Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Mak

Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Mak

By Dot Cannon: Public Speaker & New-Media ReporterSociety & CultureEducationArts
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Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Mak episodes

  • So Much More Than Robotics
    (Photo courtesy of MATE Center, and used with permission.)

    Underwater robotics are pretty cool, anyway.

    But the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center, in Monterey, starts there.    Then, they use underwater robotics to teach STEM skills applicable to daily life, with a healthy dose of creativity.

    (Photo courtesy of MATE Center, and used with permission.)

    MATE Center sponsors an annual underwater robotics competition for students of all ages.   Since its inception in 2002, their competition has expanded, to welcome student teams from all over the world.    MATE Center's seventeenth International ROV (remote-operated vehicle) competition is happening Thursday through Saturday, June 21-23, 2018.

    (Photo courtesy of Marine Advanced Technology Education Center, and used with permission.)

    Jill Zande is MATE Center's Associate Director.  In our 2017 interview, she shared the story of MATE Center, with which she's been involved since they opened in 1998, as well as the story of their underwater robotics competition.

    And at the time we spoke, MATE Center had just launched a new nonprofit: MATE Inspiration for Innovation, of which Jill is President.  Their goal: to continue to offer the underwater robotics competitions and expand the program in the future.

    Jill offered a preview of the 2018 underwater robotics competition, explained what's involved for the students and shared some resources for parents, teachers and educators.
    On this edition of Over Coffee® you will hear:

    *
    What the 2018 underwater robotics teams will need to accomplish, in the international competition in Federal Way, Washington;

    *
    One especially challenging aspect facing the teams (hint: this one can be difficult for professional engineers!)

    *
    The three aspects of the International ROV Competition's location-based theme, and what teams need to do to work with them;

    *
    The skills students gain, as the ultimate goal of MATE Center's underwater robotics competitions;

    *
    How the competition is preparing a global community of innovators for a changing workplace;

    *
    How Jill's own daughter and her classmates are responding to the underwater robots as they grow;

    *
    What Mate Inspiration for Innovation is currently doing (and how you can help!)

    *
    The resources through which MATE Center is making underwater robotics accessible (including their workshops, maker kits and curricula);

    *
    One project available for a "mini-competition" for anyone who doesn't necessarily want to compete but would still like to build an underwater robot!;

    *
    Jill's vision for the future with Mate Inspiration for Innovation, and the underwater robotics competition.

    *
    How the competition is just a beginning, to getting students starting to think about taking their robots into their communities.


     
    Editor's note: Jill emails, "I would like to acknowledge and thank our current sponsors, including the Marine Technology Society (MTS) and the MTS ROV Committee.  Like all of our wonderful volunteers, this competition could not take place without our sponsors' financial and technical support."
    Safe journey to her, and to all the teams competing in the 2018 International ROV Competition!
    40 min
  • So Much More Than Robotics
    (Photo courtesy of MATE Center, and used with permission.)

    Underwater robotics are pretty cool, anyway.

    But the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center, in Monterey, starts there.    Then, they use underwater robotics to teach STEM skills applicable to daily life, with a healthy dose of creativity.

    (Photo courtesy of MATE Center, and used with permission.)

    MATE Center sponsors an annual underwater robotics competition for students of all ages.   Since its inception in 2002, their competition has expanded, to welcome student teams from all over the world.    MATE Center's seventeenth International ROV (remote-operated vehicle) competition is happening Thursday through Saturday, June 21-23, 2018.

    (Photo courtesy of Marine Advanced Technology Education Center, and used with permission.)

    Jill Zande is MATE Center's Associate Director.  In our 2017 interview, she shared the story of MATE Center, with which she's been involved since they opened in 1998, as well as the story of their underwater robotics competition.

    And at the time we spoke, MATE Center had just launched a new nonprofit: MATE Inspiration for Innovation, of which Jill is President.  Their goal: to continue to offer the underwater robotics competitions and expand the program in the future.

