May 13, 2024
Technology has the capability to transform the way people produce and consume art, and at SCI, Assistant Professor Tim Huang is making that happen with a Pittsburgh connection.
On March 19, Huang and fellow researcher Pat Healy, a PhD student studying information science, presented their work on The Time Traveling Project in Harrisburg at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence.
“Being invited to present at the Governor's Residence was an incredible honor and a significant milestone in my career,” said Huang. “This opportunity showed that my work is starting to bring attention to the needs and stories of marginalized communities. The experience validated the importance of bridging the gap between technology and historical preservation while emphasizing community engagement. It reinforced the significance of inclusivity in technology research and the transformative impact immersive technologies can have on underserved communities.”
Healy also remarked on the opportunity to present at the Governor’s Residence.
“More people need to see these photos, they need to see what the Hill District was like in its golden era, see the stunning portrait of the Black working class in the bulk of his photos that we don't really see represented in any other media,” said Healy.
Huang, a faculty member in SCI’s Department of Information Culture and Data Stewardship (ICDS), developed an immersive artistic experience using virtual reality (VR), resulting in The Time Traveling Project. Using the photography of famed Black photographer and Pittsburgh native Teenie Harris and a VR headset, people can engage with Harris’ photos and historic Pittsburgh in an exciting new way.
The attendees at this reception, including Governor Shapiro, responded positively to Huang’s presentation.
“Several attendees, including leadership from the Carnegie Museum of Art, were enthusiastic about the potential of using VR for education and community engagement,” said Huang. “The positive reception underscored the importance of ICDS’s mission to positively impact local communities through information and technology, with a focus on meeting community needs through collaboration with residents.”
In addition to showcasing how The Time Traveling Project bridges the gap between historical preservation and modern technology, Huang noted how sharing this research aligned with his greater research goals.
“[This event] provid[ed] an opportunity to highlight the broader impact of immersive technology in historical preservation and community engagement,” said Huang. “The presentation provided an excellent platform to connect with a wider audience and to encourage more people to get involved. It opened new doors for collaboration, as several attendees expressed interest in supporting or partnering with the project.”
Though The Time Traveling Project looks to the past, Huang is excited about the future of this research and the potential for its impact.
“This experience has motivated me to continue exploring innovative ways to bring these technologies to a wider audience and further enrich the storytelling of marginalized communities,” said Huang. “It has also highlighted the visibility of the work ICDS and SCI have been focusing on, inspiring me to continue contributing to its mission to positively impact local communities using information and technology, while ensuring that projects like this address community needs together with local residents.”
Other next steps for Huang include working to expand community partnerships and refine the VR experiences to not only explore the past but envision future spaces.
“In April, I had discussions with Dr. Mindy Fullilove that helped shape my approach to community healing, further refining the concept of using VR storytelling as a tool to help communities impacted by displacement heal and envision a path toward restoration,” noted Huang. “The momentum from this event will be instrumental in reaching broader audiences and securing further funding for the project's expansion.”
Learn more about the Time Traveling Project here.