Indie Game Development
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:Anchorage, Alaska
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Education
Clemson University
Aug 2014 - present
PhD Candidate: Learning Sciences
Technology Enhanced Learning Environments, Game Based Learning, Multi-media Technologies, Curiosity and Creativity
Research path working in collaborative environments to design technology enhanced learning environments that stimulate curiosity and creative problem solving.
My research focuses on learning theories of motivation and game design theory to inform design of engaging technology enhanced learning environments focused on interactive learning and that promote exploration, discovery, curiosity and creative problm solving.
My PhD research compares an educactional game (genetics content) with a entertainment game and a modified version of the entertainment game. I designed the game mod to overlay gentics content that seemlessly merges with the game's narrative and game play experience. Learning is included on three levels. First, explicit genetics knowledge is provided in the Dragon Priest's research logs. Second, curiosity is evoked with intuitive content provided by visual graphics and the NPC (non-player character) serving as the scientist and quest giver. Finally, hints and scaffolds are provided by the intelligent other - a NPC in the game acting as a scholar and scientist. Video Link (alpha stage of the mod)
My research compares these three game designs to ask how good game design can be applied in educational settings to increase motivation, engagement, curiosity and learning. Specifically, heightened curiosity may encourage exploration and information seeking external to the game. These curiosity based behaviors help develop research skills, creativity, critical thinking skills, and life long learning habits.
A poster of the game design and development process can be viewed here (poster link). I designed the poster using Adobe Illustrator with the intent of making the poster appear as a board game. The poster is atypical for academic conference posters.
Clemson University
Aug 2009 - Dec 2011
Master of Science: Biological Sciences
Biochemistry and Environmental Toxicology
GPR 4.0 out of 4.0. Research focus: Plant lipid biochemistry. Coursework focus: biochemistry and environmental toxicology
Clemson University
Aug 2006 - May 2009
Bachelor of Science: Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Graduated Cum Laude. Excelled in 800 level electives: bioinorganic chemistry and environmental toxicology as an undergraduate; supplemental coursework in computer science, research experience in lipid biochemistry
Greenville Technical College
Aug 2004 - May 2006
Associate of Science: Biotechnology
Biotechnology with a concentration in computer science
4.0 GPR (out of 4.0). Supplemental coursework in medical terminology and pharmacology. Concentration in computer science
Computer & Technology Skills
Work Experience
Clemson University
Jan 2019 - May 2019
Visiting Professor (temporary/part time)
Educational Psychology EDF3020
Instructed students on introduction to classroom use of objectives, motivation theories, learning theories, tests and measurements, classroom management, and knowledge of exceptional learners as a means of integrating these perspectives and theories in their future classrooms. One of the intended objectives of this course is to prepare students to take the Principles of Learning and Teaching Praxis exam for South Carolina educators.
Implemented innovative teaching strategies such as use of Adobe Spark to create Teaching & Learning Journals. This project gave students opportunities to reflect on their learning, design & teach academic lessons, reflect on effective and creative teaching strategies, reflect on their preferred teaching methods, and reflect on their teaching philosophies.
Clemson University
Jan 2019 - May 2019
Research Assistant (Temporary/Part time 8 hrs/wk)
- Literature reviews
- Data collection
- Data analysis
- Prepare manuscripts for publication
Clemson University
Aug 2014 - May 2018
Graduate Research Assistant
Assist with research regarding game-based learning, design based learning, assessment, creativity, curiosity, teaching and STEM
- Conduct literature reviews
- Write manuscripts
- Edit manuscripts
- Taught Online Course in Digital Media and Learning (STS 4800)
- Worked with a small team to design online section of Science Technology and Society (STS 4800)
- Prepared course materials and taught Educational Psychology (EDF 3020)
Clemson University
Feb 2012 - May 2014
Biochemistry Research Assistant
Managed biochemistry lab, designed and conducted experiments, routinely worked with radioisotopes. Experienced with lab equipment and calibration of equipment. Maintained lab records for hazardous waste and MSDS requirements. Communicated results to senior scientist via verbal and written reports
- Experienced in biochemical and molecular biology research techniques
- Performed mathematical computations and data analysis
- Conducted literature reviews, wrote manuscripts, and designed visual representations of data for conferences
- Taught undergraduate level biochemistry and biology courses as needed
Flash-e-Concepts
Jan 2000 - May 2018
Web Design and Development | Educational App Design
Part time contract based web development and design and Android educational app design
- Responsive websites
- Science educational apps for Android
- Microsites
Phoenix Rising Border Collie Rescue of SC
Jan 2009 - Nov 2018
Volunteer
Serve on board of directors. Web design and maintenance.
- Annual fundraisers raised over 25,000 last 5 yrs
- Communications and organization
- Web design and photography
- Database design and maintenance
Previous Work Experience Available Upon Request
Prior to August 2004
Management | Sales | Environmental
Prior work experience includes extensive experience in management, sales, bookkeeping and customer service
- Territory Sales Manager (cold calls) (1+ yrs)
- Inside / Outside (warm calls) Sales (10 yrs)
- Office Manager (5 yrs)
- DOT | HAZMAT | OSHA Compliance Officer (5 yrs)
Previous work experience (cont).