    Jill offered a preview of the 2018 underwater robotics competition, explained what's involved for the students and shared some resources for parents, teachers and educators.
    On this edition of Over Coffee® you will hear:

    *
    What the 2018 underwater robotics teams will need to accomplish, in the international competition in Federal Way, Washington;

    *
    One especially challenging aspect facing the teams (hint: this one can be difficult for professional engineers!)

    *
    The three aspects of the International ROV Competition's location-based theme, and what teams need to do to work with them;

    *
    The skills students gain, as the ultimate goal of MATE Center's underwater robotics competitions;

    *
    How the competition is preparing a global community of innovators for a changing workplace;

    *
    How Jill's own daughter and her classmates are responding to the underwater robots as they grow;

    *
    What Mate Inspiration for Innovation is currently doing (and how you can help!)

    *
    The resources through which MATE Center is making underwater robotics accessible (including their workshops, maker kits and curricula);

    *
    One project available for a "mini-competition" for anyone who doesn't necessarily want to compete but would still like to build an underwater robot!;

    *
    Jill's vision for the future with Mate Inspiration for Innovation, and the underwater robotics competition.

    *
    How the competition is just a beginning, to getting students starting to think about taking their robots into their communities.


     
    Editor's note: Jill emails, "I would like to acknowledge and thank our current sponsors, including the Marine Technology Society (MTS) and the MTS ROV Committee.  Like all of our wonderful volunteers, this competition could not take place without our sponsors' financial and technical support."
    Safe journey to her, and to all the teams competing in the 2018 International ROV Competition!
    40 min
  • Mezo: Multifaceted Storytelling
    (Photo by Maya Dondonyan, and used with permission.)

    Mezo towered over the show floor at VRLA 2018.

    Its twenty-foot temple was the centerpiece of the exhibition.

    Making its debut at VRLA, Mezo was an art installation, a mixed-reality experience, and an hour-long performance, combining augmented reality, lasers, effects and dancers.



    But, it's also much more than that.

    (Photo by Maya Dondonyan, and used with permission.)

    Christian Falstrup is the creative director and executive producer of Mezo.  He is also the co-founder of VRLA, which is the world's largest immersive technology festival.

    And while the line of attendees waiting to experience Mezo twined around the show floor, Christian's vision goes far beyond providing a memorable show.

    VRLA 2018 was just the beginning.  Christian's vision extends beyond a performance experience, to the ways attendees can change the physical world for a better future.

    Christian talked about his creative background, the story of Mezo and what's next!


    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

    *
    How Christian first became involved with immersive technology and world-building;

    *
    The story of Mezo, and how it illustrates the creative process of world building;

    *
    The narrative Christian and his team developed, and the ways in which it's a metaphor for our current world and future;

    *
    How the technology interweaves with various events of this particular interactive experience;

    *
    The biggest challenges Christian and his team encountered, on this particular project;

    *
    The biggest lesson Christian learned, while working to make his creative vision a reality;

    *
    Ways in which "Mezo" will be expanding in the future, as Christian says that "VRLA only scratched the surface";

    *
    A nonprofit resource which Christian would recommend to fellow virtual-reality creators;

    *
    How participants who plant "virtual trees", in the course of the Mezo experience, are actually helping the ecosystem;

    *
    And a hint at a way in which this action will be even more closely interwoven, in the future!

    35 min
  • Mezo: Multifaceted Storytelling
    (Photo by Maya Dondonyan, and used with permission.)

    Mezo towered over the show floor at VRLA 2018.

    Its twenty-foot temple was the centerpiece of the exhibition.

    Making its debut at VRLA, Mezo was an art installation, a mixed-reality experience, and an hour-long performance, combining augmented reality, lasers, effects and dancers.



    But, it's also much more than that.

    (Photo by Maya Dondonyan, and used with permission.)

    Christian Falstrup is the creative director and executive producer of Mezo.  He is also the co-founder of VRLA, which is the world's largest immersive technology festival.

