HI, I'M KYLE
I'm a software designer and developer with a keen interest in the expressive power of games and digital media. Thanks for coming to visit!
Explore my site to learn more about me, my background and what I have to offer. If you have questions or would like to discuss an opportunity to work together, feel free to get in touch.
GAME DESIGN/DEVELOPMENT
These are some of the playful experiences I've made.
UX DESIGN
This is an exploration of my UX design process, using a project that I led as an example. The project in question was an online, interactive learning module concerning the harmful neuromyths surrounding dyslexia.
WORK EXPERIENCE
These are some of the fantastic people and organizations I've worked for in the past.
TEACHING ASSISTANT/GRADUATE RESEARCHER
September 2020 - present
While pursuing my PhD in computer science, I have taught undergraduate courses in CS at the University of California, Davis. I have also worked on multiple projects within the UC Davis SING Lab as a graduate researcher.
SOFTWARE ENGINEER
February 2020 - September 2020
While working with Meemo, a financial technology mobile app start-up in San Francisco, I was able to build front-end and back-end technologies using Flutter, Go, and Python. I spearheaded the release of a weekly feature that made it into the live version of the app.
MENTOR
January 2020 - September 2020
While working with Third Haus in San Francisco, I was able to teach and mentor elementary school students in an after-school education program. My specialties were computer science, mathematics, and podcasting.
DESIGN CONSULTANT/DEVELOPER
August 2018 - present
With the American University School of Education, I am leading the design and development of an interactive learning experience about dyslexia.
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Tools Used: Unity3D Engine, Figma, Marvel, Microsoft Suite, R-Studio
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Coding Languages Used: C#, XML, MySQL, PHP, R
GAME DESIGNER/RESEARCHER
May 2017 - June 2018
In the Serious Games Initiative at the Wilson Center, I was able to design and work on various types of games: board games dealing with history, digital games developed with Unity, and live-action roleplaying games dealing with important topics like the disproportionate under-representation of women in STEM fields.
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Tools Used: Unity3D Engine, Microsoft Suite, Adobe Suite
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Coding Languages Used: C#, XML
GRADUATE ASSISTANT
September 2016 - May 2017
As a graduate student, I aided a faculty member in researching visual neuroscience and the science of perception for an NSF grant proposal. The object of the proposal was an interactive exhibit with gameful elements that sought to bring popular science to younger audiences.
UNDERGRADUATE FELLOW INÂ COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE
May 2014 - May 2016
As an undergraduate, I was exposed to working with deep learning neural networks and the C++ development environment in attempting to train an unmanned aerial vehicle (a hobby kit drone) to learn to avoid head-on collisions with objects via a mounted GoPro camera.
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Tools Used: Microsoft Suite, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Caffe
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Coding Languages Used: C++, Python
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
May 2013 - August 2013
While studying neuroscience as an undergraduate, I gained some exposure to working with human subjects. We used eye-tracking equipment to assess visual discrimination ability in different paradigms.
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Tools Used: Microsoft Suite
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Coding Languages Used: MATLAB
EDUCATION
These are the institutions that have brought me to where I am today.
PHD, COMPUTER SCIENCE - UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS
September 2020 - present
Currently in progress.
MA, GAME DESIGN - AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
September 2016Â - May 2018
Received Master's degree in Game Design and Interactive Media. Graduated with GPA of 4.0/4.0.
BA, NEUROSCIENCE - BOSTON UNIVERSITY
September 2012 - May 2016
Received Bachelor's degree in neuroscience. Graduated summa cum laude and GPA of 3.85/4.0. Also received membership within Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society.
HS DIPLOMA - ST. JOHN'S PREPARATORY SCHOOL
September 2008 - May 2012
Received high school diploma with highest honors.
SERVICES
These are some of the things I can bring to the table.
GAME DESIGN
I like to think that I've studied games my whole life. I am well-versed in various creation tools like Unity and Twine, as well as development management tools like Trello. I also know my way around an Agile work environment, thanks to my experiences in both school and professional employment.
UX/UI DESIGN
I use industry standard tools like Figma, Photoshop, and Marvel to create and test visual and functional prototypes for user interfaces. A streamlined, accessible user experience is what I strive for in all of my projects.
DATA ANALYSIS
I am well acquainted with the use of SQL databases, Excel, and R to crunch data for valuable insight into the users of my projects.
NEUROSCIENCE AND AI
I have a deep appreciation for the complexities of the human brain, and I have some experience working with deep neural networks to train artificial intelligence agents.
"The true object of all human life is play."
