Senay Simsek, professor and director of the wheat quality and carbohydrate research program, is using virtual reality tools to enhance the research and outreach of her wheat program.
"Virtual reality is transforming research and outreach activities in the NDSU plant sciences department, and the wave is just beginning," said Simsek.
Virtual reality is a three-dimensional, computer-generated experience that allows a person to interact with spaces and objects within an entirely virtual environment. Simsek worked with Be More Colorful, a virtual reality solutions firm in Fargo, to create 360-degree images of the wheat quality and carbohydrate labs. Then they embedded informational videos provided by Simsek about the lab tests and equipment into the 360-degree images to create a complete virtual tour of the wheat quality and carbohydrate chemistry laboratories.
Designated users of the technology access virtual tours using a VR headset or as a desktop experience in any web browser. During the tour, they experience wheat quality facilities in 3D, which creates the feeling that they are visiting in person, even though they may be thousands of miles away.
Simsek often meets with various trade teams and farmer groups, and visits K-12 schools. Now, she can utilize virtual technology to show what type of research she is conducting at NDSU. "Leveraging virtual reality helps enhance the research and outreach experiences for the people we work with," she said.
Simsek implemented the browser-based 3D experience during this year's Hard Red Spring Wheat Crop Quality meeting.
"Virtual reality is offering some promising benefits to our research and outreach capabilities," saied Simsek. She believes researchers should expect to see more virtual reality technology enter their lives and laboratories in the near future.
If you would like to schedule a virtual experience and learn more about wheat quality in the world of virtual reality, contact Simsek at senay.simsek@ndsu.edu.
As a student-focused, land-grant, research university, we serve our citizens.
