About

Nicholas is a doctoral candidate at the University of Ottawa, specializing in game audio and auditory cognition. His research explores the intersection of sound, gameplay, and musicality, with a particular focus on audio-based puzzles—interactive challenges that rely on attentive listening. Nicholas’s work highlights the potential of these puzzles to create more inclusive gaming experiences for blind players, inspire educational tools for teaching musical concepts, and foster personal musical discovery in engaging and playful ways. 

Nicholas's work is fuelled by a deep appreciation for video game music and its ability to enrich interactive experiences. Through his research, he aims to contribute to the development of engaging games with innovative sound design. 

His research is supported by a doctoral fellowship awarded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Nicholas has presented his findings at leading industry conferences, including GameSoundCon 2024, and has a forthcoming article in the Journal of Sound and Music in Games.