The Emergent Media Center, headed by program director Ann Demarle, was founded two years ago and is already a leader in developing games focused on solving some of the most serious medical and social afflictions around the world — with an injection of fun. Students in Champlain’s popular and respected e-gaming major may seem like they’re just doodling on the computer or wasting time on the Wii at the Center’s lab in the Champlain Mill, but they are hard at work.
The Lab has received high praise for these efforts, but the program still faces challenges. Funding is almost entirely garnered from grants. DeMarle asserts the students, who receive no class credit for the projects, receive most of the money — somewhere between 80-90% — leaving a small budget. The Lab is also located in Winooski, a couple miles from Champlain’s campus in the Hill section of Burlington.
It's not just e-gamers either. Professional Writing students, marketing students and business majors are all involved in the initiative. Not surprinsingly, balancing the work with their classes and lives remains one of their largest daily struggles.
Even with a
DeMarle gives them all the credit. “The Center is created by students," she says. "They know this industry better than I do, and they are really on top of their game. It’s a privilege to work with them, making a difference.”
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