PhD Graduation Cohort 2024
Funding: AHRC DTP
Project Title: An archaeological emotive study through point & click archaeogaming: investigating nostalgia, complex and negative emotions and how they are triggered and/or hidden in archaeological research.
Supervisors: Dr. Gareth Beale and Dr. Rachel Opitz
What was your research about?
I used historical data from archaeological digsites in areas of conflict, combined with several interviews with academic experts, to create a computer game that would explore the emotional reactions and state of both people from the past and archaeologists studying them. All of this was tested through a 14-chapter videogame that I am currently still working on to create a commercial version to be distributed to the masses as a social experiment of learning about emotions by exploring the past.
What made you apply for the SGSAH AHRC DTP?
I wanted to create a hybrid emotive, archaeological, videogame system of education within universities, the PhD certificate at the end was just the bonus part.Â
Which aspects of your PhD did you enjoy the most?
Inventing new things, experimenting with concepts never touched upon before, and the design of my archaeogame, which I considered my contribution to science.
How has your PhD helped you to decide on a career path?
I was able to become a lecturer as soon as I was awarded the PhD. It was crucial for my intended career as a Professor of Archaeology and Gaming.
And now?
I am a Lecturer in Cultural Digital Heritage at the University of Glasgow in the Information Studies department
One piece of advice you would give an incoming PhD researcher?
Be stubborn, believe in your skills, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do this and even when it looks hopeless, know that you are just one step from success, we are not born with knowledge, and making mistakes, as I learnt through the hard way, is part of the process. So don’t give up!
(Also, remember to try publishing whole writing your PhD and presenting at conferences, this will boost your career chances in academia enormously).
CONNECT WITH LUCA (he/him)
Email: Luca Ottonello
LinkedIn: Luca Ottonello
YouTube: @Learnhowtomakegames
Web Profile: Luca Ottonello