xREAL provides research opportunities for graduate students who are interested in conducting research in virtual reality, augmented reality, and instructional technologies. Our lab has the equipment they need to conduct quality research in their area of interest while also collaborating with xREAL faculty who share the same research interests.
Exploring Identity in Video Games
Rebekah Waddell, a Communication Studies graduate student and pop-culture extraordinaire, participates in the xREAL lab as a member of the Virtual Reality Club and through her research efforts in gamer identity construction. Rebekah’s experience within the graduate program allows her to explore her research interests through her passions for popular culture and gaming while also applying her public relations expertise. Video games have always played a pivotal role in Rebekah’s life and she takes pride in contributing her gaming knowledge to academic scholarship. Her scholarly accomplishments in her coursework have allowed her to produce conference-worthy papers thanks to the guidance of her mentor, Dr. Mihaela Popescu. Presently, Rebekah serves as a marketing intern for the xREAL lab developing its website and social media presence and is working towards the completion of her master’s thesis.
