Westcoast Experience @ Meaningful XR (WEMX)

Call for Participation: 

ComArtSci Westcoast Experience & Meaningful XR, May 27 to June 1, 2026

(App due Jan 7, 2026, midnight)

Join ComArtSci students on this trip led by Dr. Rabindra (Robby) Ratan to connect with organizations and people (including MSU alumni) in Portland, Oregon! Participate in site visits to major information technology companies in the area as well as the Meaningful XR Conference being run by Dr. Ratan (note: WEMX trippers are expected to support the conference as volunteers). 

We will connect with companies, labs, and people who can share insights about how XR technologies (e.g., virtual reality, mixed reality) are being envisioned by the technologists designing them, and how user research is being conducted to help guide this vision. 

The trip is open to ComArtSci students, with priority given to students majoring in Information Science, Media & Information, and/or students with interests and experience in user research and topics related to the metaverse. 

Budget: We anticipate the budget to be $2000-$2500 per person, including airfare. A portion of this ($250) will be payable to MSU to cover participation in the Meaningful XR conference events. Students will book and cover their own flights and hotel, as well as meals outside of the Meaningful XR conference.  

Conduct: Participants are expected to adhere strictly to all deadlines in preparation for the trip and to serve as ambassadors of MSU while on the trip.

Apply now!  Interested but have questions? Please email rar@msu.edu with any questions.