Research Assistant for Desiree Foerster: Creating VR experiences for a research project

Opportunity Description:

We are seeking a motivated undergraduate student from Computer Science (or a related field) to join a collaborative research project exploring new forms of immersive, multimodal illness narratives using Virtual Reality (VR).

The position is funded through the Quad Faculty Research Grant Program and will begin in the Winter Quarter.

This interdisciplinary project will develop up to three VR environments that explore immersive ways to tell stories of illness, disability, and neurodivergence. The work aims to expand the possibilities of narrative representation and contribute to both scholarly research and a public-facing exhibit.

Project Team:

Desiree Foerster, Senior Research Associate, Cinema and Media Studies

Ade Osadolor Hernandez, Alumna MPP, Harris School

Undergraduate Research Assistant (You)

Primary Responsibilities: 

Responsibilities

-Program and prototype immersive VR environments using relevant tools and platforms (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine)
-Collaborate with the researcher team to integrate conceptual and aesthetic considerations into technical design
-Document the creative and technical process
-Contribute to the design and authorship of VR applications that may be showcased

-Currently enrolled undergraduate student at the University of Chicago
-Background in Computer Science, VR/AR development, or related field
-Experience with Unity or Unreal Engine
Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and storytelling through technology

Knowledge or skills gained from the experience: 

The undergraduate researcher will:

-Gain hands-on experience in programming VR environments and developing narrative-driven prototypes

-Learn to collaborate effectively across humanities and technical disciplines

-Strengthen their ability to communicate complex ideas to non-specialists

-Develop a strong portfolio piece and be credited as co-author on the resulting VR applications

Application Process: 

Please submit the following to dfoerster@uchicago.edu

-A brief statement of interest (1 paragraph)
-Résumé or CV
-(Optional) Links or examples of past programming or VR projects

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.