Mary C. Whitton, a distinguished computer scientist, spearheaded groundbreaking research in virtual reality as a research professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Co-leading the Effective Virtual Environments research group, she delved into the intricacies of VR systems, exploring their effectiveness for applications such as simulation, training, and rehabilitation.

With her extensive background in computer graphics and human-computer interaction, Whitton played a pivotal role in advancing VR technologies. Her contributions, alongside Fred Brooks, fostered innovations in redirected walking techniques within virtual worlds, pushing the boundaries of immersive experiences and shaping the future of how we move within VR applications.