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🎓 Academic Background
Qualifications & Positions
Over two decades of academic leadership across New Zealand, Norway, and Australia — pioneering game-based education and AI research.
Qualifications
2007
PhD in Computer Science (AI)
University of Otago, New Zealand
1996
BSc Honours (First Class) in Computer Science
University of Otago, New Zealand
Awards & Distinctions
2023
Best Teacher Award — VUW Student Association
2022
Teaching Excellence Award — VUW Student Association
2019
Teaching Excellence Award — Victoria University of Wellington
2018
Teaching Quality Award — NTNU, Norway
1997
PhD Scholarship — University of Otago
Current Positions
Holding academic and consulting roles across three countries.
Senior Lecturer
Victoria University of Wellington
School of Engineering and Computer Science. Since 2018.
Associate Professor (20%)
NTNU, Norway
Computer Science Department. Since 2018.
Adjunct Senior Lecturer
Central Queensland University, Australia
Faculty of Education. Since 2023.
Founder
Ludogogy
Education and AI Consultancy. Since 2021.
Employment History
2021 – 2022
Education Advisor
32Stylus, New Zealand
2016 – 2018
Associate Professor
NTNU, Norway
2009 – 2016
Associate Professor
Gjøvik University College, Norway
2008 – 2009
Associate Professor
Hedmark University College, Norway
2007 – 2008
Systems & Game Developer
ESP AS & Chord AS, Norway
2000 – 2006
Lecturer in Computer Science
University of Otago, New Zealand
1995 – 2000
Teaching Fellow & Tutor
University of Otago, New Zealand
Teaching & Courses Created
Created NZ's first university-level game development courses in 2004. Over 20 courses designed across game development, AI, graphics, and VR.
Game Development
CGRA252 Game Engine Programming, CGRA259 Game Prototyping, CGRA359 Capstone Game Project, IMT3601 Game Programming, IMT1361 Game Design
AI & Graphics
AI@VUW, COSC343 Artificial Intelligence, IMT2531 Graphics Programming, IMT3612 GPU Programming, IMT3801 Multi-threaded Programming
Research & Innovation
IMT4007/6231 Serious Games (Masters/PhD), IMT2581 Rapid Prototyping, IMT4310 Experts in Teamwork VR, SWEN303 User Interface Design
Degree Programmes Designed
2022
Bachelor in Computer Graphics and Games
2022
Bachelor in Game Design
2015
Bachelor of Programming [Games | Applications]
2015
Masters in Applied Computer Science
2012
PhD in Computer Science for Gjøvik University College (Nokut accredited)
Postgraduate Supervision
35
MSc Students Supervised
14
PhD Students Supervised (5 completed)
Current PhD Students (Primary Supervisor)
Virtual Reality and Simulation Sickness
Social VR for Children During Medical Isolation
VR for Mitigation of Loneliness in Migrant Communities
Gamification of Memory Training in the Elderly
Professional Affiliations
ACM
Member and NZ Chapter Engagement Officer (CHINZ)
NZGDA
Member, NZGDC Organising Committee, Pioneers of Play award recipient
Tuhura Tech
Board Member and Treasurer
Teaching & Learning
Special Member Teaching and Learning Committee (2023–), Former Chair and Faculty Representative (2019–2023)