Project Demo
Dr. David Harris Smith
Assistant Professor in Communication Studies & Multimedia
McMaster University
Biography
Dr. David Harris Smith is Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Studies and Multimedia at McMaster University. His research interests include new media and digital cultures, interaction design, and the practices and applications of virtual worlds and mixed reality environments.
Abstract
macGRID (http://hmcwordpress.mcmaster.ca/macgrid/) is a robust, archivable, Cyberscience and Art research platform (macGRID) and a corresponding network of academic, industry and community partners who wish to engage in interdisciplinary research and creation, resource and knowledge sharing, using simulation, avatar virtual worlds, and mixed reality systems.
The macGRID Simulation Research Network and Platform addresses key needs and issues confronting simulation research:
- Stability and Archiving of Cyberscience and Art Research data. macGRID provides a stable simulation platform using OpenSim (opensimulator.org) and provides continuous back up of all data. Additionally macGRID is designed to allow researchers to easily migrate or duplicate their simulation projects to new server hardware without breaking critical linkages between their data and their simulation research projects.
- Resource sharing. macGRID is designed for multiple research projects to contribute to and access shared inventories of whole simulation environments, script and animation libraries, texture and AV libraries, and developer modules.
- Knowledge networking and collaboration facilitation. macGRID has the objective of creating a shared virtual research centre where researchers can easily exchange ideas, develop research proposals, test prototypes, and share resources. macGRID also brings researchers together with community groups, businesses, and a selection of Canadian and international artists, designers, programmers working in OpenSim media.