Derek Veenhof

Virtual concerts in video games; authenticity and participation; platform studies; memes and misinformation; educational games; pop music and its intersections with video game platforms.

Master of Arts in Game Studies

Brock University

2024–2026

Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications, Concentration in Digital Culture

Brock University

2021–2024

Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design

Niagara College Canada

2008–2011

Teaching Assistant

Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film, Brock University

January 2026–Present

COMM 2P50 – Communication Theory

FILM 2P93 – Popular Narrative

Teaching Assistant

Music Department, Brock University

September 2025–January 2026

MUSI 1P50 – Music in Global Cultures

Teaching Assistant

Interactive Arts and Sciences Department, Brock University

September 2024–Present

IASC 1F02 – Being Human in a Digital World

Research Assistant

Music Department, Brock University

September 2024–September 2025

Research assistant to Dr. Nina Penner on sound and music in video games.

Department Steward (Digital Humanities), CUPE 4207 Unit 1

Brock University

November 2025–Present

Veenhof, D. (2026, February 7). Authenticity after AI: Reclaiming realness in digital culture. [Symposium presentation]. What Does It Mean to Be Human? Experience, Identity, and Reimagining of Humanity, Brock University.

Veenhof, D. (2025, April 10). Play and agency: A. S. Neill’s progressive pedagogy and game-based learning. [Symposium presentation]. Not Just Games: Digital Humanities Symposium, Brock University.

Veenhof, D. (2025, March 31). Convergence, platform power, and participation in Travis Scott’s Fortnite concert. [Symposium presentation]. Exploring Diverse Perspectives on Identities and (Sub)Cultures, Brock University.

Memes, Misinformation & Metal Gear Solid 2: Algorithms, Influence, and the Power to Shape Context.

Invited guest seminar, COMM/SOC 4P23: Research in Media and Popular Culture, Brock University, March 11, 2026

Major Research Project (MRP): Authenticity, Participation, and Platform Constraint in Fortnite's Travis Scott Concert.

Brock University, Game Studies MA Program

Distinguished Graduating Student Award

Brock University, Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film

2024

• Awarded to the top student in the department.
• Valued at $100.

Harrison-Thompson Bursary Trust

Brock University, Faculty of Humanities

2024

• Awarded annually to one full-time student in each of the five faculties.
• Valued at $1,006.80.

Dr. Alan Earp Scholarship

Brock University

2023

• Awarded for academic excellence to a student entering third or fourth year.
• Valued at $5,090.