A Different Kind of Immersion
By Tracie Yorke
Yia sas! (Greetings from Greece!)
When most people hear the word immersion, they think of headsets, virtual worlds, and emerging technologies. Yet one of the most immersive experiences I had this summer didn't happen inside a headset at all.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Thanks to an introduction to iLRN through XR Women and the Heavenly Seven Scholarship at Point Park University, I had the opportunity to present my research on civic XR at the 2026 Immersive Learning Research Network (iLRN) Conference in Athens, Greece.
While I was excited to share my research, what I'll remember most are the people who welcomed me into their community.
The conference organizers embodied that spirit by creating opportunities to experience Greece, not just attend sessions. A visit to Nafplio, evenings at the Acropolis Museum, shared meals, and conversations that continued long after presentations ended reminded me that meaningful learning is rooted not only in ideas, but also in shared experiences, place, culture, and relationships.
Group dinner in Nafplio
One of the highlights of my trip was presenting my research at the doctoral colloquium, engaging with the audience during the Q&A, and participating in the doctoral workshop that followed. Led by Dr. Noah Glaser and Dr. Vassiliki Bouki, the workshop gave us the opportunity to reflect on our journeys as emerging scholars, build meaningful personal connections, and learn from one another's experiences. I'm especially grateful for the friendships I've begun to build with Athina Papadopoulou and Ivan Souto.
I was equally inspired to see so many women from around the world leading research presentations, facilitating conversations, mentoring others, and shaping the future of immersive learning.
Science and Technology Museum of the NKUA
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the week, though, came from taking a chance. I reached out to Dr. John K. Papadopoulos, Director of Excavations at the Athenian Agora, and was generously invited on a personal tour that deepened my understanding of the stoa and its relationship to my research on civic XR. It was a reminder that some of the most meaningful opportunities begin when we're willing to reach out.
Tracie and Dr. John K. Papadopoulos
Before leaving Greece, I picked up a few souvenirs to bring home. I didn't buy enough for everyone, but here's one thing I'd love to leave with you.
Don't wait for the perfect opportunity to find you. Apply for the scholarship. Attend the conference. Introduce yourself. Step into new communities. You never know where they'll lead.
