Project Description: This project supports University of Miami freshmen with a unique VR experience as part of the First Year Directions course. The VR experience showcases a digital twin of our campus and its offerings through virtual activities inspired by actual university classes, athletics, and extracurriculars, such as glass-blowing, rowing, sailing, and the arts. Students can also watch immersive 360-degree videos from university-affiliated events, such as concerts, running through the football tunnel with the team, and more. Additionally, they can explore Miami-Dade County through virtual tours. Beyond exploring the digital campus to access these activities and videos, students can dive into other VR applications created by the University.
Principal Investigators: Nicole Maarraoui (Director, Student Retention and Success), Anna Queiroz (Dept. of Interactive Media), Tom Merrick (Dept. of Interactive Media), Kim Grinfeder (Dept. of Interactive Media)
Team: João Ribeiro (XR Architect + XR Consultant), Simon Jaimes (Developer), Matt Liff (Developer), Yestin Gochuico (Developer), Andaiye Gibson (UX/UI Designer), Nefele Talavera (Architect), Christiana Domosaru (Architect), Zoey Lee (Videographer), Sidney Cocimano (UX/UI Designer + Project Manager), Mari Hilliard (UX/UI Designer), Laurie Vuong (UX/UI Designer), Chris Eagar (Project Manager), Rachel Farinas (Project Manager), Maggie Dobra (Project Manager), Sofia Perez-Baux (Project Manager), Josh Fenner (Audio Engineer), Paulina Fiore (3D Artist), Bryson Rudolph (Technical Lead)
A view of the virtual Shalala Student Center from the FYD app.
University of Miami mascot Sebastian the Ibis makes a virtual and in-person appearance.
