CV

Basics

Name Max Chen
Label PhD Student in Computational Media
Email mjchen@wpi.edu
Url https://users.wpi.edu/~mjchen
Summary PhD student and researcher specializing in computational creativity, interactive media, serious games, and game pedagogy. Skilled in AI, GenAI Integration, AR/VR, physical computing, creative coding, and rapid prototyping. Experienced in mentoring, research, and technical consultation in academic settings.

Work

  • 2024.06 - 2024.08
    Graduate Assistant
    MassDigi
    Mentored 42 students across 7 teams in creating mobile games during MassDigi’s Summer Innovation Program, providing guidance on game design, development processes, and project management.
  • 2023.06 - 2023.08
    Research Intern
    The Roux Institute, Northeastern University
    Conducted research using Emotibit and Empatica E4 to evaluate emotional responses in a simulated VR testing scene.
  • 2021.02 - Present
    Research Assistant
    WPI Academic & Research Computing
    Provided AR/VR training & technical consultation to students and faculty. Led internal training sessions on 3D virtual tour creation and introductory augmented reality development training workshops.
  • 2020.09 - Present
    Senior Member
    WPI Intentional Design Studio
    Supervised student teams working on websites, VR/AR apps, and educational games from ideation to maintenance. Provided mentorship and technical support, organized workshops and led training sessions.

Volunteer

  • 2023.12 - Present

    Worcester, MA

    Manager
    MassDigi
    Support the planning and execution of the MassDigi Programs, coordinating between students, mentors, and industry partners.
    • Led and maintained the technical infrastructure supporting the mobile game development pipeline
    • Initiated and led the volunteer-driven organization of the MassDigi Summer Innovation Program 2026

Education

  • 2022.08 - Present

    Worcester, MA

    PhD
    Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
    Computational Media
  • 2020.08 - 2022.12

    Worcester, MA

    Master of Science
    Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
    Interactive Media & Game Development
  • 2016.08 - 2020.06

    Wuhan, China

    Bachelor of Engineering
    Wuhan University of Technology (WHUT)
    Pharmaceutical Engineering

Awards

Skills

Programming & Web Development
Python, C#, C++, TypeScript, JavaScript
Web frameworks & APIs (Flask, Node.js, RESTful APIs)
Cloud & DevOps (Azure, GCP, GitHub, CI/CD)
Creative Coding & Interactive Media
Game Engines (Unity, Unreal, Godot)
XR/AR/VR frameworks (AR Foundation, OpenXR, XR Toolkit, Vuforia, Oculus Integration)
Media & AI Tools (TouchDesigner, Processing, OpenCV, YOLO, TensorFlow, PyTorch, OpenAI API)
Physical Computing
Arduino, Raspberry Pi, sensor integration
Digital fabrication (3D printing, laser/vinyl cutting, CNC)
Electronic prototyping

Interests

Teaching Interests
Technical Implementation of GenAI
AI in Games
AR/VR Development
Human-Computer Interaction
Creative Coding
Novel Interface in Game Design
Alternative Controllers for Games
Serious Games
Game Development Practice
Research Interests
Computational Creativity
Human-AI Interaction
Human-Computer Interaction
Player-Computer Interaction
Tangible Embodied Interaction
Game Development Practice
Reflective Game Design
Creative Interests
Video Game Development (esp. minimalist games with procedural content generation and amplified feedback)
Interactive Installations
Immersive Room-Scale Experiences
Escape Rooms
Alternative Game Controller Design

Projects

  • 2020.09 - Present
    360 Labs: AR/VR for Education
    Collection of mixed reality projects for chemistry labs, focused on outreach, safety training, and education. Integrates mixed reality to enhance engagement, reinforce lab safety, and enable hands-on practice.
    • Led to one FDG conference article and one journal article.
  • 2023.08 - Present
    Pedagogy Research on Game Development Program
    Investigates instructional strategies in undergraduate and high school game development programs, with a focus on project-based learning, peer learning, and reflective practices.
    • Research published at FDG 2024 and CHI PLAY 2025.
  • 2021.10 - 2022.12
    BCI-informed Game Visuals (MS Thesis)
    Explored BCI-adapted visual effects to enhance atmosphere in a walking simulator game. Developed open-sourced interface from fNIRS acquisition to Unity3D.
    • Published at FDG 2023.