Hello and welcome to my website. My name is Mike Simpson (aka MDSimpson or CodeMonkey_Mike), and I’m a Research Software Engineer and former Game Developer, currently based in the North-East of England.
I am also:
- Trustee and Vice-President of the Society of Research Software Engineering (2023-present).
- 2025 Fellow of the Software Sustainability Institute.
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.
Background
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.
I am also an active member of the RSE Community, becoming a Trustee of the Society of Research Software Engineering after serving on the organising committee for RSECon22 and RSECon23.
Research Software Engineering
I have worked on a number of interesting research projects in a number of different fields, providing my experience and expertise with software and website development, visualisation and human-computer interaction.
- For more information about some of the software projects I have worked on, click here.
- Or check out the research page for details of the research projects and publications I have contributed to.
Writing
I’m a lifelong fan of sci-fi and fantasy, and an aspiring writer.
- Some examples of my writing can be found on the Writing page.
Highlights include:
- “I am your Father” – a blog series about how I became a father during lockdown
- “The Journey” – a short story based on my experiences with mental health, shortlisted in a competition by Mind.
- “How Writing Saved My Life” – a blog post about how I use writing as a tool to manage my mental health.
Video Game Development
I worked as a Game Programmer at a local studio for a number of years, contributing to titles including NASCAR the Game 2011 and Auto Club Revolution. 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.
- For more information about some of these projects, check out my Game Portfolio.
3D Graphics
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.
- Check out some of my creations on my Artwork page.
Photography
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.
- More examples and information can be found on my Photography page.
For more, check out my various social media pages via linktr.ee/mdsimpson.