Faculty Projects

Mangrove City

Project Title: "Mangrove City"

Project Description: Mangrove City is an immersive VR application, complemented by a robust STEM classroom curriculum, that transports middle school students into the heart of mangrove forests. This educational experience deepens their understanding of mangrove ecology and inspires a vision of harmonious coexistence with these vital ecosystems. Students navigating through the dynamic virtual forest will encounter educational mini-games with interactive activities. Additionally, the virtual Mangrove City serves as a compelling example, encouraging students to consider careers in STEM fields dedicated to preserving and innovatively interacting with these crucial natural environments.

Coming to the Meta Quest store: Fall 2025

mangrovecity.webflow.io  |  Mangrove City Press Kit

Awards:

  • 2023 Auggie Award Winner Educate Category
  • 2023 QS Reimagine Education Award Gold Winner

Mangrove City, winners AWE 2023 Educate Category

TEAM

Producers

Kim Grinfeder, Professor, University of Miami School of Communication
Zevensuy Rodriguez, Lecturer, University of Miami School of Communication
Ruth Ron, Lecturer, University of Miami School of Architecture
Rafael Araujo, Sr. Research Associate, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences

Education Lead

Ren Mendoza, Assistant Professor of STEM Education, University of Nebraska Omaha, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

Development Leads

Bryson Rudolph, Software Engineer, Frost Institute for Data Science and Computing
Zevensuy Rodriguez, Lecturer, Department of Interactive Media

Project Managers

Sofia Perez-Baux
Rachael Farinas

Developers

Ashay Dave, Graduate Student at the University of Miami
Sourav Pande, Graduate Student at the University of Miami
Kumani Riley, Student at the University of Miami
Bradley Karmin, Student at Northeastern University

Designers

Kim Grinfeder, Professor, Department of Interactive Media
Cassandra Swilley, Student at the University of Miami
Whit Redgate, Student at the University of Miami

Voiceovers

Andrea Miranda

Architecture Design

Ruth Ron, Lecturer, University of Miami School of Architecture
Daley Hall & Sam Tsirulnikov - Lilypad homes, Students at the University of Miami
Sean Festa & Nicholas Amadori – Beehives, Students at the University of Miami
Crispin Blamphin, Student at the University of Miami
Ckiara Condezo, Student at the University of Miami
Brianna Marie Frank, Student at the University of Miami

Mangrove Scientists

Rafael Araujo, Sr. Research Associate, Department of Marine Biology and Ecology
Kellie Flowers, Graduate Student at the University of Miami
Bailey Ross, Graduate Student at the University of Miami
Olivia Howson, Student at the University of Miami
Sana Lynch, Student at the University of Miami
Dale Kline, Student at the University of Miami
Maya Bhalla-Ladd, Student at the University of Miami
Kandisi Anyabwile, Student at the University of Miami

Mangrove City scientist Rafael Araujo, Sr.

Read More:

Mangrove City

Mangrove City

 

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