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![Photo of Michael](/assets/images/michael.png)
Hi friend, I'm Michael
I'm a researcher who thrives on creative collaboration with passionate people solving complex problems.
My interests lie at the many intersections of Computer Science, Anthropology, Game Sciences, and Conservation.
I started programming in fourth grade (thanks Meadowbrook Elementary for a one-computer lab).
Since then I have worked in just about every area of computer science.
As with many, making games has been a powerful expression of my computer science interest.
Most of my education is actually in social science, though.
I have a Masters in Anthropology and an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology.
My academic research focused around Educational Storytelling, Fan Communities, Narrative Identity, and Folklore.
I love people and am addicted to stories.
But who can live in front of a computer?
The most meaningful moments of my life have involved nature, non-human animals, and conservation.
From many years working in city shelters, to scuba diving, river cleanups, and citizen science projects.
Now, as an independent researcher,
I get to mix all of those passions in my cauldron and toss in some creative collaboration with brilliant people.
This blog is a place to document my journey, to share my research,
and (most importantly) to "Learn Out Loud" so we can all sharpen each other.
~ Game Controller Image by catalyststuff on Freepik