    And while the line of attendees waiting to experience Mezo twined around the show floor, Christian's vision goes far beyond providing a memorable show.

    VRLA 2018 was just the beginning.  Christian's vision extends beyond a performance experience, to the ways attendees can change the physical world for a better future.

    Christian talked about his creative background, the story of Mezo and what's next!


    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

    *
    How Christian first became involved with immersive technology and world-building;

    *
    The story of Mezo, and how it illustrates the creative process of world building;

    *
    The narrative Christian and his team developed, and the ways in which it's a metaphor for our current world and future;

    *
    How the technology interweaves with various events of this particular interactive experience;

    *
    The biggest challenges Christian and his team encountered, on this particular project;

    *
    The biggest lesson Christian learned, while working to make his creative vision a reality;

    *
    Ways in which "Mezo" will be expanding in the future, as Christian says that "VRLA only scratched the surface";

    *
    A nonprofit resource which Christian would recommend to fellow virtual-reality creators;

    *
    How participants who plant "virtual trees", in the course of the Mezo experience, are actually helping the ecosystem;

    *
    And a hint at a way in which this action will be even more closely interwoven, in the future!

    35 min
  • Prosper XR: Cutting-Edge Immersion


     

    Prosper XR CEO and Co-founder Jessie Kim is creating the media of the future.



    And she and her fellow XR pioneers are offering an opportunity for others who'd like to do the same.

    Jessie co-founded her Los Angeles-area startup as "Prosper VR" in 2016.  Since then, the company has expanded, adding augmented and mixed reality to their immersive-content offerings.



    In early May, at VRLA 2018, the world's largest immersive-technology festival, Prosper XR debuted three new rovers they'd created.  These were designed to facilitate immersive content creation.



    Prosper XR's  exhibit space at the Los Angeles Convention Center also gave visitors an opportunity to experience their brand-new augmented-reality app.

    And during VRLA, Jessie, who is one of the co-founders of  nonprofit The XR Alliance, introduced a Storytelling Panel of industry pioneers in VR, AR and mixed reality.     The panel served to launch XR Alliance's brand-new competition, created with the goal of empowering new creative talent.

    (That competition is happening this summer!  The deadline for submissions is August 15th, according to The XR Alliance's website.)

    Jessie talked about her background in virtual, augmented and mixed reality, shared the story of creating Prosper XR and explained the details of this summer's competition.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you'll hear:

    *
    How Jessie first became interested in creating immersive content;

    *
    The story of Prosper VR;

    *
    What Jessie came to realize about the direction in which immersive media is heading, from her previous work and speaking engagements;

    *
    What the early days were like for Jessie and her co-founder, after starting their VR company;

    *
    Some of the early projects and "firsts" in which Prosper VR was involved;

    *
    How to access the VR app which Prosper VR created;

    *
    How Prosper VR came to add augmented and mixed reality to their projects;

    *
    Information on XR Alliance's new competition, which is giving a voice to new talent in the immersive-content area;

    *
    Jessie's prediction for the future combining of VR, AR and mixed reality;

    *
    Some of the challenges involved in creating virtual reality and augmented-reality content;

    *
    Some of the resources Jessie recommends for educators;

    *
    One of the best lessons Jessie learned, about creating immersive content;

    *
    Some of the resources she would recommend, for anyone starting out creating VR, AR or MR;

    *
    How Jessie and her team created the rovers on display at VRLA 2018;

    *
    A preview of Prosper XR's new augmented-reality app;

    *
    How the new competition from The XR Alliance is helping to find new storytelling talent.

    38 min
  • Prosper XR: Cutting-Edge Immersion


     

    Prosper XR CEO and Co-founder Jessie Kim is creating the media of the future.



    And she and her fellow XR pioneers are offering an opportunity for others who'd like to do the same.

