The Department of Natural Science proudly presents Ashlyn Tomarra, in person, to STEM Cafe: Level up, on September 19th, 2024, at the Arapahoe Community College main campus in Littleton, Colorado. STEM Cafe is a meeting place to focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Ashlyn Tomarra has an impressive educational background with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and also two specific Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Policy (Reno, Nevada) and also in Natural Resources and Energy Policy (Colorado School of Mines). She arrives as a special guest speaker because she knows how important education is. Ashlyn Tomarra ‘leads with a voice for inclusion and belonging in the game space’.
Ashlyn Tomorra’s message is to encourage women to be in the Computer Science field for the possibility of helping diversity in the gaming community. Mrs. Tomarra states a very important statistic, “that only 20% of Computer Science Graduates are women”.
The audience at the STEM Cafe: Level Up learned that a “woman actually directed a video game at Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development.”, Ashlyn Tomarra states.
Mrs. Tomarra is very passionate about diversity in the gaming world and believes that women can create unique games and characterization, so that everyone can feel included. As a woman gamer, she interacts with the gaming community worldwide. Her Tik Tok live gaming event has gone viral, plus she has created a wonderful space for learning and connecting with other women gamers to have a good support system. In 2024, Mrs. Tomarra has won an award for Diversity Advocate as a gamer and producer.
Computer Science students make a big impact in the gaming world because the content creator has the opportunity to build the game from the ground up, which makes it easier for the gamer to play without any difficulties compared with games that have long instructions which take away from the experience. Gamers are diverse, with different gaming experiences specific for their needs and this is where Computer Science students can make a positive difference. By using their detailed scientific and mathematical skills creates games with more accessibility.
A Science Degree can help with the knowledge of how the game works and technicalities that create a better gaming experience for everyone, especially for women. Ashlyn Tomarra mentions “how women, as game content creators, are creating different body shapes for the characters and also their roles within the game to help players feel more included”. Game accessibility can help with volume control, close captions and graphics.
Ashlyn Tomarra continues to state, “50 percent of gamers globally are women; many do not feel comfortable calling themselves a gamer.”
When introduced to gaming, Ashlyn stated “that when she first started playing video games, she had discovered that there was this game called Diablo IV, that has made playing the video game easier because the game was built from the ground up for majority of people. Diablo IV,” as Ashlyn continues to explain, “helps the gamers with more accessibility options.”
Science Programs at ACC can be very beneficial for gaming. As Mrs. Tomarra explains, “Computer Science is connected to gaming because it requires many different “hats” and backgrounds.” There is also a mathematical foundation for development and design for the game. Ashlyn gives an example of physics: “player experience with character jumping into water and player expecting to see/hear splash!”
Ashlyn Tomarra goes on to explain that gaming can be challenging but very rewarding. One of the greatest rewards is a community of gamers that truly help one another. As more women enter into the gaming industry, there is community and the realization that it’s okay to be a “gamer”. LinkedIn, is a professional network where Computer Science graduates can go to look for a game studio to work in or even network with other content creators. With more diversity entering into the gaming industry, women are helping to change certain aspects of being a game creator.
Special thank you to Ashlyn Tomarra for providing valuable information for the STEM Cafe meeting.
Thank you to the Natural Science Team for providing food and beverages. For more information on how Computer Science and gaming can become a possible career, please contact the Natural Science Department at Arapahoe Community College.
