The Jefferson Center of Immersive Arts for Health

To encourage independent study in the immersive experience field, University students can propose self-driven projects that expand on the work of JCAIH.

In the fall semester of 2024, multiple students participated in separate independent study projects linked to JCIAH.

Janine D’Anna, PhD
PhD Candidate in Architecture & Design Research, SMARTlab Practice-Based PhD Program

Proposal: Investigate the impact of adaptive lighting on the education of autistic students to control dysregulation. Janine conducted a study throughout classrooms at multiple schools for Neurodiverse student populations to analyze how teachers adapt lighting to help regulate their students.

Abby Spraker
Senior, Industrial Design
Proposal: Create 3D models for projection mapping that would react with live or imported audio. Using TouchDesigner software, Abby created an achromatic spectrum (black-gray-white) that followed the beat and high hats of the song’s audio. When the bass or voice hits a particular pitch, it triggers the correlating colors.

Nate Godshall
Senior, Industrial Design
Proposal: Developing immersive experiences enhanced through interactive technologies. Using TouchDesigner software, Nate created a visual effect built in 10,000 particles, all with a gravitational pull toward their relative center. Spinning slowly, these particles move in whisps and wind-like motion, while audio played by the user triggers a jitter effect. Using this technology, Nate could project imagery in Ravenhill Chapel that was responsive to audio.