    Jessie co-founded her Los Angeles-area startup as "Prosper VR" in 2016.  Since then, the company has expanded, adding augmented and mixed reality to their immersive-content offerings.



    In early May, at VRLA 2018, the world's largest immersive-technology festival, Prosper XR debuted three new rovers they'd created.  These were designed to facilitate immersive content creation.



    Prosper XR's  exhibit space at the Los Angeles Convention Center also gave visitors an opportunity to experience their brand-new augmented-reality app.

    And during VRLA, Jessie, who is one of the co-founders of  nonprofit The XR Alliance, introduced a Storytelling Panel of industry pioneers in VR, AR and mixed reality.     The panel served to launch XR Alliance's brand-new competition, created with the goal of empowering new creative talent.

    (That competition is happening this summer!  The deadline for submissions is August 15th, according to The XR Alliance's website.)

    Jessie talked about her background in virtual, augmented and mixed reality, shared the story of creating Prosper XR and explained the details of this summer's competition.
    On this edition of Over Coffee®, you'll hear:

    *
    How Jessie first became interested in creating immersive content;

    *
    The story of Prosper VR;

    *
    What Jessie came to realize about the direction in which immersive media is heading, from her previous work and speaking engagements;

    *
    What the early days were like for Jessie and her co-founder, after starting their VR company;

    *
    Some of the early projects and "firsts" in which Prosper VR was involved;

    *
    How to access the VR app which Prosper VR created;

    *
    How Prosper VR came to add augmented and mixed reality to their projects;

    *
    Information on XR Alliance's new competition, which is giving a voice to new talent in the immersive-content area;

    *
    Jessie's prediction for the future combining of VR, AR and mixed reality;

    *
    Some of the challenges involved in creating virtual reality and augmented-reality content;

    *
    Some of the resources Jessie recommends for educators;

    *
    One of the best lessons Jessie learned, about creating immersive content;

    *
    Some of the resources she would recommend, for anyone starting out creating VR, AR or MR;

    *
    How Jessie and her team created the rovers on display at VRLA 2018;

    *
    A preview of Prosper XR's new augmented-reality app;

    *
    How the new competition from The XR Alliance is helping to find new storytelling talent.

    38 min
  • TSA Frisky: Check-in, Frenzy and Fun


    With new immersive game TSA Frisky, virtually everyone has something to hide.

    And that "virtually" is a pun, of course.

    At VRLA 2018, we met Remy Bustani and Preston O'Bryan,  co-founders of Savannah-based startup Out There Entertainment.   As creators of TSA Frisky and new VR entrepreneurs, they were enjoying their first expo exhibitor experience (no, we won't say that three times fast!) at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

    Both Remy and Preston are recent graduates, who say they're "guinea pigs" in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

    Remy and Preston first came up with the concept for their TSA Frisky game as undergraduate students at Savannah College of Art and Design.   Their inspiration led to opportunity, as their alma mater launched a brand-new accelerator program.

    Meanwhile, visitors stopping at their booth were enjoying the opportunity to test their skills as virtual "TSA agents".

    The game is seriously addictive--and designed to be both humorous and challenging.   This reporter proved abysmal at checking in the general public for their flights!  Only limited time and a commitment to cover as much of the show as possible prevented a request for a second try.

    Remy and Preston talked about their experiences creating the game, and offered both resources and advice for fellow creative entrepreneurs in the virtual-reality field.
    On this Over Coffee® podcast, you will hear:

    *
    The story of Out There Entertainment, and the innovative college program behind it;

    *
    How Remy, Preston and their team came up with the concept for their VR game, TR Frisky, and their journey from there;

    *
    Remy and Preston's perspective on their first VRLA exhibitor experience;

    *
    What "TSA Frisky" players experience, once they put on the headset;

    *
    Resources Remy and Preston recommend for fellow makers (both their alma mater and otherwise);

    *
    Advice from Remy and Preston, to fellow makers and creatives, on working a conference, such as VRLA.


