Amanda Chaffin
Game Developer ♦ Writer ♦ Graphics Artist 12309 Greenway View Ct. ♦ Charlotte, NC. 28278 wulfkat@darkwynter.com ♦ http://wulfkat.darkwynter.com |
SOFTWARE EXPERIENCE
Programming: Java, Visual C#, Neverwinter code (C# and Java like), C++, UT Script (C++ and
Java like), PHP, Perl
Graphic Design: JASC Paint Shop Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Fireworks, Amim8tor
3D Modeling: Milkshape, CB Model Pro, Maya, Bryce 5
Web Design: HTML, Dreamweaver, Frontpage
Office: MS Word, Outlook (Exchange Server), Access, PowerPoint, Excel
Operating Systems: Windows (9x/NT/2000/ME/XP), Linux, Solaris
Technologies: Microsoft XNA, Aurora Toolset, Unreal Editor, 3D Game Studio, OpenGL,
Apache web server
Databases: MySQL, mSQL, SQL Server 2000, Oracle
EDUCATION
8/06 – 05/09 University of North Carolina Charlotte NC
· Master of Science, Computer Science
· Concentration in Game Design and Development
· Certificate of Game Design and Development
· Accepted to the C.S. Ph.D.program
1/03 – 5/06 University of North Carolina Charlotte NC
· Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
· Concentration in English
6/94 - 6/97 North Georgia College Dahlonega, GA
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES
Game/Team Projects –
Surreal Software Engineer Lead Programmer/Architect
Incursion Side Project Xbox Dev. Programmer/Artist
Game2Learn Master’s Thesis Project Lead/Software Engineer
Wolf Scion Intro to Game Design Project Lead/Programmer
and Development
EleMental Game Studio Artist/QA
Game2Learn Senior Project Creative Designer/Graphics Artist
Et Tu, Brutus? Game A.I. Graphics Artist/Writer
VoteOnline Software Engineering Environment and Database Specialist
Sniper Game Design and Development Creative Designer/Website
Publications
1. Barnes, T., E. Powell, A. Chaffin, H. Lipford. Game2Learn: Improving the engagement and
motivation of CS1 students. In ACM GDCSE 2008.
2. Barnes, T., H. Richter, A. Chaffin, A. Godwin, E. Powell. (2007). Game2Learn: Building CS1
Learning Games for Retention. Accepted by ITiCSE2007, Dundee, Scotland, June 2007.
3. Barnes, T., H. Richter, A. Chaffin, A. Godwin, E. Powell, T. Ralph, P. Matthews,
and H. Jordan. (2006). Game2Learn: A study of games as tools for learning
introductory programming. Submitted to SIGCSE2007, Kentucky, USA, March 2006.
4. Barnes, T., H. Richter, A. Chaffin, A. Godwin, E. Powell. (2006). The role of feedback
in Game2Learn. Submitted to CHI2007, San Jose, CA, April 2006.
5. Chaffin, A. (2005). Game2Learn: Designing a game to teach computer science. Abstract
and poster presented at the North Carolina Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Theses
1. Chaffin, A. Game2Learn: Compiler Integration into a Video Game to Increase Learning
Gains in Computer Science Students (working title). Master’s Thesis (in progress).
The University of North Carolina, Charlotte. November 2008.
2. Chaffin, A. StormHaven: One Throne, One Destiny. Senior Thesis. Game2Learn.
The University of North Carolina, Charlotte. May 2006.
EXPERIENCE
01/09 – Current Research Assistant UNCC (NSF)
Graduate Research Assistant for Dr. Tiffany Barnes. Includes research, writing thesis and other
publications (to include presentations), lectures, proctoring and grading exams, assisting the
Advanced Game Design students, and mentoring two undergraduate researchers.
8/06 – 12/08 Teacher’s Assistant UNCC
Teaching Assistant for the undergraduate class Introduction to Computer Science (Spring 07, Dr.
Barnes), undergraduate/graduate classes Intro to Game Design and Development (Fall 06 and 08,
Dr. Barnes), and Artificial Intelligence (Fall 06, Dr.Dale Marie Wilson)
Research, lecture, proctoring exams, website maintenance, curriculum development assistance,
grading homework and exams, tutoring in C++, C#, Java, and game design.
5/06 – 8/08 (Summers) Research Assistant UNCC (NSF)
- 2008: Graduate Research assistant with the REU program for Dr. Barnes. Worked on
game engine (DarkWynter) for Master’s Thesis.
- 2007: Graduate Research assistant with the REU program for Dr. Barnes. Worked on in
game compilation and database design and development for game log files.
- 2006: Research assistant for Dr. Barnes’ Game2Learn project – “A study of games as tools
for learning introductory programming” as an REU student.
2/02 - 8/02 Webmaster/Office Manager Premier Software Solutions
Primary responsibilities included the building and maintenance of the company website. Other
responsibilities included researching and planning the development of an intranet server utilizing
Microsoft Sharepoint and preparing documentation for customers and other employees utilizing
Microsoft Excel, Access, Word and Goldmine.
8/99 - 12/01 Systems Operator/Shift Leader Advanced Internet Technologies
Developed websites, training aids, training schedules, and handling incoming technical calls and emails
regarding client problems (rated at tier three). Handled manager related calls and emails, including the
premier customers. Managed a team of six employees that included billing and technical representatives
that serviced the billing and technical requirements of a customer base of over 130,000.
Monitored and maintained servers and was responsible for building and maintaining MySQL and MSSQL
databases for internal and external use.
Focused on maintaining server load, handling all “manager” issues, as well as troubleshooting issues,
inventing, and documenting (both oral and written) fixes when a problem occurs.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Published (creative fiction) three times; a short story and two poems. Received the Butch Writing Award for
a short story. Undergraduate GPA 3.012. Graduate GPA 3.4.