A University of Worcester lecturer has been nominated for an award for her impact and contributions to education through preparing students for the computer gaming industry.
Zara Sharma, Senior Lecturer in Game Art, has been shortlisted for the Educational Impact prize in the MCV Develop Women in Games Awards, after being nominated for her work with games developer Lab42.
Other nominees at the awards come from some of the biggest companies in the gaming world including Bethesda, 2K Games, Gamespot and Activision.
Zara said: “It would be incredible to win; there are so many nominations.”
Zara originally developed mini 2D games and studied 3D development before going into teaching. “I loved playing games, and I really liked making games too as you could do the programming and the visual side of it as well,” she said.
The shortlisting celebrates the difference that Zara has made to the students she supports through their educational journey. It’s the second time Zara has been nominated for the award, having made the shortlist in 2023.
She said: “I’ve had instances where two of my previous students were teaching with me. They’d graduated and come back to teach, and one of them told me they wanted to be a teacher because of me and that really stuck with me.”
She said: “I have such a great job. It’s beautifully rewarding.”
Zara’s students get the benefit of learning from an experienced teacher and an industry professional. She runs Dusty Tusk Studio, where she develops indie games as well as providing contracted work for clients.
The Women in Games Awards is a prestigious celebration of the women shaping the UK games and esports industries, spotlighting excellence, innovation, and impact across a range of roles.
“I think it’s very much needed,” said Zara. “It’s such an important thing to celebrate when you have women who are doing such great things in the games industry. I’d like people to see that working in games is something females can do, and that it’s an option for them.”
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email [email protected]