Dissertation Defense Department of Computer Science and Engineering University of South Carolina Candidate: Jeremiah Shepherd Advisor: Dr. Jijun Tang Date: November 11, 2014 Time: 3:00pm-5:00pm Place: Swearingen (3A00, Dean’s Conference Room) Abstract In recent years, gaming research has taken off. In this work, we show that effectively implementing systems that are based in theoretical research, and combining that with gaming practices that these artifacts can be effective research tools. The first work is based on new theories in speech pedagogy, and demonstrates its effectiveness. Next, the following work will show that using a game which simulates therapeutic speech practices can aid in the study of rehabilitation. Finally, the last work will show how using game practices with a large scale visualization could potentially result in scientific breakthroughs in the biologic community. Ultimately all of these works show the multi-disciplinary use of games in scientific research.