Hello XRTG Community!
I am excited to post my campaign statement as I run for Technical Group Vice Chair. I'd like to introduce myself both from my XRTG side and my professional side.
I have been very active in the XRTG since 2018, back when I was a grad student, and we were still the Virtual Environment VE. I have had the privilege of presenting under the XRTG several times, and I have served as a peer reviewer, participated in (and often helped plan) our in-person and virtual business meetings and social events, and networked with our membership as well as membership in other TGs. I served as our Program Chair Elect (now Technical Group Program Vice Chair) for a year and then our Program Chair for two years, ending my tenure and handing the reins to Randy Spain on Dec 31, 2024. In this role, I:
- Helped organize and support our peer reviewers during abstract review periods,
- Organized our session chairs,
- Contacted authors to ensure they were ready for their sessions,
- Facilitated the Student Paper review and awards for the XRTG, and
- Reached out to Program Chairs from other TGs to arrange joint sessions, which have been successful and quite interesting. (among other things!)
I have been involved in the XR Showcase for the last few years as both a demonstrator and planning support for Randy, and helped negotiate our session times and locations. Last year, I was humbled to help Shannon fulfil the responsibility of Chair when she went on maternity leave. This peek into her responsibilities and interfacing with HFES on her behalf has both excited me and made me confident in my abilities to serve as the XRTG Chair. I am familiar with the administration of the TG and working with the leadership to ensure we meet milestones for the Circle of Excellence. I have advocated on behalf of TG to HFES leadership and worked with them when I had questions or feedback to make processes better.
In my professional life, I am a Scientist with Aptima, Inc. My research investigates XR for aviation and aerospace training with a focus on usability, user experience, and transfer of training. I also conduct research with the Air Force Research Lab's Gaming Research Integration for Learning Laboratory (GRILL®). I recently left my position as an Assistant Professor at Kent State University's College of Aeronautics and Engineering. My background helps me connect with academia, industry, practitioners, students, and government, and I have unique insight on how research and integration of XR in different environments impacts the use case and outcomes.
In summary, I would be honored to serve as the XRTG Technical Group Chair. I am confident in my abilities and hope that my dedication to the TG, its membership, and HFES as a whole is evident. If anyone has any questions they want to post in reply, I will gladly engage. You can also reach me directly at sfussell@aptima.com.
Thank you for your time!
Stef
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Stephanie Fussell
Scientist, Aptima TLR Division
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