Technology

Though my academic background is primarily in language and social sciences, technology has become the central focus of my personal studies over the past four years. I have been working hard to integrate my current sociolinguistic knowledge into computer-assisted applications, with my long-term goals being (1) to gain a deeper understanding of machine learning, specifically NLP (natural language processing) and (2) to create technologies which innovate on how we approach language, pedagogy, and interpersonal connection.

In my free time, along with studying in a software engineering program at NCSU (North Carolina State University), I have been doing coursework elsewhere and completing independent projects to make tangible use of my learning. The majority of my experience so far is in game development (in C#, Unity), a space I have found challenges and motivates my skillbuilding; I am familiar with other technologies (Java, mobile Android development) on a more fundamental level and learn new tech exceptionally quickly.

I am seeking opportunities to join a team where I can use the skills I have already built (in language, in programming, or both) while continuing to learn technologies: educational, language-related, or game/augmented-experience technologies are particularly of interest.

Machine Learning, AI, and NLP

• Translator & Contributing Editor of Artificial Intelligence / ML Content (translated from Spanish) - completed articles: Introduction to Reinforcement Learning
  

Game Development & Design

With game development, I am most interested in systems design and programming; I enjoy the process of creating rich, interconnected gameplay and narrative spaces for players to explore: writing lore and worldbuilding, procedural biomes and weather systems, tactical combat on environmental grids, deep character class and progression systems, interpersonal relationship systems.. I program mostly in Unity (C#); the linked pages below includes a description of the project, the programming and design skills it demonstrates, and future directions for improvement.

• Pandora - Text-Based Space Narrative RPG (2D) - a text-based narrative survival RPG which takes place on a spacecraft

• Hide - Timed Stealth Platformer (3D) - a timed stealth platformer in which you must locate keys and return to the entry without being detected

• Zodaia - Design and Devlog - a blog detailing the process of designing and developing my central game (in progress), a tactical, turn-based fantasy RPG; largely explores pathfinding, worldbuilding, and character progression/class systems; the largest project I have worked on

• Zodaia: Tides - Fantasy Strategy Card Game - a card game (similar to Magic: the Gathering) which largely centers around "tides", a cyclical mechanic representing the different phases of the sun, moon, and stars; cards gain additional effect on their appropriate tides, requiring players to be forward-thinking and mindful of how to gain the most advantage from their resources (currently playtesting for print)
  

Other Works

• ARQ (Astrological Relational Query) - a 72-question personality survey based on astrological archetypes and interpersonal themes; I programmed the survey as a C# application to make it accessible online to clients

• My Twitter page (@michaelinwords) has numerous examples of the more visual elements of my game design process (pixel animations, worldbuilding art, and other illustrative pieces)

• Developer, Designer, & Content Creator at ahn.makes

  • Creating content centered around tech and game development, with a strong focus on education: making these subjects accessible to more people, removing barriers and hoping to inspire

  • Developing small applications/projects for PC and Android, while designing and developing a larger fantasy RPG (C#, in Unity); studying and writing about varied topics, from level design and procedural systems, to world building and narrative, to modeling and scripting

Current coursework (in progress)

• Calculus for Data Science and Engineering

• Fundamentals of Machine Learning and Data Science (using Python)

• Natural Language Processing with Python

• C# and Unity Development 2D and 3D (completing as review)

• Intermediate Unity RPG / Core Combat & Systems Programming

Completed tech coursework

• Introduction to Programming: Java (completed; North Carolina State University)

  • Completed the course with a final grade of A

• Fundamentals of Android Development (completed; Google, Udacity)

  • Awarded scholarship; selected as student ambassador, recognised for educational initiative and commitment to guiding other students