AWE USA 2024

Sarah Barker
Adult Educator|Media Psychology PhD Candidate
Creative Media Hub | VR: A Path to Mental Wellness

Greetings! I'm Sarah B. and for the past two decades, I've had the privilege of nurturing minds and shaping futures as a dedicated community college educator. With a strong foundation in radio and video production and voice-over techniques, I've been fortunate to inspire many students on their journey to creative and professional excellence.

📚 Education Evolution: My career has been a dynamic blend of creativity and academia. Guiding students through the intricacies of radio and video production has been my profession and my passion. Witnessing the transformation of eager learners into skilled media professionals has been incredibly fulfilling. I'm humbled to have played a role in their growth.

🌐 Venturing into Virtual Reality: Presently, I'm pursuing a Ph.D. in Media Psychology focusing on the fascinating realm of virtual reality. Exploring the intersection of human behavior and immersive media has opened up new avenues for understanding the impact of technology on our perceptions, emotions, and interactions. I believe VR is more than a technology; it's a conduit for empathy, learning, storytelling and healing.

🤝 Collaborative Vision: One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been collaborating with diverse minds. Whether co-creating innovative curricula or collaborating on research projects, I've thrived in environments that foster creativity and intellectual exchange. Connecting with fellow educators, media professionals, and researchers is a cornerstone of my career. Important thing to know about me? I'm a straight shooter, direct communicator and value emotional intelligence, when I find it lacking within me, I do my best to root it out.

🔊 Voice of Experience: With a wealth of experience both in and outside the classroom, I'm deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of media experts and encouraging students to better understand their own psychology.