    TSA Frisky just became available for purchase on both Oculus Rift and the STEAM® entertainment platform  on May 17th, 2018.
     

     
    13 min
  • TSA Frisky: Check-in, Frenzy and Fun


    With new immersive game TSA Frisky, virtually everyone has something to hide.

    And that "virtually" is a pun, of course.

    At VRLA 2018, we met Remy Bustani and Preston O'Bryan,  co-founders of Savannah-based startup Out There Entertainment.   As creators of TSA Frisky and new VR entrepreneurs, they were enjoying their first expo exhibitor experience (no, we won't say that three times fast!) at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

    Both Remy and Preston are recent graduates, who say they're "guinea pigs" in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

    Remy and Preston first came up with the concept for their TSA Frisky game as undergraduate students at Savannah College of Art and Design.   Their inspiration led to opportunity, as their alma mater launched a brand-new accelerator program.

    Meanwhile, visitors stopping at their booth were enjoying the opportunity to test their skills as virtual "TSA agents".

    The game is seriously addictive--and designed to be both humorous and challenging.   This reporter proved abysmal at checking in the general public for their flights!  Only limited time and a commitment to cover as much of the show as possible prevented a request for a second try.

    Remy and Preston talked about their experiences creating the game, and offered both resources and advice for fellow creative entrepreneurs in the virtual-reality field.
    On this Over Coffee® podcast, you will hear:

    *
    The story of Out There Entertainment, and the innovative college program behind it;

    *
    How Remy, Preston and their team came up with the concept for their VR game, TR Frisky, and their journey from there;

    *
    Remy and Preston's perspective on their first VRLA exhibitor experience;

    *
    What "TSA Frisky" players experience, once they put on the headset;

    *
    Resources Remy and Preston recommend for fellow makers (both their alma mater and otherwise);

    *
    Advice from Remy and Preston, to fellow makers and creatives, on working a conference, such as VRLA.


    TSA Frisky just became available for purchase on both Oculus Rift and the STEAM® entertainment platform  on May 17th, 2018.
     

     
    13 min
  • Curious Jane: Inquisitive Creativity
    (Photo courtesy of Samantha Razook Murphy/Curious Jane, and used with permission.)

    Sparkly slime and twinkly wearables seem like cool girls' DIY projects .

    But, as Curious Jane founder Samantha Razook Murphy is proving, they're also a whole  lot more.

    Curious Jane, which Samantha founded in 2008, is a programming and content provider for girls, ages six through eleven.  And through summer camps, after-school workshops and birthday parties, Samantha and her staff are using science, engineering and design to teach girls to become confident makers.

     

    (Photo courtesy of Samantha Razook Murphy/Curious Jane, and used with permission.)

    Samantha, who is a Brooklyn-based graphic and industrial artist, is also a mom.   Ten years ago, while planning projects that would challenge her daughters' creative talents, she came up with the concept of her STEAM-oriented day camp.

    With its programs, Curious Jane gives girls a community in which to explore, ask questions and invent.   Along the way, the young participants develop their skills in engineering and problem-solving.  And often, they think they're just "making something awesome".

    (Photo courtesy of Samantha Razook Murphy/Curious Jane, and used with permission.)

    Since its creation ten years ago, Curious Jane has expanded dramatically.   Their website now includes how-to videos and their "Project of the Week".  Three years ago, Samantha also began publishing Curious Jane magazine.   The magazine projects also resulted in a book, filled with hands-on projects for girls who love to make things.  And this summer, in addition to the regular New York-based events, some California workshops will be happening.

    Best of all, if you happen to be in San Francisco on Thursday evening, May 17th, you can see one of those workshops, first-hand.  Curious Jane will be co-hosting a "Family Maker Block Party" this Thursday, May 17th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.,  as part of "Week of Learning".   And "Week of Learning", in turn, leads up to the flagship Maker Faire Bay Area, opening Friday afternoon in San Mateo.

