RMIT PhD Graduate uses video games to promote mental health awareness

Michelle's journey from working in the video game industry in Taiwan and the Philippines to completing a PhD at RMIT has been nothing short of transformative.

After completing a Masters in Video Games Enterprise, Production and Design in the UK, Michelle was ready to take the next step, but it wasn’t just about creating games for entertainment anymore.

“I want to continue making video games, but I want to make games that make a difference,” she explains.

This drive led her to RMIT, where she could pursue a Creative Practice PhD focusing on real-world issues.

For her PhD, Michelle collaborated with participants to co-create video games that explore lived experiences of depression and anxiety, using game development as a form of creative self-expression.

Collaborating closely with my participants not only has broadened my perspective but also has highlighted the power of video game development as a means to convey diverse stories and foster authentic representations.

Michelle’s public speaking skills and confidence have grown during her time at RMIT, something she now finds invaluable as she builds her own startup and competes in pitch competitions.

Michelle credits her supervisors, Jonathan Duckworth and Renata Kokanovic, for being instrumental to her success.

“They have been my rock throughout my PhD. Aside from providing their expertise and academic guidance, they have been so supportive through all the ups and downs, especially during Covid and the last year of writing my dissertation,” she shared.

Thanks to their guidance, Michelle had opportunities to showcase her research at events like the Big Anxiety Festival and Games for Change Festival.

One of the defining aspects of Michelle’s time at RMIT was her involvement with the Kirrip community, which gave her a sense of belonging.

She recalls, “Kirrip really gave me a sense of connection during my time at RMIT. Meeting new students, seeing them make new friends, volunteer, and then work at Kirrip made me proud to be part of the program.”

Michelle co-created video games with people about their lived experiences of depression and anxiety as a form of creative self-expression.

Being involved in Kirrip also helped Michelle develop public speaking skills and confidence, something she now finds invaluable as she builds her own startup and competes in pitch competitions.

In addition to her academic work, Michelle has been building a social enterprise called Mental Jam. The startup uses video games to raise awareness about mental health and promote empathy.

“I’ve been pivoting my research into a social enterprise by participating in different startup programs,” she says, mentioning her involvement in RMIT Activator LaunchHub, Blackbird Giants, and others.

Mental Jam has already raised grant funding and been featured at events such as PAX and on media platforms like Channel 7 and ABC.

Looking back, Michelle's advice to new students and future graduates is simple but impactful:

“Be involved in RMIT student life, join clubs, apply to university jobs. Make the most of your time at uni, because it can help open doors to so many opportunities both for your personal and professional life.”

For Michelle, her time at RMIT not only shaped her professionally but also personally.

“As an international student moving to Melbourne on my own, RMIT is literally where I met all my friends. Participating in the different activities helped push me out of my comfort zone, and I became more confident and open to new experiences and opportunities.”

Keep up to date with Michelle and her incredible work on game design here.

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