VR Research Collaboration Overview
The VR lab at UC Irvine, nestled within the Program in Global Languages & Cultures, is at the forefront of integrating Virtual Reality (VR) technology into academic research and curriculum development. Our focus on immersive experiences not only enriches educational content but also provides a novel perspective on global issues and cultural studies. W e are proud to highlight several ongoing projects that exemplify the lab’s commitment to leveraging VR for impactful research.
Dr. Carrie Perkins’ project, “The Art of Exile,” presents a VR gallery documenting the displacement of Myanmar’s forced migrants through art, offering immersive insights into refugee experiences. Allison Jones explores the educational potentials of VR in tourism and virtual worlds, while Hazel Pei-Chun Chiang studies VR social platforms’ role in enhancing mindfulness and community during the pandemic. These projects, along with our research collaboration with the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), highlight our lab’s commitment to using VR technology for impactful research and education.
These projects underscore the VR lab’s role as a hub for interdisciplinary research, blending technology with humanities to explore new frontiers in education, cultural studies, and social connectivity. Through these initiatives, we aim to contribute significantly to the academic community and beyond, showcasing the transformative potential of VR in global research and education.
VR Collaboration – Highlight
Carrie Perkins, Ph.D.
- ACLS Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Humanities, University of California, Irvine
Ph.D. Anthropology, Southern Methodist University, 2019 - Research Interests: Forced Migration and Refugee Studies, Thailand-Myanmar Borderlands, Multimodal Ethnography, VR, Digital Storytelling
Project Name
The Art of Exile: documenting the displacement of Myanmar’s Forced Migrants (presented in virtual reality)
Project Description
“The Art of Exile” is an interactive art gallery presented in virtual reality that highlights the work of artists from Myanmar who have been forced to flee their country due to the ongoing civil war. Through photography, painting, film, and 360 immersive sensory experience, this gallery will explore the lives and work of those who have sought safety as refugees along Myanmar’s shared borders with Thailand, Bangladesh and India. The gallery urges visitors to consider themes of resistance and autonomy as well as the liminality of life in a refugee camp. Artists from three regions of the country will be highlighted in this exhibition, including the Rohingya people from Rakhine State, the Karen people from Kayin State, and the Chin people from Chin State. Visitors to the VR gallery may choose to take a 14-minute guided tour with narration from the curator, or explore the gallery on their own.
VR Lab Research Collaboration
Allison Jones
(Watch her interview at the top of this page!)
- Doctoral Student in Global Studies, University of California, Irvine
M.A. International Affairs, Northeastern University, 2021
B.A. Political Science and Classical Civilizations, Binghamton University, 2019 - Research Interests: Voluntourism, the moral economy/economy of affect, critical university studies, heritage tourism, critical tourism studies, development, imperialism and colonialism
Project Description
Alison, a third-year PhD student in the Department of Global and International Studies, is focusing her research on the exploration of virtual and VR tourism, alongside virtual education initiatives. Her project places a significant emphasis on understanding the potential of virtual reality technology to create immersive, education-centered spaces. By focusing on the lab as a primary case study, she explores the ways these technologies facilitate the process of worldmaking. Central to her analysis is the role of student experiences and participation within the lab, which she believes are crucial in understanding how virtual worlds are constructed and navigated. Additionally, Alison critically examines the origins and creators of the applications used by students, aiming to achieve a comprehensive insight into the virtual environments they access. Her holistic approach enables her to evaluate the broader implications of virtual reality, not only within educational settings but also in wider contexts. This comprehensive perspective ensures a deep understanding of how virtual reality technology can transcend traditional learning environments, potentially reshaping experiences and interactions beyond the confines of education.
VR Research Support
Hazel Pei-Chun Chiang
- Master Student in Informatics, University of California, Irvine
- B.S. Management Information System, National ChengChi University, 2020
- B.S. Digital Content and Technologies, National ChengChi University, 2020
Project Description
Virtual reality (VR) has proven to be a valuable tool for individuals seeking to combat feelings of isolation during the pandemic. With the capacity to provide a strong sense of presence and immersive experience, VR social platforms like VR Chat, Rec Room, and AltSpace offer a unique space where users can connect with friends and build communities, overcoming geographical barriers regardless of distance or disability.
Hazel’s research centers around exploring the potential of VR social platforms to support group mindfulness activities. By conducting interviews with members of VR mindfulness communities, Hazel aims to gain valuable insights into the user experience of participating in VR meditation and mindfulness events, as well as assess their effectiveness in promoting overall well-being. This understanding can ultimately guide the evaluation of immersive technology to support better mindfulness practices and create opportunities for a more positive mindful experience.
VR Pedagogical Development
GLC Foreign Language Programs
- [coming soon…]
Project Descriptions
Digital Storytelling; Google Earth VR Tours, and more.
