Welcome to Clemson University’s Virtual Reality and Nature Lab

Explore nature through a virtual lens.

Screenshot from the VR game Brink Traveler showing a waterfall and canyon in Haifoss Iceland.

Clemson University’s Virtual Reality and Nature Lab applies an interdisciplinary, technological focus to the study of people’s connections and interactions with the natural world.

The lab has two areas of primary focus. Lab researchers:

  1. Conduct both basic and applied research on the therapeutic effects of simulated natural environments on human health and well-being.

  2. Look for ways to evaluate and ultimately enhance the frequency, richness, and meaningfulness of nature-based connections and interactions.

Research is conducted by researchers at Clemson University and at affiliate institutions throughout the United States.

Our lab is dedicated to exploring and nurturing diverse, inclusive, and equitable relationships between individuals and nature, fostering a research community that values and respects all perspectives and backgrounds

Lab members hiking a nature trail in the fall.
Woman biking down a wooded forest bike trail.

Our Vision

A world in which everyone prioritizes safe, accessible nature for our collective health and happiness.

Honors students stand in front of academic research poster with their therapy dog.
Research poster from Olivia McAnirlin. Nature and health speaks "Exploring virtual nature as a personalized tool for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)".

Our Mission

Developing solutions to societal issues through studying people’s experiences with nature, both physical and simulated.

The virtual reality lab holds a meeting in the research innovation suite on Clemson campus.
Assistant professor Cedomir Stanojevc works closely with a post-doctoral student capturing 360-degree footage.

Our Lab Culture

We foster creative, passionate, intrinsically-motivated people who appreciate beauty and want to make the world a better place.