intra- and interpersonal interactions which support relationships both platonic and romantic.
Publications: Words, Pauses, Noises (2013), RiPPle Literary Magazine (2014), Paper Tape Literary Journal (2014), Junction Box Literary Magazine (2017), and Excursions Journal (2018).
Dysgu
Presentations and Talks
ENCAPsulate Conference
June 2018
- Presented my paper titled Surviving the Feminine Threat: Young Girls as Agents of Horror hosted by Cardiff University.
Cardiff University JOMEC Conference
May 2018
- Presented my paper titled How Sexist is Your Gaming Experience? hosted by Cardiff University’s department of Journalism, Media, and Culture.
Gender at a Crossroads Conference
May 2018
- Presented my academic poster titled The Sexist Learning Curve of MMOs hosted by the Gender and Sexuality Cluster of the South West and Wales Doctoral Training Partnership.
Breaking Boundaries Conference
April 2018
- Presented my paper titled Conflicting Motivations: Gendered Choices in Video Games for the Cardiff University Doctoral Academy conference.
ENCAPsulate Conference | Organiser
June 2017
- Organised abstracts, timetables, and other relevant planning for the ENCAPsulate Conference hosted by Cardiff University.
ENCAPsulate Conference
June 2017
- Presented my paper titled Gendered Preferences in MMORPGs for the Postgraduate ENCAPsulate Conference hosted by Cardiff University.
Gender and Digital Cultures Conference
November 2016
- Presented my paper titled In-Game Desires for the Postgraduate Gender and Digital Cultures Conference hosted by Cardiff University.
Assuming Gender Seminar
March 2016
- Presented my paper titled Role-playing Gender for the Assuming Gender seminar and publication with Cardiff University.
Teaching and Research Experience
Interdisciplinary Film & Visual Culture Research Network (IFVCR) | Social Media Officer
November 2017 – Present
- Regularly posted important information relating to visual and digital culture to the IFVCR Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Creative Writing – Cardiff University | Seminar Tutor
January – June 2019
- Lead seminar for the first year Creative Writing module by writing plans and giving weekly two-hour sessions in which the students applied lessons from the lecture. I also marked and monitored student’s workshopping of their creative pieces. The seminar was the second semester continuation of Creative Reading.
Creative Reading – Cardiff University | Seminar Tutor
September 2018 – January 2019
- Lead seminar for the first year Creative Reading module by writing plans and giving weekly two-hour sessions in which the students applied their lessons from the lecture. I also marked and monitored student’s workshopping of their creative pieces.
History of Mass Communication and Culture – Cardiff University | Seminar Tutor
September 2017 – January 2018
- Lead seminars for the first year History of Mass Communication and Culture module by writing plans and giving weekly sessions in which the students applied their knowledge from the lecture. I also marked and monitored student’s essays and exams of module content.
Creative Writing – Cardiff University | Seminar Tutor
January – June 2017
- Lead seminar for the first year Creative Writing module by writing plans and giving weekly two-hour sessions in which the students applied lessons from the lecture. I also marked and monitored student’s workshopping of their creative pieces. The seminar was the second semester continuation of Creative Reading.
Creative Reading – Cardiff University | Seminar Tutor
September 2016 – January 2017
- Lead seminar for the first year Creative Reading module by writing plans and giving weekly two-hour sessions in which the students applied their lessons from the lecture. I also marked and monitored student’s workshopping of their creative pieces.