Shane L Burrell Jr. is a Ph.D. student in the School of Journalism and Communication. Shane’s research is on the relationship users of virtual reality have with their virtual characters. Shane investigates this through the critical and post-positivist lens, using a mixed method and grounded approaches. Shane’s research focuses on the uses of innovative technologies and media while examining this through the media psychology paradigm.
Shane’s primary focus in immersive media is games and culture. Specifically, he uses media effects to understand the enclave of individuals who use immersive media to play games and how their virtual avatars impact their attitudes and behaviors.
In addition to Shane’s academic prowess, Shane is also an avid tennis player, a video game enthusiast, an explorer of extraterrestrial terrain (in VR), and an advocate for low socio-economic student success.