XR Development
Kamiak Butte VR
Kamiak Butte VR is a project that I started as an undergraduate student in collaboration with a professor in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to distance learning.
Kamiak Butte VR is an interactive experience that enables students virtually explore and learn about Kamiak Butte County Park in 360° view.
Role:
UI/UX Design, Database Curation, Instructional Design, 3D Modeling & Textures, Game Design, C# Programmer, Spherical Cameraman

Project Overview
I developed the Kamiak Butte VR software application through an iterative design process over a three-year period as an undergraduate and graduate student at Washington State University.
I utilized Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Maya, Unity, and 3DVista to build the Kamiak Butte VR program. I also incorporated student feedback from surveys to improve and evolve the software.
I was fortunate to work alongside a multidisciplinary team of professors, undergraduate students, and graduate students to develop various aspects of the project.
My project team was fortunate to win two technology grants for the project and raised $44,550 to continue to develop and improve Kamiak Butte VR.

Software Elements
In the experience, you can use a user interface in a virtual visitor center to explore different components of Ecology at the county park.
Users can explore seasonal change, view wildlife interactions, plant species, bird identification, and more.

Results
Kamiak Butte VR was implemented in the Natural Resource Ecology course curriculum for six semesters of instruction across a three year period. Over 500 students have used the software as apart of their classroom activities and the software is still in use today by the course alongside the physical field trip to Kamiak Butte.
My master’s thesis focused on the use of the Kamiak Butte VR alongside the physical field trip in the Natural Resource Ecology course.
The results from the research study showed students valued the hybrid field trip and believed the activities supported their ability to learn about the ecology at Kamiak Butte.
Progress over the years
Kamiak Butte VR, along with my role as a designer and developer, has grown significantly over the years.
This journey has been transformative, shaping both the project and my own growth as a professional.