Our Outreach

At our lab, we firmly believe in the power of outreach and the importance of translating our research into a reader-friendly, comprehensible format for everyone. By doing so, we aim to provide individuals with the opportunity to discover and understand the numerous benefits that arise from the intersection of nature, health, and technology.

Through our outreach initiatives, we strive to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the general public. We recognize that valuable knowledge should not be confined within the walls of academia; instead, it should be shared and made available to all. By actively engaging with our community, we aspire to foster a culture of learning, curiosity, and innovation.

Our primary objective is to create a platform where individuals from multiple backgrounds can come together to explore and appreciate the profound impacts of nature, health, and technology on our daily lives. We firmly believe that by providing reader-friendly information, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions that enhance their well-being and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

Through a wide range of outreach programs, events, and educational resources, we aim to inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around us. Whether it's through interactive workshops, engaging presentations, or hands-on activities, our dedicated team is committed to making science and research relatable and enjoyable for people of all ages. We invite you to explore our website, learn more about our ongoing projects, and discover the various ways you can get involved in our outreach initiatives. Together, let's unlock the wonders of nature, health, and technology and embark on a journey of knowledge, discovery, and positive change.

Outreach Highlights

Personalizing virtual nature

Lab co-directors personalized and regift a virtual reality experience for a retired forestry professor who no longer was able to visit the forest he loves.

A daily dose of nature

Dr. Whyte interviews lab co-director Matthew Browning, Ph.D., about technology that tracks time spent outdoors, which can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health.

Bringing virtual reality to elementary students

In a visit to AJ Wittenburg school in Greenville, SC, our lab offered students in grades K-5 immersive demos using virtual reality headsets to inspire and foster an interest in STEM and other emerging technologies.

Picture of VRN lab members with first grade students from the AJ Wittenburg school in Greenville, SC.

Virtual reality for hurricane preparedness

This NOAA-funded project developed a VR simulation to increase understanding of severe weather risks, promote knowledge of mitigation strategies, and engage costal residents in active learning for storm surges and hurricanes.

Picture of local residents using VR headsets to experience the Storm Surge application along with VRN lab member Shuai Yuan.

STEM program for high school students

Summer Scholars has partnered with our lab to create a summer course on STEM, VR, and environmental research designed for rising 9th to 12th-grade students.

Picture of VRN lab member Allison Maynard instructing a group of Summer Scholar's students on an introduction to virtual reality.

Economic benefits of nature

The Nature-Healthcare Expenditure Project investigates the role that nature, and greening, can play in improving the health of all Americans while reducing healthcare costs.

Picture of an infographic from the DollarsGrowOnTree Project website. The infographic says: Health care systems may spend hundreds of dollars less per person per year on medical care for people living in neighborhoods with the most green space.

Clemson Campus
Nature Rx

A prescription (Rx) for improving our physical, mental, and social lives through enjoying our outdoor environments on Clemson University’s Campus.