XR VOICES

An immersive 3D art exhibition born from collaboration between Ukrainian librarians, children, and San José State University. Amid the Russian invasion, which displaced over 42,000 children to Ukraine's Cherkasy region, SJSU partnered with 40 regional libraries to organize an art competition. Funds were raised to provide Ukrainian libraries with a state-of-the-art scanner, enabling the digitization of children's artworks. This initiative aimed to help children process war-related trauma while preserving cultural heritage. The digital pieces were transformed into an immersive exhibition, amplifying young voices, highlighting the impact of war on cultural institutions, and raising global awareness about the ongoing conflict.

Created in partnership with the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, "Seeking Immortality" is a virtual reality environment preserving endangered cultural knowledge. The project trained tribal members in using 3D scanners, cameras, and emerging technologies, empowering them to autonomously build and curate their own virtual space. This browser-based VR environment showcases the tribe's land, language, and traditions, addressing challenges posed by tribal dispersion and the dwindling number of Cheyenne language speakers over 65. The goal is to ensure widespread preservation of and engagement with Northern Cheyenne heritage through an immersive, collective environment accessible across all devices.

A virtual reality experience created in collaboration with Books Unbanned, Unite Against Book Bans, and Little Free Library  that highlights how book bans disproportionately impact marginalized communities. The immersive environment explores the history and current landscape of book challenges in America, showcasing banned books alongside the stories of those affected by censorship. Through interactive elements and personal narratives, the project aims to foster understanding about intellectual freedom, demonstrate the value of diverse perspectives in literature, and inspire engagement with the ongoing fight against censorship. The goal is to create a compelling advocacy tool that raises awareness about the importance of the freedom to read in a democratic society while delivering access to books that have been banned.