Michelle Colder Carras

I'm passionate about figuring out ways for researchers, gamers and others to work together to learn more about how video games affect mental health, are affected by concerns about mental health, and can be used to promote health in general. My previous research has looked at how online communication helps separate gamers who play a lot but don't feel like their gaming causes problems from those who feel more "addicted". My current research will be the start of a program to figure out how ways to make existing commercial games useful for mental health and overall health while finding encouraging people to self-regulate their use. I'm also a mental health advocate and have worked with local, state and national organizations to promote mental health. I live with my family, a dog and two cats outside of Baltimore, Maryland. When I'm not working, I like to hike, travel and explore, virtually and in real life.

March 2016