Meet the DAGS
Dr. Bob De Schutter
Principal Investigator
Bob is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art + Design in the College of Arts, Media and Design, and has a joint appointment in the Khoury College of Computer Sciences. His research is at the intersection of games and aging, promoting lifelong play and pushing back on stereotypes of older gamers. He created the gaminiscing method for designing deeply personal games that aim to recreate lived experiences from authentic personal stories through gameplay and narration.
Ala Ebrahimi
Ph.D. Student | Interdisciplinary Design and Media
Ala’s research is focused on game design methods that use personal narratives to represent marginalized groups, particularly immigrants. Her work involves studying game design approaches and identifying the most effective ones for fostering empathy and reducing stereotypes, with a focus on storytelling and inclusive representation. She is also interested in the intersection of documentary games and how video games can serve as tools for social change.
Brandon Lyman
Ph.D. Student | Interdisciplinary Design and Media
Brandon’s research is focused on designing games towards the strengths of older adults. Where much of the prominent game design literature is about compensating for age-related decline or weakness, Brandon seeks to understand what skills improve as we age and tailor gaming experiences to challenge and reward those skills. In the process, he hopes to discover never-before-seen gameplay mechanics that could be used by developers making games for any age group.
Reggie Smith
Research Assistant
Reggie specializes in the study of play, rest, and positive reinforcement. His interests include optimizing work-life balance, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration through spontaneous interactions, and investigating the motivational impact of treats. Through his daily practice, Reggie contributes to a supportive and engaging research environment.
Past Members
James Earl Cox III
Ph.D. Student | Interdisciplinary Design and Media
James’ work focuses on designing interactive experiences that combine strong narrative design with innovative gameplay. He creates games and films that explore new ways of storytelling and player engagement. His background spans game development, creative leadership, digital design, and narrative design, and his projects have reached broad audiences across multiple platforms.
Szeyi “Reina” Chan
Khoury Research Apprentice
Reina’s research interests focus on user experience and interaction with interactive interfaces. She explores how design elements and feedback mechanisms affect user understanding, engagement, and overall experience, using both quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze behavior and outcomes.
Kalli A. Hale
Khoury Research Apprentice
Kalli is leaning into data science as a cultural worker: a professional, life-long learner whose primary focus will always be systemic inquiry and equitable transformation. As an undergraduate, she studied Political Science and International Studies and learned to apply a rich tapestry of epistemology to her work as a Civic Engagement Scholar. At her core, she is a student of social epidemiology, Black feminism, and emergent strategies for sustainable, people-centered economies.