Nic is an artificial intelligence researcher, game developer, and playwright who joined the Interaction Dynamics Lab in September 2021. They have an M.S. in Computational Media and an M.F.A. in Digital Arts and New Media from UC Santa Cruz. Their primary research interest is in designing narrative and AI systems inspired by theatrical practices (such as Puppitor) and studying narrative design under dramaturgical lenses. Nic has been the lead writer on a number of game projects both for entertainment and education as part of their previous degrees. In their spare time, Nic enjoys watching theater, reading novels and comics (preferably yuri or sci-fi), and playing games (sometimes even on stream!). For complete lists of their projects and publications, please visit their portfolio.