Game On: How the Games Institute Uses Podcasting to Expand Research & Diversity

The intersection of gaming technologies with educational and social initiatives. Neil and Jen welcome Dr. Emma Vossen from the University of Waterloo's Games Institute on this episode of the Continuing Studies podcast. Dr. Vossen shares insights into her role as the Knowledge Mobilization and Research Impact Officer, detailing the interdisciplinary work of the Games Institute and its innovative approach to gaming research. They discuss the power of podcasting as a tool for knowledge mobilization, diversity, equity, and inclusion in gaming, and the intersection of gaming technologies with educational and social initiatives. Additionally, the episode explores the evolution of storytelling through audio and the importance of making complex academic research accessible to a broader audience. Episode Links: • Emma Vossen: Website (https://www.emmavossen.com/) • Emma Vossen: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-emma-vossen-981763142/)   • Games Institute Profile: Emma Vossen (https://uwaterloo.ca/games-institute/contacts/emma-vossen)   • The Games Institute Podcast (https://uwaterloo.ca/games-institute/our-research/games-institute-gi-official-podcast) • First Person Scholar Podcast (http://www.firstpersonscholar.com/category/podcast/) • Podcasting 2.0 (https://podcasting2.org/)   • Apps That Support Podcasting 2.0 Features: Podcasting 2.0 Apps (https://podcasting2.org/apps) Connect with Us • Share Feedback & Ask Questions: hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com (mailto:hello@continuingstudiespodcast.com) • Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast (https://www.continuingstudiespodcast.com/) • Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page (https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/97470907) • Join LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14115712/ • Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferleejpodcreations/) or  jpodcreations@gmail.com  • Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/namcphedran/) or neil@podiumpodcastco.com • Twitter:  @namcphedran (https://twitter.com/namcphedran) / @podiumpodcastco (https://twitter.com/podiumpodcastco) • Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@continuingstudiespod) • HigherEdPods (https://higheredpods.com/) Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Neil and Jen introduce guest Dr. Emma Vossen, producer of the Game Institute podcast. (00:02:15) Knowledge Mobilization Role Dr. Emma Vossen introduces herself and her role at the Games Institute, University of Waterloo. (00:03:00) The Games Institute The foundation, purpose, and interdisciplinary nature of the Games Institute. (00:04:50) The Games Institute Podcast History of the Games Institute podcast, and its role in knowledge mobilization and research communication. (00:07:02) Audience and Impact The target audience for the GI podcast and its relevance to both academics and the public. (00:07:49) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Gaming The representation of diversity in games and the research conducted at the Games Institute on this topic. (00:10:19) The Digital Oral Histories of Reconciliation Project DOHR, a VR project aimed at educating students using digital oral histories. (00:13:25) Podcastings Unique Role in Academia Translating academic research into accessible formats for broader audiences through podcasts. (00:20:40) Podcasting 2.0: Person Tag An overview of the Person Tag, allowing podcasts to recognize contributors and enhance discoverability. (00:26:15) First Experiences with Games First gaming experiences, highlighting the personal connection to gaming culture. (00:27:36) First Person Scholar Podcast The First Person Scholar podcast, focusing on panel discussions and specific gaming topics. (00:30:51) Knowledge Mobilization and Research Communication How podcasting serves as an effective medium for knowledge mobilization in academia. (00:35:52) Conclusion • (00:00) - Introduction • (03:21) - Knowledge Mobilization Role • (04:06) - The Games Institute • (05:56) - The Games Institute Podcast • (08:08) - Audience and Impact • (08:55) - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Gaming • (11:25) - The Digital Oral Histories of Reconciliation Project • (14:31) - Podcastings Unique Role in Academia • (21:46) - Podcasting 2.0: Person Tag • (27:21) - First Experiences with Games • (28:42) - First Person Scholar Podcast • (31:57) - Knowledge Mobilization and Research Communication • (36:58) - Conclusion Join us at Higher Ed Pod Con in Cleveland, OH, July 16 - 17 2026 Sign up by May 29 for Early Bird Pricing (https://qcoirfalslewtms.eventify.io/t2/tickets)