Russell Richards

I am a Senior Lecturer who specialises in researching social-ecological systems. I have strong numerical modelling skills (participatory modelling, system dynamics, agent-based, Bayesian inference, Bayesian networks, generalised additive modelling) through a range of software (R, Stella Architect, Vensim, Berkeley Madonna, Netica, WinBUGS). Coding: I also have strong skills in object oriented (C#, Objective-C, Swift, Python, Javascript in P5), functional (R) and procedural (Basic) coding. I apply these modelling and coding skills to design, develop and apply decision support systems for addressing complex problems. I am especially motivated to apply these skills to create meaningful contributions in managing coastal systems that provide many ecosystem services that people benefit from.

Gamification: My unique skill set (modelling and coding of soical-ecological systems) enables me to uplift of my value decision support systems by incorporating gamification and serious game design principles, and deploying these uplifted systems via apps (e.g. https://uqcases.web.app/lobster/). I focus specifically on situating my models in the domain of the end-user, and away from the domain of the modeller, which lifts my decision support systems to beyond being 'just another model' (JAM) competing with other models (red ocean market). Rather, it elevates these models to where they provide a unique (blue ocean market), immersive and experiential environment for end-users to make decisions about managing complex (e.g. managing resources) and even wicked (e.g. climate change) problems in a motivating and enjoyable way.