School of Social and Political Science

Background

I have an undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor focus on the philosophy of trauma from Dowling College, and a Masters in Social Welfare from Stony Brook University where I also completed an independent study on TBIs at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. I am currently undertaking a PhD in Science, Technology, and Innovation Studies at the University of Edinburgh. My primary research interests looks at video games and military simulations in relationship to empathy and impulsive behaviours.

Prior to returning for my PhD I worked for the Department of Veteran Affairs in NY as a clinical social worker in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. My focus on PTSD and trauma and the intersectionality between trauma and technology first initiated my research interests. In addition to my work, I co-founded and run an online news and advocacy website which also consults with various universities, research, and political organisations.

I began teaching on a variety of subjects in 2015 both in-person and online.

For my academic blog, you can follow For the Greater Game

Qualifications

2018 - present: PhD in Science and Technology Studies, University of Edinburgh

2010-2012 MSW(Hons) in Social Welfare, Stony Brook University

2005-2009 B.A.(Magna Cum Laude) in Psychology, minor in the Philosophy of Trauma, Dowling College

I hold a License in Clinical Social Work in NY and was in practice at the VAMC since 2011 prior to returning for my PhD.

Awards and funding

IGDA WiG ambassador 2018

Further information

I welcome outreach from individuals interested at any stage of their career and in various fields and disciplines especially related to video games/simulations and empathy as well as trauma. I am particularly interested in its relation to military simulation training.

I have attended over two dozen conferences, including three as a keynote speaker, and have been responsible for organizing numerous conferences ranging from 20 individuals to over 300.

Teaching Experience

Tutoring:

University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Scotland Sept 2019

Adjunct Professor:

Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY, Sept 2015-present

Fordham University, New York, NY Sept 2018-present

Dominican University, Chicago IL, Sept 2014-2015

PhD Supervisors

Dr. James Stewart

Dr. Claudia Pagliari