Who We Are
Experts in the fields of climate science and game development.
Theresa HorstmanResearch Associate
Goodlad Institute for Educational Renewal
University of Washington, Bothell
Theresa’s research interests are in learning and digital technologies. More specifically, she examines how the mechanics of game play in video games support learning and researches the design process of integrating digital technologies in informal and formal educational programs.
Assistant Professor
The Information School
University of Washington
Katie studies the role of networked technologies in teens’ lives. She is working on projects relating to digital badges to recognize learning anywhere, cyberbulling, and identity development in digital learning spaces. She regularly shares her work with parents, teachers, business leaders, and policymakers in an effort to build connections between research and practice. She is the co-author of The App Generation: How Today’s Youth Navigate Identity, Intimacy, and Imagination in a Digital World.
Ph.D. Student
The Information School
University of Washington
Abi’s research is exploring how technology can support the metacognitive aspects of learning, particularly in the domain of scientific inquiry.
Zuoming Shi
Ph.D. Student
Computer Science and Engineering
University of Washington
Zuoming is the designer and developer on Climate Quest. He is interested in designing games that combines educational value and public engagement.
Rob Thompson
Ph.D. Student
Computer Science and Engineering
University of Washington
Rob is a graduate student in the CSE department at the University of Washington. Rob’s research focuses on problem solving, education, and games.
Rachel Lee is the artist and co-designer for AdaptNation. Whether it’s games, podcasts, or blogs/vlogs, she is interested in investigating ways in which new media can help change the paradigm of how the general public engages with scientific research.
Will Chen
M.S. Student
Quantitative Ecology and Resource Management
University of Washington
Will Chen’s research focuses on developing quantitative models for studying and improving the management and conservation of riverine ecosystems. In addition, he is a co-designer of the board game, AdaptNation.
Daniel Zhu is an undergraduate student at the University of Washington’s Electrical Engineering Department. He wants to be on the forefront of those pushing society towards a sustainable future and bring clean energy to every person on the earth.
Sally Wei
Undergraduate Student
Computer Science and Engineering
University of Washington
Sally Wei is an undergraduate student at the University of Washington’s CSE department. She would like to pursue a career in game design and make educational games that can one day benefit future generations.
Rabea Baroudi
He is one of the principal designers and lead Unity developer of the “Save the Pikas” mobile game.
Currently pursuing a career in software development, he has a passion for solving abstract problems.
Kurt BlancaflorKurt is majoring in HCDE and Computer Engineering. He hopes to apply the user-centered design concepts learned through HCDE in order to improve games in ways that are often overlooked. He wants to be the connection between users and developers in order to make games/products that are as powerful and enjoyable an experience as possible.
Undergraduate
Sara Brostrom
Graduate Student
Sara is a graduate student in the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs focusing on science communication. She wrote the Teacher’s Guide for Climate Quest.
Ben designed Infrared Escape, and contributed art and game design for Save the Pikas and Climate Quest as well.
Elisa Bonnin
Rashmi Sharma, Rittwika Rudra, and Courtney Harris
Graduate Students
Rashmi, Rittwika, and Courtney developed EcoQuest Trivia Challenge.
Chelsea Guo
Undergraduate
Chelsea has worked on video trailers for our games.
Associate Professor
Department of Atmospheric Sciences
University of Washington
Dargan does research on the global circulation of the atmosphere and is especially interested in how the hydrologic cycle might change with global warming. His outreach work includes giving talks, making YouTube videos, and writing songs about our planet’s climate.
Denman Professor of Sustainable Resource Sciences
Co-Director of the Center for Creative Conservation
University of Washington
Josh’s work focusses primarily on how human activities affect plant and animal populations and species. Much of his research addresses climate change and explores how future climate change will affect populations and species distributions.