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title: Welcome
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<p>Hello and welcome to my website.</p>
<p>My name is Mike Simpson, and I'm a <a href="https://rse.ncldata.dev/team/mike-simpson">Research Software Engineer</a>
    and former Game Developer, based in the North-East of England.</p>
<p>I am also:</p>
<ul>
<li>Trustee and Vice-President of the <a href="https://society-rse.org/">Society of Research Software Engineering</a> (2023-present).</li>
<li>2025 Fellow of the <a href="https://www.software.ac.uk/fellowship-programme/mike-simpson">Software Sustainability Institute</a>.</li>
</ul>

<p>On this site, you will find information about my eclectic collection of skills, hobbies and interests, including my research, software
    and gaming portfolios, as well as a blog about a range of topics, including writing, photography, gaming and mental health.</p>

<hr />

<h2>Background</h2>

<p>I have a degree in Computer Science and an MSc in Computer Games Engineering. I worked as a games programmer before returning to university
    to complete a PhD. I now work as a Research Software Engineer at Newcastle University.
</p>
<ul>
    <li>You can learn more about me and my background on the <a href="about/">About page</a>.</li>
</ul>
<hr />

<h2>Research Software Engineering</h2>

<p>I have worked on a number of research projects in a number of different fields, providing my experience and expertise with software and
    website development, visualisation and human-computer interaction.</p>

<ul>
    <li>Check out the <a href="research/">Research page</a> for details of the projects and publications I have contributed to.</li>
</ul>
<hr />

<h2>Writing</h2>

<p>I'm a lifelong fan of sci-fi and fantasy, and an aspiring writer. Some examples of my writing can be found on
    <a href="writing/">the Writing page</a>.</p>
<p>Highlights include:</p>
<ul>
<li>"<a href="i-am-your-father/">I am your Father</a>" - a blog series about how I became a father during lockdown</li>
<li>"<a href="2020/05/the-journey/">The Journey</a>" - a short story based on my experiences with mental health, shortlisted in a competition by Mind.</li>
<li>"<a href="2022/01/how-writing-saved-my-life/">How Writing Saved My Life</a>" - a blog post about how I use writing as a tool to manage my mental health.</li>
</ul>
<hr />

<h2>Video Game Development</h2>

<p>I worked as a Game Programmer at a local studio for a number of years, contributing to titles including
    <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASCAR_The_Game:_2011"><em>NASCAR the Game 2011</em></a> and
    <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_Club_Revolution"><em>Auto Club Revolution</em></a><em>.</em>
    My role involved gameplay, physics, interface and audio programming. I also took part in an industrial
    placement project at Midway Studios Newcastle during my MSc, working on a new dynamic system for managing
    road networks in large video game environments. Additionally, I enjoy designing and building video games
    in my spare time.</p>

<ul>
<li>For more information about some of these projects, check out my <a href="games/">Game Portfolio</a>.</li>
</ul>
<hr />

<h2>3D Graphics</h2>

<p>As part of a recent project, I learned to use Blender, the open-source 3D creation suite.As well as developing a
    number of data visualisations with world-leading researchers, I have also been developing my skills in 3D modelling
    to create a range of projects in my spare time.</p>

<ul>
<li>Check out some of my creations on my <a href="artwork/">Artwork page</a>.</li>
</ul>
<hr />

<h2>Photography</h2>

<p>I am also a keen photographer who has worked professionally at a number of events. I'm currently working on improving
    my skills and building up a portfolio, though for now, I am treating it as more of a hobby.</p>

<ul>
<li>More examples and information can be found on <a href="photography/">my Photography page</a>.</li>
</ul>

<hr />

<p>For more, check out my various social media pages via <a href="https://linktr.ee/mdsimpson">linktr.ee/mdsimpson</a>.</p>