For the past three years I have been fortunate to have been a student at the Centre for Design Innovation, University Campus Suffolk studying Design under the guidance of Dr. Michael Doherty. It was a wonderful experience for me to step back and look at what I have done, want to do and how I could achieve those goals. All or most of my projects for my coursework have been public facing. Obsolete?, The Super Chiptune Samba Band and Super Chip Tune Ensemble.

I am extremely grateful for everyones help and support over the past three years, FACT Liverpool, Ross Dalziel, Marshall Amplification, the National Museum of Computing,  the University of Hull Scarborough Campus, Dr. Andrew King, the Institute of Education,  Dr. Evangilos Himonides, SEMPRE and the Journal of Music Technology and Education.

I would have never imagined I would ever do a Masters Degree, let alone gain a “Distinction” for my work, become a published author and immediately continue on to do a PhD.

I could not have done this without Dr. Michael Doherty, who has been rigourous and supportive through the entire three years. Equally without the support of my wonderful partner Emma, none of this would have been possible, she has had to tolerate having an “academic” as a partner, whilst being a wonderful mother to our four children.

Today I graduated, although  I had received my grade months ago today was a kind of closure to all the work, not only was I graduating alongside some of my colleauges but some of my Computer Games Design Degree students as well.

For me the highlight of the day was not receiving the award, but looking into the balcony  seeing my children and hoping, that I have in some way inspired them to follow their dreams.