Current and former SSN grants and projects

I have recently joined the Blue Carbon Lab to lead the Coastal Victorian Restoration Program that is restoring degraded saltmarsh wetlands along the Victorian coast. These amazing ecosystems do so much for humans, yet remain severely underappreciated and valued. Keeping them healthy is critical to maintain clean water, sequester carbon, and to support wildlife and fish populations.​ ​Unfortunately, the rate of loss of wetlands (driven mostly by human activities) is estimated to be among the highest of any ecosystem on the planet.​ Harnessed with the scientific knowledge about saltmarsh wetlands and other “Blue Carbon” ecosystems, I wish to explore how to bridge the gap of translating complex scientific information to the general public in a way that evokes interest and emotion. I will host an interdisciplinary 1-day workshop to bring together artists, scientists (STEM and HASS) and educators to discuss and develop ideas for using virtual reality to translate and educate Blue Carbon science concepts to the general public. The aim of this activity is to have an open table discussion about key concepts in Blue Carbon science that can easily be translated into an interactive artistic experience, while still providing an educational message. I will also participate in a 1-week training program in February 2020 to learn basic skills in Virtual Reality production. ​I will learn about the basic VR technologies including headset technology, LiDAR (remote sensing technology), tethered virtual reality, and body tracking.

The Team: Dr Melissa Wartman (lead CI, pictured)

A collaboration between the Centre for Integrated Ecology, Deakin Cadet VR Lab, Deakin Motion Lab, Marshmallow Laser Feast, Streamline Media, VRTOV