Dr. Farzan Baradaran Rahimi has been awarded a grant through the New Frontiers in Research Fund’s (NFRF) Exploration stream for his research, “Immersive Empathy: Artificial Intelligence-Powered Virtual Reality to Bridge Divides in Canadian Communities.” This is the first MacEwan-led project to receive a grant in this category.
The assistant professor of design and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Immersive Learning is exploring how immersive learning using virtual reality can strengthen mutual understanding and foster empathy, particularly with communities of racial and cultural minorities. The innovative research project combines artificial intelligence, immersive learning and participatory design to address a pressing societal challenge. Dr. Baradaran Rahimi also directs MacEwan’s Immersive Learning Institute.
Shelby LaFramboise, assistant professor of Studio Arts and Arts and Cultural Management, who holds a cross-appointment in the kihêw waciston Indigenous Centre, is a co-applicant on the project.
“Our success in the NFRF competition highlights the innovative scholarship being conducted by MacEwan faculty members to address important societal issues. Having our first MacEwan-led NFRF is a testament to our growth in scholarly excellence,” says Dr. Craig Kuziemsky, associate vice-president, Research.
The NFRF Exploration stream supports world-leading interdisciplinary, high-risk / high-reward, transformative research led by Canadian researchers with the goals of enhancing Canada’s competitiveness and expertise in the global, knowledge-based economy. Dr. Baradaran Rahimi and LaFramboise aren’t the only MacEwan faculty receiving the funding this year.
Dr. Katie Biittner, associate professor in Anthropology, Economics and Political Science, and a MacEwan Tier 2 Chancellor’s Research Chair, is a co-applicant on an NFRF grant titled “Reconstructive Preservation: Designing Resilient Digital Heritage for the Far Future” in collaboration with Dr. Peter Dawson at the University of Calgary.
“As an institution committed to exceptional undergraduate learning, MacEwan recognizes the vital connection between teaching and scholarship. These grants are a significant and well-deserved acknowledgement of the outstanding work being led by Dr. Baradaran Rahimi, Assistant Professor LaFramboise, Dr. Biittner and their research teams,” says Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Dr. Craig Monk. “Their scholarship not only advances knowledge and innovation in their fields, but also enriches the learning experience of our students by bringing discovery, inquiry and real-world impact directly into the classroom.”