Shree Durga is PhD candidate in Curriculum and Instruction at UW–Madison. With a background in Computer Science & Engineering, Shree has nearly ten years of experience working in object-oriented programming, database development, and several large-scale software projects in domains of banking, content management, and learning technologies. In addition to working as a software consultant, she has worked as a technology trainer teaching courses in database and object-oriented concepts in TCS—a leading IT consulting firm. As a research assistant in the GLS research group, she previously worked with her adviser, Kurt Squire in the CivWorld project, funded by the MacArthur Foundation’s Digital Initiative, in which they developed game-based curriculum and learning models that teach world history and geography using Civilization III, a history simulation game.

Her current research interests include developing mods in Civ IV that can simulate effects of global warming, ecological imbalances and resource scarcity. She plans to use these mods as learning models for players to explore contemporary global issues through game play and design. Shree is an active member in CivIV game modding community and has very recently become interested in studying how these communities can function as proto-versions of professional programming communities. She investigates how modding communities enculturate players in complex modding practices and nurture software design and programming practices that are at heart of 21st century computational literacy and Information Technology.

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