Oregon Reality Lab News

Stay up to date on the latest news from the Oregon Reality Lab at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication. The OR Lab brings together students, faculty and industry partners to explore immersive media technologies including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and extended reality (XR).

Stories on this page highlight research, creative projects and collaborations developed in the lab—from augmented reality storytelling and immersive science communication to experimental XR experiences designed to inform, engage and inspire new audiences.

Immersive Media Research and XR Project Updates

digital graphic that says "Webby Honoree" on a pink background with a thumbnail of the Otter Rock VR project
Immersive Media Project Wins Webby Honorable Mention
The immersive media project Otter Rock: Beneath the Surface received a Webby honorable mention in the Apps, Software, and Immersive category. The project was created by the SOJC’s Snap AR Scholars.
people using VR headsets
Research Indicates VR Games Boost Desire To Be Helpful
Playing a virtual reality game can increase a person’s sense of altruism and empathy, according to a new study by SOJC researcher Samantha Lorenzo, a Communication and Media Studies PhD alum.
Danny Pimentel poses in the navigation space of the OceanX research ship
Pimentel Goes to Sea for Hackathon Sulawesi 2026
Daniel Pimentel, director of the SOJC’s Oregon Reality Lab, participated in Hackathon Sulawesi aboard the OceanXplorer to help answer the question: How do we transform ocean discovery into personal action?
portrait of Alec Freudenstein
SOJC Alum Is Building the Future of Empathic AI
Alec Freudenstein ’24 turned his Immersive Media Communication Master’s project—an emotionally aware AI financial advisor—into a prototype that has been recognized by leading AI firms.
portrait of Jason de Parrie-Turner
Jason de Parrie-Turner: From Child Actor to AR Storyteller
Jason de Parrie-Turner drew from his background in art, film, augmented reality, and AI in the SOJC’s Immersive Media Communication Master’s program to create transformative storytelling experiences.
digital composite illustration with ocean and underwater scenes with the text "Otter Rock Beneath the Surface"
Charting Otter Rock Marine Reserve in Augmented Reality
The SOJC’s Snap AR Scholars and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife partner to create an augmented reality experience that helps people “see” the submerged Otter Rock Marine Reserve.
Danny Pimentel stands on a stage to accept the Rising Star Prize at the 2025 Augmented World Expo
Danny Pimentel Wins Rising Star Award for AR Work
Danny Pimentel, SOJC assistant professor of immersive psychology, won the 2025 Rising Star Award from Augmented World Expo. He was recognized for using immersive technologies to inspire prosocial and pro-environmental behavior.
a person wearing AR glasses stands on an Oregon beach
Video: Snap AR Scholars Are Making the Ocean Come Alive
An SOJC student-led organization called Snap AR Scholars is working with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to change the way people interact with the ocean to drive conservation.
Luke Walker tests an immersive media project on his computer while wearing a VR headset
Alum Helps Propel NASA into Era of Immersive Communication
Luke Walker ’24, a dual master’s graduate of the Immersive Media Communication and Strategic Communication master’s programs, suggested improvements to NASA’s video game strategy.
portrait of Jakki Bailey
Professor Studies Impact of Virtual Reality on Kids
Jakki Bailey, a new media studies professor at the SOJC, has researched the impact of virtual reality on children’s well-being and behavioral health.