Jess Rowan Marcotte Email & Phone Number

Montreal, Qc, Ca

Remote

I design games and simulations to help meet learning goals for health-based educational curricula with WHO Academy. I also research a wide variety of health-related design questions to help WHO Academy make strategic decisions about learning experiences.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

We are designers of award-winning experiences in a variety of playful mediums and fields.- Lead Narrative Designer for the Egale All Families project.- My focus is on Interaction Design, Narrative Design and Writing. - I oversee consistency of voice and quality of content creation for Marketing purposes on Twitter, Comradery, IndieGoGo and Facebook.- I forge positive client relationships through my clear, likeable communication style and fulfill administrative duties such as contract management and chairing meetings.- We consult as experts in interactive experience design for clients such as the Zecora Ura Theatre Company (ZU-UK), bespoke game design for public play and events (The Museum of Gaming NYC), and delivered educational workshops (Inter-Arts Matrix, Ubisoft Toronto).

Montreal, Canada Area

QGCon 2020-2022 Lead Co-Organizer and Board Member, Nov. 2020 - Present- Navigated numerous administrative hurdles to transform QGCon into a legally recognized Non-Profit Organization.QGCon 2020 Lead Conference Co-organizer, Oct. 2018 - Nov. 2020(Local Venue Coordinator for Sept. 2017- Oct. 2018)- As part of an international team of queer game studies academics, creators and community members, I organized the 2018 and 2020 editions of the Queerness and Games Conference (2020 Conference cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic).- Facilitated moving activities online for 2020 and created an extended program to share the work of our presenters throughout the year. - Negotiated with sponsors and secured funding to provide honoraria for all presenters in our online program.- Spearheaded multiple grant-writing initiatives to secure funding for the 2020 conference.- Provided guidance and mentorship to junior organizers.

Montreal, Canada Area

- Creator of games and interactive experiences that explore critical, reflective topics, alone and in teams.- Showcased work at conferences and festivals such as Ars Electronica, IndieCade @ E3, and the Come Out and Play Festival.

North Macedonia

In this role, I am leading exploratory research and interviews for a feasibility study into what video games have to offer for the livelihoods and well-being of forcibly displaced persons.

Montreal-Ouest, Quebec, Canada

- Explored physical-digital hybrid game experiences from intersectional feminist and critical design perspectives as part of my doctoral research.- Was responsible for a wide variety of design research roles during my tenure at the lab.

Montreal, Canada Area

- Designed the syllabus for and taught the "Videogames and/as Literature" course.- Leveraged my practical experience and knowledge as an artist, practitioner, and designer alongside the knowledge that I have gained as an academic researcher.- Instructed students about the critical discourse surrounding video games and literature, including the systemic, formal, political, economic, and cultural aspects of video games, issues of authorship, representation, and ownership, and the expressive potential of games and play.

Montreal, Canada Area

I was responsible for a wide variety of design research roles during my tenure at the lab. Here's an example:Research Assistant/Consultant, Sandra's Keys, ACT Concordia, Concordia University, Spring 2019:- Co-designed an escape room exploring older adult mistreatment.- Introduced key concepts such as environmental storytelling and puzzle design to older adult collaborators.- Collaborated with older adults to gain perspective on key issues surrounding mistreatment and the stigma about seeking help.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

* As part of a team, ran the MyProject180 and 3 Minute Thesis competitions.* Interacted daily with students to answer questions about the program and fulfill requests from Concordia faculty, staff, workshop facilitators and students.* Managed day-to-day administrative tasks for the program.* Aided in the transition to the new Student Information System.* Regularly wrote copy and created graphic design work for the GradProSkills website, newsletter and other communications such as posters.

Montreal, Canada Area

Senior Editor, Matrix Magazine, Jan. 2015 – 2016:- Assisted with copy-editing- Curated the magazine’s game reviews.Columnist, Matrix Magazine, 2013 – 2016:- Authored the “The Princess is in Another Column” games column.Guest Editor, Matrix Magazine, Spring 2015 Issue:- Edited issue 101, Matrix’s first-ever “Games” issue, Spring 2015.Managing Editor, March 2012 – September 2014: - Publicized and managed the Lit Pop Competition and Robert Kroetsch Awards.- Managed correspondence, and, as part of a team, copy-edited each issue of the magazine.- Co-authored grant submissions and communicated with granting agencies concerning funding and archival copies of the magazine.

Montreal, Canada Area

Co-Director, Critical Hit 15, Apr. – Aug. 2015: - Ensured that 16 gamemakers were provided with the environment and resources they needed to create experimental games using wearable technology and other maker tools.- Arbitrated conflict resolution and enforced safer space policies. - Led the mentorship portion of the program.- Oversaw content creation for the Critical Hit blog.Assistant to the Co-Directors, Critical Hit 14, May – Aug. 2014:- Authored blog posts, participant interviews, introductions for guest speakers and event reviews, and co-wrote the program's press kits. - Found creative solutions to the emerging challenges that arose and made sure there was always an accessible presence on-site for participants.Game Designer, Sound Designer, Writer, Critical Hit 13, June 2013 – Aug. 2013:- Invited to participate in an incubator-style game design program for creators making innovative games motivated by contemporary social, cultural and political concerns.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Activities and Societies: TAG Research LabPhD candidate for Concordia University's INDI program in the Departments of Design.

Master Of Arts (Ma), Creative Writing

Activities and Societies: TAG 5a7, TAG Research Lab, Matrix Magazine, MRGS, Hex Board Game Group

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Honours English And Creative Writing

Activities and Societies: TAG Research Lab, Hex Game Lab, Board Game Group

Diplome D'Etudes Collegial, Communications: Arts, Media, Theatre