Owen Brierley

(MENAFN- The Conversation) Course Leader in the Department of Creative Industries, Kingston University Profile Articles Activity

Dr. Owen Brierley is a distinguished figure in digital arts and technology, renowned for merging innovative teaching with pioneering research. Holding a Ph.D. from the University of Calgary, his work delves into game engines as platforms for scholarly inquiry, examining the intersection of technology and human enhancement. Brierley's educational philosophy emphasizes risk-taking and dignity in inclusive settings, fostering environments where students can explore, grow, and express creatively. His transformative approach integrates technological applications with artistic principles, having held roles such as executive director and curriculum designer across various educational institutions.

Brierley's transdisciplinary research spans machine learning, bioinformatics visualization, and human-computer interaction, focusing on enhancing human experiences through interactive media. His contributions are internationally recognized, with numerous publications and presentations in cities like Edmonton, Vancouver, and Washington D.C. Beyond academia, he's held leadership positions in organizations like Digital Alberta and the Canadian Communications Foundation, driving digital innovation.

During his tenure as executive director of the Edmonton Digital Arts College from 2008 to 2019, Brierley expanded the college by over 1,400%, introducing three new diploma programs and emphasizing a research-led curriculum tailored to individual learner needs. His efforts ensured a personalized learning experience, maintaining small class sizes for effective instruction.

Brierley is also an active artist and designer, collaborating in theatre, dance, music, and visual arts. His work has been featured in prestigious venues like the Banff Centre for the Arts and the Citadel Theatre. Dr. Owen Brierley stands out for his commitment to enriching the human spirit through the lens of digital media, blending educational innovation with artistic exploration.

As a dedicated transdisciplinarian, my research spans multiple disciplines, underscored by a collaborative spirit and individual scholarly initiative. This approach is mirrored in my entrepreneurial attitude toward research, where I engage in multiple, diverse projects to leverage opportunities as they arise. My research is guided by adaptability, allowing for shifts in response to funding, resources, and community engagement.

At the LINDSAY Virtual Human Lab, my focus is on bioinformatics projects with Dr. Christian Jacob, including a current collaboration with Georgia State University to evaluate the effectiveness of VR in teaching complex biological processes.

With Dr. Patrick Finn's GameLab, our research in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) addresses the intersection of human experience with gaming, mobile/XR technologies, and autonomous vehicles, contributing to our understanding of user engagement in digital environments.

I am currently supervising PhD candidates in fields including events & experience design, game production, virtual production, and computational media design. I welcome proposals for new research endeavours or works suitable for a PhD by Publication.

Experience

• –present Senior Lecturer in Computational Media Design, Kingston University

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