Prior to August 2004
Computer and Bookkeeping
Various technology and office job experience includes
- Designed and maintained databases
- Employee training
- Invoicing, Payroll, Accounts Receivable/Payable & Collections
- Customer service and sales
- Government contracts and compliance
Transcripts
Clemson University
Greenville Technical College
Online Courses and Webinars
Coursework by Discipline
Publications
Publications
2011 - present
Publications (Learning Science | Biochemistry)
Qian, M.; Clark, K.R. (2016). Games based learning and 21st century skills: a review of recent research. Computers in Human Behavior, 63, 50-58
Herro, D. & Clark, KR. (2016). An Academic Home for Play: Games as Unifying Influences in Higher Education. On The Horizon 24(1), pp. 17-28.
He Y., T.E. Young, K.R. Clark, K.F. Kleppinger-Sparace, W.C. Bridges, S.A. Sparace. 2011. Developmental profile of storage reserve accumulation in soybean somatic embryos. In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology 47(6): 725-733.
Publications In Progress
Qian, M., & Clark, K.R. Promoting creativity through game-based learning: a review of recent research. Manuscript in review Computers in Human Behavior.
Qian, M., & Clark, K.R. Game-based learning and science education. Manuscript in preparation for submission to a peer review journal.
Clark, K.R., Qian, M., and Sparace, S., Towards a model for educational game design: A comparative study of three games. Manuscript in preparation for submission to a peer review journal.
Clark, K.R., Y. He, T. Young, K.F. Kleppinger-Sparace and S.A. Sparace. Characterization of fatty acid biosynthesis in plastids isolated from developing soybean somatic embryos. In preparation for Lipids.
Conferences & Abstracts
2009 to Present
Conferences & Abstracts
Clark, K.R., Qian, M, Bowers, E., Dean, B., and Sparace, S. 2018. Let There Be Dragons! An Engaging Quest to Explore Genetics. College of Education Research Forum. Clemson University, Clemson, SC.
Qian, M., & Clark, K.R. (2016, April). Game-based learning and 21st century skills: a review of recent research. Presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Washington, DC.
Clark, K.R. 2015. My adventures as a high elf mage in Skyrim. Playful Learning Summit (May 16, 2015), Greenville, SC.
Clark, K.R., Y. He and S.A. Sparace. 2013. The Effects of Light on Storage Reserve Accumulation in Soybean Somatic Embryos and Plastidic Fatty Acid Biosynthesis. The 2013 Annual Meetings of the American Society of Plant Biologists (July 20 - 24), Providence, RI.
Sparace, S.A.,Clark, K.R., Y. He, T.E. Young, Z. Li, H. Luo and K.F. Kleppinger- Sparace. 2012. Soybean Somatic Embryos and Plastids as a Model System for Lipid Metabolism. The 2012 Annual Meetings of the Southern Section of the American Society of Plant Biologists (March 3 – 5), Myrtle Beach, SC.
Sparace, S.A., Clark, K.R., Y. He, T.E. Young and K.F. Kleppinger-Sparace. 2011. Lipid Metabolism in Soybean Somatic Embryos and Plastids. The 24th Canadian Conference on Fats and Oils (September 26 – 27), Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Clark, K.R., Y. He, T.E. Young, K.F. Kleppinger-Sparace and S.A. Sparace. 2010. Fatty Acid Biosynthesis by Soybean Somatic Embryo Plastids. Annual Meetings of the American Society of Plant Biologists (July 31 – August 4), Montreal, Canada.
Clark, K.R., Y. He, T. Young, K.F. Kleppinger-Sparace and S.A. Sparace. 2010. Isolation of Plastids from Soybean Somatic Embryos for Studies of Lipid Biosynthesis. The 19th International Symposium on Plant Lipids (July 11-16), Cairns, Australia.
Clark, K.R., Sparace, S.A. 2009. Towards Developing a Method for the Isolation of Plastids from Soybean Somatic Embryos. Annual Meetings of the American Society of Plant Biologists, Honolulu, HI (July 18-22).
Sparace, S.A., He, Y., Clark, K.R., Young, T.E. 2009. Developmental Profile of Storage Reserve Accumulation in Soybean Somatic Embryos. Annual Meetings of the Society for In Vitro Biology (June 6-10), Charleston, SC.
Clark, K.R., 2009. Development of a method for isolation of plastids from soybean somatic embryos. SC Life Undergraduate Research Program (April 4, 2009), Sumter, SC.
Invited Presentations
2011
Invited Presentations
Sparace, S.A., K.R. Clark, Y. He, T.E. Young and K.F. Kleppinger-Sparace. 2011. Lipid Metabolism in Soybean Somatic Embryos and Plastids. The 24th Canadian Conference on Fats and Oils (September 26 – 27), Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Workshops
2015
Workshops
Assistant Instructor for teacher professional development workshop for games for learning: The Radix Endeavor. Playful Learning Summit, May 16, 2015. Greenville, SC