Dr. Chuck O'Brien

he/him/his Lecturer in Game Design & Development

Contact

301 Sparkman Drive
Wilson Hall
Room 112
Huntsville, AL 35899
Campus Map

256.824.6542
ceo0005@uah.edu

Biography

Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Charles O’Brien (known as Dr. Chuck to his students) began his academic journey in the sciences before transitioning to a more creative path. In 2012, after earning his doctorate, he shifted focus to game and app design, becoming a freelance contractor to develop his skills and portfolio. This move allowed him to pursue his passion for creativity while continuing to learn and grow in his new chosen field.

Starting in 2018, Dr. Chuck served as an adjunct professor in game design and web design, blending his diverse academic and professional background. In addition to his teaching, he worked as a principal research scientist in both nursing and rotorcraft systems engineering, applying his multidisciplinary expertise to both his research and game development. His work focuses particularly on the fields of serious games and simulations. This knowledge and training also informs Dr. Chuck's teaching methods in the classroom.

In August 2024, Dr. Chuck was hired as a full-time Lecturer in Game Design, where he is now focused on creating new courses and building a comprehensive program centered around game design. His research has led to numerous journal publications and conference presentations, particularly in the areas of serious games, AI art, digital twins, XR simulations, and alternative healthcare interventions. He also has an extensive portfolio of publications across Steam and mobile platforms, contributing to the growth of interactive, entertaining, and educational gaming experiences.

Curriculum Vitae

Portfolio

Education

  • M.A. Game Design, Lindenwood University, May 2023
  • Ph.D. Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University, May 2013
  • B.S. Biotechnology, Rutgers University, October 2002

Exhibitions & Presentations

  • O'Brien, C. (2021, April 21). Encouraging user through gamification: a case study of the mPACT app [Conference presentation]. ECGC 2021. https://youtu.be/ZX3XXXd5shY.

Expertise

  • Serious games
  • AI art
  • Digital twins
  • XR simulations
  • Alternative healthcare interventions

Recent Publications

  • Olsen, T., Hutson, J., O’Brien, C., & Ratican, J. (2024). Simulacra and historical fidelity in digital recreation of lost cultural heritage: Reconstituting period materialities for the period eye. AC 2024, 2(2), 2719. https://doi.org/10.36922/ac.2719

  • Smith, L. & O’Brien, C. Early Detection: A Comprehensive Cognitive Screening Tool for ADRD Through Innovative Mobile App Technology. Gerontological Society of America 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting. Seattle, WA (November 2024).

  • Smith, L.W., & O'Brien, C. (2023) Use of Chair Exercises in Increasing Heart Rate during Pilot Testing of mPACT app. Alzheimer's Dement., 19: e076612. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.076612

  • O’Brien, C., Hutson, J., Olsen, T., & Ratican, J. (2023). Use of AI to Recreate and Repatriate Lost, Destroyed or Stolen Paintings: The 1785 Parisian Salon Case Study. JOIT 2023(21), 1-12. eISSN:2805-5179

  • O’Brien, C., Hutson, J., Olsen, T., & Ratican, J. (2023). Limitations and possibilities of digital restoration techniques using generative AI tools: Reconstituting Antoine François Callet’s Achilles Dragging Hector’s Body Past the Walls of Troy. AC 2023, 1(2), 1793. https://doi.org/10.36922/ac.1793

  • O'Brien, C.E. (2023). Building an Immersive Simulation of the 1785 Parisian Salon in VR: A Guide to Recreating Historical Interiors and Digital Twins. (Theses 534) [Masters thesis, Lindenwood University]. https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theses/534.

  • Smith, L. & O’Brien, C. Use of Chair Exercises for Increasing Heart Rate During Pilot Testing of mPACT App. Alzheimer's Association International Conference, Amsterdam, Netherlands (July 2023).

  • O’Brien, C. Reconstructing the Parisian Salon de 1785 in VR. St. Louis Digital Humanities Showcase 2, St. Louis, MO (April 2023).

  • Hutson, J., Olsen, T., O’Brien, C., & Weber, J. Reproduire l'histoire: Multi-Sensory Reconstructions of Historical Interiors for Virtual Reality. Deutsches Forum für Kunstgeschichte, Paris, France (November 2022).

  • O’Brien, C. Encouraging Users Through Gamification: A Case Study of the mPACT App. East Coast Game Conference, Raleigh, NC (April 2021).