Successful Master Thesis: VR for Avalanche Rescue Training

The Interactive Graphics and Simulation Group congratulates Anna-Lena Hetzenauer on completing her master's thesis, Immersive Alpine Preparedness: Enhancing Avalanche Rescue Training Through Mixed Reality, supervised by Ass.-Prof. Dr. Pascal Knierim.

Anna-Lena extended and evaluated a virtual reality training program simulating avalanche rescue scenarios. Her research demonstrated that VR can effectively teach essential rescue procedures, offering a flexible alternative to traditional methods. Insights from mountain guide interviews and a user study with 22 participants highlighted VR's potential while emphasizing the need for practical, hands-on experience.

Congratulations to Anna-Lena for this innovative contribution to immersive technology in alpine safety!

For further details contact:
Anna-Lena Hetzenauer: anna-lena.hetzenauer@student.uibk.ac.at
Dr. Pascal Knierim: pascal.knierim@uibk.ac.at