Daryl Aubry is a new PhD student in Cultural Geography: Exploring how knowledge is spread among future game developers

The Department of Economics, Geography, Law and Tourism (EJT) has gained an exciting addition. Daryl Aubry is a new PhD student in cultural geography and comes from the French-speaking part of Switzerland. After completing an apprenticeship in the banking sector, he chose to follow his passion for global issues and earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations at the University of Geneva. He then continued with a master’s degree in african studies at the University of Copenhagen.

From Geneva to Östersund via Africa

His african studies took Daryl to Ethiopia and Senegal for both studies, journalism internships and fieldwork. Somewhere on another continent, his interest in research was sparked.

"I interned at a newspaper where I reported on the launch of the first game studio in Dakar. That moment triggered thoughts and an idea that led to my research project," says Daryl.

Researching knowledge, creativity and video games

In the project Exploring Informal Learning Networks: Lagos’ Spatial Dynamics of Knowledge Acquisition in the Video Game Industry, Daryl investigates how young game developers in Lagos learn and build skills in environments where formal education is limited. The development of young professionals is instead shaped by informal learning networks, with Lagos as a creative hub.

"Where formal educational infrastructure is limited, future game developers rely on alternative environments to acquire knowledge. I want to understand how knowledge moves and how networks support the emergence of a skilled workforce," Daryl explains.

By studying both physical and virtual environments, he want to show how creative industries can develop human capital, independently of formal systems. He hopes that these insights can contribute to policies that support emerging creative ecosystems, not only in Africa but also in other parts of the world.

In love with fika but skeptical about surströmming

This is Daryl’s first time in Sweden, and although he arrived in Östersund only some weeks ago, he already feels at home. He says he has been pleasantly surprised by the beautiful nature and cozy architecture of Östersund. Daryl has already come to appreciate both the city’s international character and some Swedish traditions — although surströmming was not a favorite.

"Even though I eat both frogs and snails, surströmming is a big non. Fika, on the other hand, is a big oui," says the new Östersund resident.

The first weeks as a PhD student 

For now, Daryl is slowly acclimating to life in Jämtland as well as to academia.

"Everyone from colleagues at EJT to HR and IT here at Mid Sweden University has been welcoming and helpful. And I’m enjoying the Swedish Christmas atmosphere," Daryl concludes with a smile.

Welcome Daryl and good luck in your new role as a PhD student in cultural geography!