DR. CATHERINE CROFT
STEM BOARD GAME DESIGNER
For Dr. Catherine Croft, doing work means playing games! Dr. Croft co-founded her own game design company, Catlilli Games, which makes board games centered around science and STEM! From chemistry to engineering, her games are designed to expose young students to science topics in an engaging and fun manner.
Dr Croft also works as a high school science teacher and has her PhD in neuroscience. She researched how brains develop and how they might function differently in autism.
In her interview through Fauquier Now, the student newspaper from her school, Fauquier High School, Dr. Croft explains: “It’s kind of my mission in life to bring hands-on science to every kid no matter what level, no matter what age.”
Further resources
(some links may be repeated from above)
Dr. Croft is co-founder and CEO of Catlilli Games.
Catherine Croft’s LinkedIn Profile.
Dr. Croft is a speaker for the Serious Play Conference!
Girls’ Game Shelf interviewed Dr. Croft—read it here.
Her publications can be found here.
Follow her on Twitter: @catlilli2
SHORT STEM STAR INTERVIEW
What was your favorite subject in K-12?
History, with math as a close second
Did you have a favorite teacher growing up?
While I had several kind teachers who I respected dearly, I never had that one truly inspirational teacher that many people talk about. This is a major reason why I chose to transition to a career in education. I wanted to be an inspirational science teacher to as many kids as possible.
Who inspired your growing up?
My family. I idolized my big brother and sister and wanted to be just like them. My parents placed a huge emphasis on learning throughout life.
Do you have a special relationship to a child?
I have two children, Benjamin and Anna, who mean the world to me. Their creativity, humor, and wisdom inspire me every day. They playtest my games and often help me at local events. I want to make the world a better place for them.
Do you have pets or a favorite animal?
I have a potbelly pig named Hamlet. He is sweet, cute, and intelligent.
What is your favorite non-work activity, hobby or way to relax?
I love to go exploring around the Virginia countryside. I also adore museums.
What is the weather like where you live? Is there anything interesting about it?
We have four beautiful seasons, which I treasure.
Did you have a favorite game or song as a child?
I loved all kinds of board games and would collect them from yard sales and rebuild missing pieces. I have a special fondness for Mall Madness.