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Features

FEATURES

Two MSU students hope to bring virtual reality to classrooms

Imagine exploring Buckingham Palace in London, exploring the Empire State Building or even exploring the Taj Mahal in India at the expense of only virtual reality while never leaving the classroom.ch Two experience architecture MSU students, senior Tommy Truong and junior Eric Martin, are both researching new ways to bring virtual reality, or VR, directly into the classrooms.ch “The goal of the project is to find affordable and accessible ways to implement virtual and augmented reality in both higher education, as well as K-12, with a focus in higher education,” Truong said.ch The project initially began with a proposal from a friend at the Detroit Institute of Arts, or DIA.ch “We’ve had a friend from the Detroit Institute of Arts approach us a couple years ago with a proposal to innovate some method of modeling museum exhibits in the cheapest and easiest fashion that is affordable for those that are low-budget and be able to be done by those with lower amounts of technical skill,” Truong said.ch Trying out virtual reality didn't hit the two until they found an oculus rift, which is a virtual reality headset.

FEATURES

Former MSU staff member bakes all-natural dog treats from scratch

On a dirt-filled Clise Road in Bath, Mich., Leslie and Adam Cowell take residence in their one-floor home.ch Their home holds a bakery, which was originally a hot tub room, and the location of their Michigan-based company, Riker’s Dog Treats. The two high school sweethearts are now married and officially started selling treats for their company in 2014 as a result of their late dog, Riker.ch Riker became ill toward the end of his life from other dog food, which led to Riker’s veterinarian recommending he eat special food and take medicine, Leslie said.ch Leslie didn't understand the recommendation.

FEATURES

MSU's Bug House teaches visitors to appreciate critters

Not everyone possesses a fascination for the insects of the world. In an effort to combat the negative reputation that bugs encompass, academic specialist and collections manager Gary Parsons has dedicated his time at MSU to exposing people to the reasons why he loves bugs through the Entomology Bug House. “Most kids, and actually adults, sort of have a fear or disgust of bugs,” Parsons said.