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Marc Spraragen
CTO at Augmented Expeditions
Professional Background
Dr. Marc Spraragen is a highly accomplished professional in the realm of computer science, specializing in Augmented Reality (AR), cognitive systems, and game design. With a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the prestigious USC Viterbi School of Engineering, earned in 2013, Dr. Spraragen blends his technical expertise with creative storytelling. His academic journey is deeply rooted in the humanities, having majored in English at Harvard University and obtained a Master of Philosophy degree in Anglo-Irish Literature from Trinity College in Dublin. This unique academic fusion allows him to approach technology with a narrative perspective, creating engaging and immersive experiences in the digital space.
As a co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Augmented Expeditions LLC, he leads the charge in developing innovative location-based augmented reality experiences tailored for tourism and educational purposes. His artistic vision, combined with technical acumen, empowers users to learn and experience their surroundings in new and meaningful ways. Notably, he has designed AR games and narratives for the Xi'an City Wall cultural commission, demonstrating his commitment to applying technology in culturally significant contexts.
Dr. Spraragen's professional experience is vast and varied, spanning roles as a software developer, puzzle designer, and academic lecturer. His work has had a significant impact on the gaming and AR industries, with notable stints at organizations like Great Wall Tiger and Niantic. His creative puzzle designs and problem-solving expertise are sought after in competitive gaming settings, showcasing his knack for engaging users through compelling gameplay mechanics.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Spraragen's educational credentials provide a strong foundation for his professional accomplishments. He received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Southern California, where he not only excelled academically but also contributed significantly to research on computational cognitive systems. His dissertation focused on developing and evaluating systems designed to model the impact of emotions on decision-making, an area that lies at the intersection of technology and human psychology.
His academic career at USC includes designing a course in puzzle game development for the Computer Science department, as well as an adjunct assistant research professorship in the Astronautical Engineering department. During his time there, he utilized his expertise to develop a system that translates complex engineering designs into narratives that are accessible to non-engineers. This pivotal work enhances communication within interdisciplinary teams and underscores the importance of storytelling in technical fields.
Dr. Spraragen has also shared his knowledge at various industry conferences, presenting insightful talks on augmented reality development at renowned events like Augmented World Expo (AWE) 2016 and 2017 in Santa Clara, as well as AWE Asia 2016 in Xi'an. His contributions to the AR community through workshops and talks reflect a dedication to educating others and advancing the field.
Notable Achievements
- Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Augmented Expeditions LLC: Spearheaded the development of location-based AR experiences, fostering storytelling within the educational tourism sector.
- Designed Augmented Reality Games: Developed engaging narrative experiences for the Xi'an City Wall cultural commission, resonating with both local heritage and modern technology.
- Teaching Contributions: Led an intensive course on AR development in Unity for UploadVR, enhancing skills in AR technology among participants in Los Angeles.
- Interdisciplinary Research: Conducted significant research on emotion-based decision-making within computational systems, influencing approaches to cognitive technology.
- Diverse Industry Roles: Amassed extensive experience in various capacities, including technical direction, puzzle design, and AR development with prestigious organizations like Great Wall Tiger and Niantic.
Through his extensive background in both the technological and narrative realms, Dr. Spraragen stands as a pivotal figure in the advancement of augmented reality and cognitive gaming. His journey from the halls of Harvard and Trinity College to the forefront of innovative technology illustrates his passion for blending storytelling with cutting-edge digital experiences. Through his work, he continues to inspire others while shaping the future of AR and education through immersive, engaging experiences.
