Naia Kamawar-MacLeod ( She/Her )

Graduate Student in Computer Science at Carleton University

Naia Kamawar-MacLeod is a PhD student in Computer Science at Carleton University, where she also earned a Master’s degree in Applied Science: Digital Media and a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology: Interactive Multimedia and Design. Throughout her studies, she has focused on exploring how players engage with video games towards better informing design considerations spanning topics such as community design tools and reaction time tasks. In addition, her Master’s thesis research explored adaptive hint systems in narrative puzzle games with multiple solutions.

Through her contributions to the EDIT-STEM project, Naia aims to apply her area of interest – puzzle games – to leverage the inherent aspects of puzzles that require both creative thinking and problem-solving skills, toward engaging players with meaningful topics. Her past experience with game design and balancing difficulty will help to inform her work while her passion for puzzle games and exploring new ideas will drive her to find new and exciting applications for puzzles in the context of supporting EDI in STEM.