Patrick Bender
About Patrick Bender
Patrick Bender is a Curriculum Developer and Course Instructor currently working at XR Terra and Avocademy. He has a background in interactive media and cognitive science, with experience in gamification and health-focused XR applications.
Work at Avocademy
Patrick Bender is currently employed at Avocademy, a company known for its innovative approach to education and training in technology. He has held the position of Curriculum Developer since 2023. In this role, he focuses on creating educational content that enhances learning experiences for students. His work contributes to Avocademy's mission of providing accessible and effective learning solutions.
Current Positions and Responsibilities
In addition to his role at Avocademy, Patrick Bender serves as a Course Instructor and Curriculum Developer at XR Terra since 2022. He also works as an Adjunct Instructor at Manhattan College, where he delivers class lectures and engages with students. His responsibilities across these positions reflect his commitment to education and curriculum development in interactive media and technology.
Education and Expertise
Patrick Bender holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Interactive Media (Games and Health) from the University of Southern California, which he completed from 2016 to 2019. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy and Cognitive Science from Tufts University between 2010 and 2014. His educational background supports his expertise in health-focused XR applications and gamification, allowing him to integrate game mechanics into various contexts.
Background in Research and Development
Patrick has a diverse background in research and development. He worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in the Brain and Creativity Institute from 2017 to 2018. Additionally, he served as a Designer/Assistant Producer in the Locomotor Control Lab at USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy from 2017 to 2019. His experience in these roles has equipped him with valuable skills in project management and collaborative research.
Professional Experience in Game Development
Patrick Bender has significant experience in game development. He worked as a Developer at USC Games in the Game Innovation Lab from 2016 to 2017. He also judged entries for Indiecade, a festival dedicated to independent games, showcasing his involvement in the gaming community. His background in game design and development informs his current work in curriculum development and interactive narrative design.