Penny de Byl

Penny de Byl has extensive work experience in the field of game design and development. Penny is currently working at Makers Empire as a Senior Unity Developer, where they provide tools, skills, and resources to improve STEM learning outcomes for students. Prior to this, Penny was a part of the Global Unity Education Advisory Board at Unity Technologies in 2019. Penny also worked at Holistic3d as a Creative Director and Curriculum Designer starting from 2017.

Penny co-founded Aardbei Studios Pty. Ltd. in 2000 and served as the Founding Partner and Creative Director until 2017. Additionally, they held various positions at Bond University, including Professor of Games and Multimedia, Associate Professor, and Director of the Centre for Applied Research of Learning, Engagement, Androgogy, and Pedagogy. Their role at Bond University involved teaching computer game design and development, 3D Animation, and conducting research in eLearning technology and cognitive theories of emotions through artificial intelligence and computer-generated art.

Penny also worked as an Associate Professor at NHTV and as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland.

Penny de Byl has an extensive education history. Penny completed their Grade 12 education at Emerald State High School from 1982 to 1988. Afterward, they pursued a Bachelor of Information Technology degree at the University of Southern Queensland from 1989 to 1991, specializing in Physics and Analytical Computing. In 1994, Penny obtained an Honours in Computer Science from the University of New England, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence and Computer Graphics. Penny continued their education at the University of Southern Queensland, where they earned their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Artificial Intelligence in Computer Games from 1998 to 2007. In addition to their degrees, Penny has obtained certifications in Bachelor of Information Technology, Doctor of Philosophy, and Honours in Computer Science from their respective institutions.