Andrew Marunchak is a Senior E-Learning Technologist in the University of Hertfordshire's (UH) Learning and Teaching Innovation Centre, where he manages a small team of creative talents. A UH Computer Science graduate of Software systems for the Arts and Media, 3D Interactive Media, he gained a distinction for his Masters in 3D animation, also from the UH. Andrew is an advocate of virtual and augmented reality technology and the potential it has to facilitate communication and learning. Through his current work, the UH has been involved in a number of projects funded by the EU Commission (both iterations of AVATAR and Rednet) and Andrew is still involved in this for research and teaching purposes. A current priority of his is designing virtual and augmented reality applications for training staff and students in the micro skills of compassion for enhanced social experiences, learning experiences and quality of problem solving and creativity in task focused groups/team work. This work speaks directly to student mental health and wellbeing is being funded by the University of Hertfordshire.
