Michael A. Oren
Born: 2 March 1984
Mike Oren graduated Cum Laude from DePauw University (Greencastle, IN) in May 2006, after completing his baccalaureate education a semester early in December 2005 with a double major in computer science and English (creative) writing. My senior project for computer science was an platform game (similar to Super Mario Bros. or Sonic the Hedgehog) played via audio cues to make it accessible to the visually impaired. I continued this research at Iowa State University (Ames, IA) where I studied Human Computer Interaction.
As a career, I hope to work in the field of user experience/usability for software and web applications. I am particularly interested in improving accessibility of applications/web sites for those with disabilities as well as working toward the goal of universal accessibility. I also have an interest in alternative interface methods such as auditory, haptic, multi-touch, and pen-based systems.
I also enjoy dabbling with creative writing and as an undergraduate I specialized in dramatic works (stage and screenplays). My senior writing project was a seventy page experimental screenplay. My writing leans toward the science fiction/fantasy realm and my last few pieces have taken a less formulaic route, with my senior project having a very non-linear format that may be difficult follow. I've had some ideas for new pieces but so far haven't had the time to put them down on paper. Lately, my creative energies have gone into fiddling around with electronic music synthesis and creating software synthesizer instruments.
On a more personal note, I've been in a relationship with my girlfriend, Danielle, since 11 July 2003. We met while she was an incoming first year student at DePauw, and I was President of the Resident Student Association trying to recruit incoming students to run for positions on their residence hall councils. When I'm unable to spend time with Danielle, my main hobby is normally playing video games, a hobby I've had since the age of five.