google summer of code 2023 @ OREL INCF

“Virtual worlds bloom, as reality fades into digital dreams.”

“Virtual Reality is in My Name VRushali,

Now in My Hands” _(ツ)_/

I am thrilled to announce that I have been selected for the Google Summer of Code (GSoC) 2023 program under the Incf organization. My project is focused on developing Virtual Reality for Distributed Research, in collaboration with the Orthogonal Research and Education Lab.

Dancing minds, immersive sights,

A world of knowledge, in XR’s lights.

From ABM’s view to brains’ atlas,

Open-source magic, a poetic apparatus.

Join us in the realm of 3D,

Where scientific truths come to be.

From Morris Water Maze to worm’s browser,

A VR AR world, a scientific shower.

Step into the realm of XR,

Where haptic feedback takes you far.

A world of wonder, a world of art,

Join us now and play your part.

The project proposes three templates for applicants to base their projects on.

*The first template involves replicating a famous experimental paradigm such as the Morris Water Maze. This template requires the creation of an environment where the subject can interact with both the environment and stimuli. The environment must be realistic enough to allow for the collection of participant data.

*The second template proposes replicating scientific knowledge or biological processes in a unique way. For instance, creating a navigable version of a brain atlas or an immersive version of the OpenWorm browser. The aim is to create an animation that displays a biological process from multiple points of view.

*The third template involves visualizing Agent-based Models (ABM) using both a first-person and third-person perspective. This involves integrating simulations from the NetLogo platform with a 3-D physics and graphics engine. The ABM simulations will allow researchers and learners to interact with the models and collect data.

The ultimate outcome of these projects should be an XR application published under an open-source license that runs on widely available formats such as 360 video, smartphone headsets, or Meta Quest. The application should allow for and measure haptic feedback and movement inputs.

The technology that will be utilized in this project includes Blender, WebXR, NetLogo, Unity3D, Agent-based models, GAMA Platform, 3D graphics, virtual reality, and graphic engines. These technologies will allow the creation of immersive environments and simulations that will engage the learners and researchers.

The applications of virtual and augmented reality in scientific research and education are limitless. Virtual reality allows researchers to create realistic environments that replicate real-life scenarios. These scenarios can be used to collect data that may be difficult or impossible to obtain in the real world.

For instance, in the Morris Water Maze experiment, rats are placed in a pool of water with a hidden platform. The rats are trained to locate the platform using visual cues in the environment. This experiment can be replicated in a virtual environment, allowing researchers to manipulate the environment’s visual cues and observe the rats’ behavior. This type of research is not only more ethical but also less costly and time-consuming.

Virtual reality can also be used to replicate complex biological processes in a way that is easy to understand. For example, an animation that displays a biological process from multiple points of view can help learners visualize and understand complex processes that are difficult to understand in a textbook.

Finally, Agent-based models simulations allow researchers to create models of complex systems and observe how they behave under different conditions. In virtual reality, these simulations can be presented in a way that allows researchers to interact with them and collect data. This can help researchers to better understand complex systems and develop solutions to problems in fields such as ecology, economics, and social sciences.

I am excited to be working with my lead mentors, Bradly Alicea and Jesse Parent, who will guide me throughout the project. I am confident that their expertise and guidance will help me make significant progress and achieve the project goals within the stipulated timeline.

This opportunity will help me enhance my technical skills and provide me with an opportunity to work on a real-world project that can benefit researchers and learners worldwide. I am excited to be a part of the open-source community and contribute to the development of cutting-edge technology. I am determined to work hard and deliver quality work that meets the project requirements.

“Virtual worlds come alive, science and art collide.”