About Me
Hello! I'm Mel, a Freelance Sound Designer, and Audio Programmer. I recently graduated from The University of the Arts with a BS in Music Technology and Business. I have a strong passion for game development and accessibility in art.
As an artist, my primary goal is to create and push boundaries using technology.
Projects
My First Education Revolution
Interactive Art Installation
DEIA Fellow Grant Winner
An interactive art installation that raises the question of how we can break from
the one size fits all model in the classroom.
My objective is to raise questions to the individuals who experience my thesis project. Including, how can we make our workspace or classroom accessible for people with different learning methods other than a traditional classroom/ office method. How can we
encourage those with disabilities to speak about them without stigma or judgment? How can we accommodate everyone while still keeping others engaged? These questions will help us understand how those with learning disabilities can feel safe and welcome in the classroom and workplace.
Instilling change is a collaborative process. That's why I want some of the elements in the project to be a mix of hands-on and simulation art. I want to make people uncomfortable but also inspired to change. The installation features visual art, 3D soundscapes, and interactive technology. My favorite days as a child were the days when we got up out of our seats and moved around in any way possible. Whether it was a field trip, activity stations,
or group activities. This installation dives deeper into what it is like to live undiagnosed in the
American education system. Hopefully, we can raise the question of how we can make our education less of a one size fits all. There are so many different ways to learn without sacrificing any of the course material.
I decided to make the installation mainly out of mediums I have never worked with before. Doing
this put to light my own personal learning style. Teaching myself is a style of learning I have
always resonated with. The process was a lot of trial and error, but the end product was worth it
and it was extremely fun to put together.
Location:
The University of the Arts
Philadelphia, PA
Date:
April 19-22nd 2023
Learn more about the project here
Center for Immersive Media |
Audio Programming
The Center for Immersive Media (CIM) at University of the Arts is a place where students and faculty can explore the opportunities and implications of what it means for ourselves to be immersed in data, simulations, stories, performances, and digital communities.
This creative research facility is dedicated to the fields of virtual and mixed reality, performance motion-capture, and human-computer interaction, through collaboration across visual and performing arts disciplines.
My primary goal at the Center is to use Wwise to remotely connect to Unity and spatialize audio in our 16 channel-3rd order ambisonic speaker array. The process to get this project completed has been a hard but motivating one. If you would like to learn more about the project or follow along with my progress at the Center, you can follow my Development Blog.
Learn more about the Center for Immersive Media.
CIM Blog - Wwise
Brotherly Studio LLC | Sound Design and Social Media
City of Murals (Current)
City of Murals is a cute and gross, action-platformer, rogue-lite. The world is competing to see who can live the longest. Alien technology discoveries help yield a longer life, but the time it takes to make those discoveries also takes much of your life. You have a timer of when you'll die but if you get to some ancient tech your lifeline will be extended, perhaps even for hundreds of years.
Get the demo here!
Starworks Studios LLC | Music Outreach and Composer
Timeworks (Current)
Starworks Studios is a Student team based through Drexel’s Entrepreneurial Game Studio. We were founded in 2021 and are a small but mighty group of game developers.
The goal of every level is to complete your quota. The quota is a list of products that must be inserted into delivery windows within the time shift.
With a deep passion for both video games and the vibrant local music scene, my goal was to uplift Philadelphia's music scene by collaborating with talented acts in the area. My objective is: to bring the essence of the city's dynamic music culture into the game and to provide exposure and opportunities for local artists to showcase their talent.
By forging connections with local musicians, I aim to infuse the game's soundtrack with an authentic and captivating sonic landscape that would resonate with players.
Hear the Music here!
Neuroscience in Sound Design | Independent Study
The focus of this study is to explore why our brains react to certain elements in sound design and music. As a sound designer, it is important to understand the emotions you are trying to convey. If we can research how our brains interpret different noises, we can get a better sense of how to use specific audio tools. My goal is to understand the psychology behind sound design and use it to make a clear and concise story.
In this project, I break down the neurological reactions to specific audio elements. I composed 8 original binaural soundscapes to demonstrate.
You can read the article here
Headphones recommended
Game Jams
The Sick Game | Composer & Sound Designer
1st Place
Get to the end of the maze before the music stops to win!!! But watch out, the walls and obstacles are dangerous. Change direction in sync with the beat to guide you. Reach the blue cube to win.
Redneck Fishin'| Sound Designer
2nd Place
Redneck Fishin' is a satirical duck-hunt style game, where you are a rural fisherman who uses his trusty double-barrel shotgun instead of a typical fishing pole to catch the most elusive flying Fresh Flounder, Beer fish, and the rare Zeusfish!
Jimbob and the Magic Chain | Sound Designer
Feed the Forge| Sound Designer
3rd Place
In the magical world of LandLand Jimbob found a special chain (which turned out to be an alien parasite), that allowed him to obtain the powers of his enemies. He set on a mission to use his newfound power for good (did he?) and kill Bob the dragon. (Bob did nothing wrong, but hey, Jimbob did it anyway)
3rd Place
This is a tower defense game made by Owen, Ryan, Quinn, Mel, Harrison, and AJ.
Rhythm Game in Max/MSP | Programming
At the University of the Arts, we are faced with many projects. My favorite project was my Audio Programming I final. The goal of the project was to build an instrument using the programming software Max/MSP. I decided to program a working game that uses a series of manual sequencers to make a guitar hero-style rhythm game. Like an instrument, the game would operate on a time-based metronome. Using an Arduino joystick you would have to correctly toggle the joystick at the same time as the note.
It is required to use an Arduino with a joystick for playtesting with an XY axis. You can download the Max patch and Arduino IDE code here. Special thanks to John-Paul Beattie, the professor of this class.
More information about the project's process
Download the Max/MSP Patch and Arduino IDE here
