Design Philosophy: Pursue Excellence
I operate on a fundamental conviction: digital media and gaming, when engineered with rigorous forethought, serve as powerful catalysts for personal and societal development. Throughout my career, I have observed the dual nature of digital ecosystems—the potential for predatory monetization and isolation, but also the unparalleled capacity for community-building and disciplined growth.
I have dedicated my professional life to mastering the psychological and design-thinking principles that tip this scale. My mission is to ensure that the transformative power of technology is harnessed to build character and strengthen communities rather than exploit them.
Impact: Scalable Governance and Infrastructure
In 2017, I was appointed Director of Esports at the University of Akron to architect a first-of-its-kind comprehensive gaming department. This was an exercise in Safety by Design, where I conceptualized and implemented 5,200+ sq. ft. of state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to foster inclusive, high-performance environments.
The results demonstrated the efficacy of healthy systems: in its inaugural year, the program engaged 7% of the student population and fostered 14 new organizations with over 700 members. Beyond engagement, I utilized behavioral optimization to lead 44 varsity athletes to national championships, proving that competitive excellence and student wellbeing are mutually reinforcing goals.
Expertise: Bridging Psychology and Media Ethics
My approach is rooted in a rigorous scientific foundation. As a researcher in Experimental Psychology, I contributed to published studies on the neurobiology of motivation and behavior, presenting findings at the Society for Neuroscience and the Eastern Psychological Association. This background allows me to analyze digital harm through a "hard science" lens.
Transitioning into Emergent Media, I served as a Project Manager for global initiatives like BREAKAWAY!, a narrative-based tool for social change, and managed digital communities of 12,000+ users for organizations like Softlocke. My graduate thesis, Authenticating: Genuine Expression in the Management of Video Game Communities, stands as a critical academic examination of how corporate interests and user safety intersect in multi-billion dollar industries.
Today, I leverage this unique combination of psychological insight and operational leadership to advise on the future of User Safety, Trust, and Ethical Media Governance.