Sheen: Project Augmented Reality for Education
Augmented Reality applications for education
Overview
Sheen is an innovative project designed to leverage Augmented Reality (AR) technology to revolutionize STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education for K-12 students.
The project’s primary goal is to develop Android applications that enhance the learning experience by making complex scientific concepts more accessible and engaging through interactive 3D models.
The Sheen project began as a research initiative at West Virginia University Institute of Technology, funded by the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium (NASA WVSGC) and later supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) UNY Innovation Corps (I-Corps) STEM Marketing program.
Over a year and a half, I led the development of several AR applications aimed at improving STEM education by allowing students to interact with virtual models of scientific concepts, such as DNA structures and 3D graphs, using their Android devices.
Research - Technology
The research involved extensive collaboration with educators, students, and academic advisors to understand the current challenges in STEM education.
Through user interviews and feedback sessions, it became evident that traditional teaching methods often fall short in engaging students in subjects like Biology and Chemistry.
The Sheen project addressed this gap by creating immersive AR experiences that bring these subjects to life, making them more understandable and exciting for students.
The AR applications were developed using Unity Game Engine, C#, and Vuforia, targeting Android OS. These tools allowed the creation of interactive 3D models that students could explore using their mobile devices.
The project also involved extensive data collection and analysis, utilizing platforms like Google Drive, Google Docs, and Dropbox for collaboration and storage.
User Feedback
Feedback from educators and students who tested the Sheen AR applications was overwhelmingly positive.
Teachers, particularly in special and online education settings, found the AR tools transformative, while students appreciated the ability to interact with complex models in a way that traditional textbooks couldn’t offer.
The success of the beta versions led to Sheen being showcased at various science fairs and educational conferences, earning multiple awards and recognition.
Awards and Recognition
Awards:
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Research project presented during International Annual American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) 2020 Virtual/Montréal Conference
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NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium (NASA WVSGC) Undergraduate Fellowship
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1st place Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IEEE) West Virginia Section STEM Awards
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Project accepted for National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps short course program, STEM marketing
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Third place during West Virginia University Launch Lab “Is there an app for that?” App based business competition & during West Virginia University Institute of Technology Launch Lab "Campus-wide Pitch" Event
Press Releases:
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Greenbrier Valley Quarterly Magazine March 2020
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West Virginia University Institute of Technology online news section June 2019
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West Virginia Science & Research June 2019
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Mountain Messenger Newspaper July 2019
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The Fayette Tribune Newspaper July 2019
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Featured on The Neuron, West Virginia Science and Research magazine Summer 2019 Edition
Visit my LinkedIn under "Accomplishments" for a complete list.