Quantum Games Development 

STAGE Lab

Mentor

Sunanda Prabhu Gaunkar, PhD Director of Science, STAGE (Scientists, Technologists & Artists Generating Exploration)
Nancy Kawalek Professor and Distinguished Fellow in the Arts, Science and Technology, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering

Background

STAGE — Scientists, Technologists and Artists Generating Exploration — is a full-scale laboratory embedded within the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME). At the helm of one of the PME’s four core research themes, that of “Arts, Sciences and Technology,” the STAGE Lab’s distinct research focuses on creating and developing new theatre and film work inspired by science and technology. Rather than science lectures disguised as plays, these are emotionally engaging, entertaining stories designed to capture the public’s imagination and stimulate interest in science and technology.

Externship Description

This 10-week STAGE externship is for Masters, PhD candidates and postdoctoral scholars with previous experience in science, storytelling and theatre. Externs will work closely with STAGE mentors and an interdisciplinary team of students on developing, prototyping and playtesting STAGE Lab’s Quantum Games. Students will continue developing games that have been created by the lab over the past year in addition to brainstorming and beginning work on a brand-new Quantum Game. With a desire to make cutting-edge research and science accessible to everyone, the design philosophy of the games align with that of STAGE: instead of an explicit intent to teach a curriculum, the games aim to invoke curiosity, spark moments of playfulness and catalyze play-centric learning modalities.

Objectives

Depending on alignment with skills and interest, the Extern(s) will work on one or more of the following projects:

• Game Designers with project management skills and experience/strong interest in developing original games
• Game Engine Programmers (Unity (C-Sharp/Java)/ Unreal Engine) ideally with STEM background for multiplayer, individual and/or experiential digital games
• Visual Artists with experience in digital, illustrative, and/or pixel art for sprites, cards, assets, illustrative title screens
• Graphic Designers for analog game assets (cards, chips, rulebooks, signage)

Qualifications

• Graduate student, PhD student, or postdoctoral scholar.
• Candidates will have a strong interest in science, theater, and trained in one or more of the skills listed above.
• Able to commit at least 10 hours per week for 10 weeks on independent research, as well as team meetings and work sessions.
• Able to attend weekly Zoom meetings or in-person check-ins.
• Externs should be comfortable working independently and have excellent time management and interpersonal skills.