14 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE TYLER MONAHAN Junior Tyler Monahan, Sport Management major, is researching virtual reality. Entering his junior year, Tyler is working tirelessly on his virtual reality research, and knows this is the opportunity of a lifetime. VIRTUAL REALITY RESEARCH When Tyler’s professor, Dr. Yongjae (Jaden) Kim, offered him the chance to conduct virtual reality (VR) research, the experience felt surreal. “Most people don’t get these opportunities,” he said. Already a personal VR user, Tyler was interested in the project and accepted the offer. After securing a KU Bears Grant, which provides funding to student researchers, Tyler is ready to begin the study after months of preliminary research. During trials, the study aims to compare virtual reality and regular screen usage and its effects on perception. Subjects will either view a VR screen or a television screen, and through eye tracking, Galvanic skin responses, and facial expression technology, Tyler and Dr. Kim will analyze the data from the subjects. Tyler hopes that no matter the results of the study, his research can be applied to different industries, like advertising, sports entertainment, and tourism. “A lot of the classes I have taken are related to sales, marketing, and promotions,” he said. “My background in sport management has helped me have a better understanding of this type of research.” Courses like Sport Marketing and Managing Sport Organizations, taught by Dr. Kim, have helped him learn more about the industry. Sport Law, taught by Professor Kerri Cebula, has been one of Tyler’s favorite classes this semester. “Even though it’s an eight o’clock class, I enjoy going to her lectures and hearing what she has to teach. Professor Cebula knows what she is talking about.” SPORT BUSINESS CONFERENCE Tyler is no stranger to big projects. In Spring 2023, he collaborated with another sport management student at the Pennsylvania Sport Business Conference, placing 3rd in the competition. Together, they worked on a proposal project for the Lancaster Barnstormers, where they created family-oriented promotions for the baseball team. “Going and competing against other schools and students, and landing 3rd place, gave me confidence in what I do.” CAREER ASPIRATIONS As President of the Men’s Golf Club, Tyler is heavily involved in the sport, and would like to combine his passion for golf into a future career in operations. Over the summer, he plans to complete an internship, and hopes to intern for the American Junior Golf Association. Tyler’s interest in operations comes from his love for sports. “As a kid, my dream was to go play in the big leagues. Now, with this major, I can still help and contribute from behind the scenes.” STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
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