I am Dr. Lionel Jayaraj, a dedicated academic, immersive technology researcher, and independent game developer with a passion for shaping the future of extended reality (XR). With a rich interdisciplinary background combining engineering, game design, and virtual reality, my work centers around integrating innovation and pedagogy to empower the next generation of digital creators.

Currently, I serve as a Lecturer in Games Development at the University of Bedfordshire, where I lead modules in game design, animation, and immersive application development. I hold a PhD and MRes in Virtual Reality Games, focusing on the use of XR technologies to enhance learning experiences and storytelling. I am also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), recognizing my commitment to high-quality, student-centered teaching in higher education.

My research investigates the potential of Extended Reality (AR, VR, MR) in serious games, exploring how immersive environments can revolutionize education, simulation, and human-computer interaction. I have presented and published on topics involving game-based learning, user engagement in VR, and experimental game mechanics.

Before transitioning into academia, I worked as an independent Oculus VR game developer, building interactive virtual worlds and gaining hands-on industry experience in animation and game production. I remain actively engaged in both research and creative development, often blending scholarly inquiry with practical experimentation.

Above all, I strive to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application—cultivating a learning environment where creativity, critical thinking, and technology come together to inspire innovation in games and immersive media.