Description:
This internship is part of the Spring 2026 Professional Internship Program. To be eligible for the program you must:
- Be enrolled as an SUU student during the course of the internship.
- Have and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Be willing to work 10 to 20 hours per week.
The VR Research Assistant will work closely with the faculty mentor to develop immersive virtual reality field trips using 360° photography and imaging technology. This position offers hands-on experience at the intersection of digital media, educational technology, and experiential learning design. The ideal candidate is a motivated student interested in emerging technologies, visual storytelling, and innovative approaches to education.
Skills You Will Develop
- Advanced 360° photography and imaging techniques
- Virtual reality content creation and design
- Digital media editing and post-production workflows
- Educational technology and instructional design
- Project management and documentation
- Fieldwork methodology and data collection
- Technical troubleshooting and problem-solving
- Portfolio development for graduate school or professional opportunities
Work Environment
This position involves both fieldwork and office-based tasks. The research assistant will spend time outdoors at various field locations capturing 360° imagery, as well as time in the lab/office processing images and developing VR content. Some weekend or early morning fieldwork may be required to capture optimal lighting conditions.
Responsibilities:
- 360° Imagery Collection
- Operate specialized 360° camera equipment in various field locations
- Plan and execute photo capture sessions at designated sites
- Ensure proper camera settings, lighting conditions, and image quality
- Maintain and organize equipment inventory
- Document the imagery capture locations and technical specifications
Virtual Reality Field Trip Development
- Assist in designing engaging and educational VR experiences
- Process and edit 360° images using specialized software
- Integrate multimedia elements (audio narration, text overlays) into virtual tours
- Test VR experiences across different platforms and devices
- Contribute creative ideas for interactive educational content
Project Management & Documentation
- Maintain detailed records of field work and project progress
- Organize digital asset libraries and file management systems
- Participate in regular team meetings and project planning sessions
- Prepare progress reports and project documentation
- Assist with quality control and user testing
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled as a student at Southern Utah University
- Strong interest in technology, photography, or digital media
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Basic computer skills and comfort learning new software
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to lift and carry camera equipment (up to 10 lbs.)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with photography or videography
- Background in education, geography, environmental science, or related fields
- Previous experience with VR/AR technologies or 3D environments
- Understanding of instructional design principles
- Experience with project management tools