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Meet Bruno Hernandez, a PhD student within the School of Education who looks at the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in science education. His aim is to identify the advantages and disadvantages of collaborative versus individual learning.
Recently Bruno joined the tech company, Sentient Computing, as a research intern, providing him with a unique opportunity to observe how VR projects are managed in the industry and taken from beginning to end.
“My internship project involves reviewing Sentient’s VR experiences and providing advice on how instructional and experience design can promote learning. I review learning theories and research literature to prepare arguments on how to design their experiences from an educational point of view.”
“I am completing my internship on a part-time basis, over six months, attending every Monday, whilst working on my PhD for the rest of the week. I’ve had the opportunity to expand my professional network by meeting clients and talking to co-workers and have really enjoyed the possibility of providing value using the skills I have acquired during my academic career.”
Bruno recommends other PhD students consider embarking on a research internship, advising them to think carefully about what they are hoping to achieve, and to choose the right company accordingly.
He adds, “imposter syndrome” is a reality and PhD students need to muster the confidence to share their research experience and opinions. Bruno hopes to work in industry in the future, within a research department, utilising his academic and industry experience.
