La Sierra University La Sierra University Provost Joy Fehr asks questions about a virtual reality program in the university’s new VR+AI Lab.
New Lab Lets La Sierra Students Explore
Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence Careers By Darla Martin Tucker
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a Sierra University computer science majors and other students now have an opportunity to prepare for careers in virtual reality and artificial intelligence sectors, which analysts predict will grow exponentially over the next several years.
On Nov. 8, the university’s department of computer science celebrated the opening of a new virtual reality and artificial intelligence lab in Price Science Complex that will allow students to explore these technologies through virtual game play and research. The VR+AI Lab includes a virtual reality headset, 15 powerful graphics computers, and a large screen television. It is outfitted with nearly 1,000 multicolored LED lights that are Wi-Fi-connected and controllable from a mobile phone or computer. The
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lights, which track around the edge of the room at the ceiling and spell out the lab’s name in letters on a wall, are controlled by a custom-programmed microprocessor. They are designed to activate and produce a colorful show whenever a person enters the lab. “The lab allows students to have direct experiences in working with the virtual reality environment and to design and build automated intelligence electronic devices,” said Enoch Hwang, chair of the department of computer science.
“These two different skill sets are highly sought for in the job market.” Enoch Hwang, computer science department chair at La Sierra University, answers questions during the Nov. 8 grand opening of the department’s virtual reality and artificial intelligence lab.