Anamaria Ciucanu

Dr. Anamaria Ciucanu is a Lecturer in Games Design at Manchester Metropolitan University's School of Digital Arts, specializing in 3D Character Development and Character Animation Techniques for BSc Computer Animation and VFX students. Her interdisciplinary work bridges animation, behavioral science, and computational methods.

• Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Her research focuses on innovative character animation techniques combining procedural systems, Laban motion analysis, AI-driven behaviors, and physics-based modeling. She explores empathy generation through abstract movement patterns and mathematical functions in animated characters, with applications in both artistic expression and educational theory.

Anamaria integrates experiential learning frameworks (Kolb, Illeris) and improv theater techniques (Johnstone) into her pedagogy. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes curiosity-driven learning and adaptive knowledge delivery through constructive alignment (Biggs & Tang) and tiered support systems (Sundqvist et al).

• 3rd place at Writer’s Retreat Competition (2020)
• Higher Education Academy Fellowship

She maintains an active creative practice through travel narratives and poetic reflections on human connection, with a particular interest in maternal experiences and improv-based bonding. Her work intersects with cognitive psychology (Maslow, Amen) and educational theory (Entwistle, Bruner) to promote playful learning environments.