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Feb. 23, 2022

We are happy to highlight the innovative research of Dr. Sandra Danilovic who started as an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Human and Social Science’s Game Design and Development program in 2020. In an on Get to Know with Jonathan Newman, Dr. Danilovic describes her background as an award-winning independent documentary filmmaker and her journey into the world of digital studies and game design. Through arts-based and participatory methods, Dr. Danilovic’s exceptional research explores digital game design as a way of promoting self-expression, self-image, and self-care among underserved and marginalized communities.

Currently, Dr. Danilovic is the principal investigator for a SSHRC funded research project called Autobiographical Game Design for Young Adults Living with Opioid Addiction: A Phenomenology of Sense­-Making. This project will not only teach young adults living with opioid addiction and/or a history of opioid addiction how to design and develop digital games but will also give them the opportunity to create their own autobiographical game that reflects their experiences living with opioid addiction. Dr. Danilovic and her team will implement multiple Game Jam sessions, or creative workshops, in which participants are able to engage in the collaborative process of game design.

As the City of Brantford reports one of the highest rates of opioid poisoning hospitalizations among Ontario cities, Dr. Danilovic is commited to raising awareness about the experiences of young adults living with opioid addiction and fighting the stigma and social isolation associated with substance use. The Faculty of Human and Social Sciences is excited to be able to celebrate the important and novel work of Dr. Danilovic as she breaks down barriers facing underserved communities.