    Samantha talked about her experiences creating Curious Jane, her upcoming San Francisco workshop and some of her favorite hands-on maker projects that give young participants the opportunity to become curious and inspired designers and engineers.

    (Photo courtesy of Samantha Razook Murphy/Curious Jane, and used with permission.)
    In this edition of Over Coffee®, you'll hear:

    *
    How Samantha first came to incorporate science into her art;

    *
    The story of Curious Jane's start, as a summer day camp;

    *
    What Samantha discovered worked best, in teaching the girls maker skills;

    *
    One common stress, among young girls in a maker situation, which the program removes;

    *
    Some of the ways Samantha will be expanding the maker curriculum this summer;

    *
    How Curious Jane magazine evolved;

    *
    Some of Samantha's favorite projects which have appeared in the magazine;

    *
    A preview of the workshop which will be offered during the "Maker Family Block Party" on Thursday evening;

    *
    (And,
    28 min
  • Curious Jane: Inquisitive Creativity
    (Photo courtesy of Samantha Razook Murphy/Curious Jane, and used with permission.)

    Sparkly slime and twinkly wearables seem like cool girls' DIY projects .

    But, as Curious Jane founder Samantha Razook Murphy is proving, they're also a whole  lot more.

    Curious Jane, which Samantha founded in 2008, is a programming and content provider for girls, ages six through eleven.  And through summer camps, after-school workshops and birthday parties, Samantha and her staff are using science, engineering and design to teach girls to become confident makers.

     

    (Photo courtesy of Samantha Razook Murphy/Curious Jane, and used with permission.)

    Samantha, who is a Brooklyn-based graphic and industrial artist, is also a mom.   Ten years ago, while planning projects that would challenge her daughters' creative talents, she came up with the concept of her STEAM-oriented day camp.

    With its programs, Curious Jane gives girls a community in which to explore, ask questions and invent.   Along the way, the young participants develop their skills in engineering and problem-solving.  And often, they think they're just "making something awesome".

    (Photo courtesy of Samantha Razook Murphy/Curious Jane, and used with permission.)

    Since its creation ten years ago, Curious Jane has expanded dramatically.   Their website now includes how-to videos and their "Project of the Week".  Three years ago, Samantha also began publishing Curious Jane magazine.   The magazine projects also resulted in a book, filled with hands-on projects for girls who love to make things.  And this summer, in addition to the regular New York-based events, some California workshops will be happening.

    Best of all, if you happen to be in San Francisco on Thursday evening, May 17th, you can see one of those workshops, first-hand.  Curious Jane will be co-hosting a "Family Maker Block Party" this Thursday, May 17th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.,  as part of "Week of Learning".   And "Week of Learning", in turn, leads up to the flagship Maker Faire Bay Area, opening Friday afternoon in San Mateo.

    Samantha talked about her experiences creating Curious Jane, her upcoming San Francisco workshop and some of her favorite hands-on maker projects that give young participants the opportunity to become curious and inspired designers and engineers.

    (Photo courtesy of Samantha Razook Murphy/Curious Jane, and used with permission.)
    In this edition of Over Coffee®, you'll hear:

    *
    How Samantha first came to incorporate science into her art;

    *
    The story of Curious Jane's start, as a summer day camp;

    *
    What Samantha discovered worked best, in teaching the girls maker skills;

    *
    One common stress, among young girls in a maker situation, which the program removes;

    *
    Some of the ways Samantha will be expanding the maker curriculum this summer;

    *
    How Curious Jane magazine evolved;

    *
    Some of Samantha's favorite projects which have appeared in the magazine;

    *
    A preview of the workshop which will be offered during the "Maker Family Block Party" on Thursday evening;

    *
    (And,
    28 min

About Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Mak

From the publisher's feed

Would you like to know more about the art of twenty-first century "cool stuff" that's changing our world? Such as: robots, space exploration, new media, wearable technology and other innovations that…