William L
- Research Program Mentor
MA at University of Arkansas
Expertise
Archaeology, Digital Humanities, Research Essays
Bio
Hello! I am an experienced developer and archaeologist by training. I started my academic career in Classics but had the unique opportunity to work on a game development project for a course on Roman civilization, and since then I have been working on game design and digital humanities projects. I continued studying humanities and digital methods by studying archaeology, getting multiple years field experience and capturing data to create 3D models to preserve material culture and learn about past societies. My passion for game design and archaeology came together in my master's program, and I was able to study how game design can deepen research and educational outcomes. My passion is creating games that create meaningful educational experiences, and sharing the excitement that humanities research can bring with digital skill sets. My personal interests include cooking, going outdoors, watching movies and playing games. Personally, I enjoy playing single player and strategy games. I also enjoy board games for a more "traditional" gaming experience :). I specifically enjoy games and movies with a historical bent to them and seeing how these creative experiences imagine the past.Project ideas
Create a 3D Photogrammetry Model and Design a game around it!
In this project, you will have the chance to build your digital skill set and create a 3D model using photogrammetry and then design a game scenario using that model. All you need is a smartphone or digital camera and access to a computer, and we can determine the rest from there! Depending on the scope, we can focus the project on the model and document or expand it to include a prototype application. Your research outcomes will include the model, a design document, and gaining experience with photogrammetry and 3D modeling software, game engines, technical writing all of which can go into your portfolio! I am happy to work with you on any ideas you may have, and I can specialize in suggesting projects focused on digital humanities or cultural heritage.
Create a prototype Game!
For this project, I will work with you to bring your idea for a game to fruition. I can teach you the fundamentals for game design, how to appropriately scope a game project and work with game engines to develop the application. I can also teach some fundamentals of game art and code, and help you to create something that is portfolio ready for your personal website.
Write a Research Paper on Digital Methodologies
For this idea I can help you find a particular digital method in the humanities or game design and research how it is being used in academic fields, and how it could be theoretically used. How does Virtual Reality work in a psychology class? Are there ways that AI could be used more effectively? Whatever method you choose, I can help guide you to find resources and tools to create a written product that you can submit to journals for your field of interest.