Leaders of three digital humanities seed grants awarded by the Data Institute for Societal Challenges in 2022 shared insights, successes and potential next steps with more than two dozen attendees during a panel presentation on Thursday, April 27 in the Regents Room at the University of Oklahoma Memorial Union.
Laurel Smith, Ph.D., associate professor and associate chair in the Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences, presented about her project, “Air, Water and Work in Ottawa and Delaware Counties.” During the presentation, Smith detailed the efforts of her project, which included using StoryMaps and documentary filmmaking to explore the history of Tar Creek Superfund Site and the B.F. Goodrich tire factory in Miami, OK.
Michael Crespin, Ph.D, director and curator of the Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center and professor in the Department of Political Science, Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences, and Nathan Barron, graduate fellow at the Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, presented their project, “Congressional Correspondence Handwriting Textract Project.” Barron shared insights into the projects use of Amazon Web Services and Textract software and their abilities to accurately transcribe handwritten letters that were sent to lawmakers from their constituents. He also explained how such research could be used by academics in their own research efforts.
Bobby Reed, head of emerging libraries at OU Libraries, and Kristi Wyatt, emerging technologies librarian at OU Libraries, presented their project, “Access Granted: Engaging with Fragile Illuminated Manuscripts.” During their hands-on presentation, the team explained their efforts to use a mixed-reality framework to present cultural heritage objects using Oculus virtual reality headsets. They also showcased their image capture techniques, 3D data modeling, and lessons learned throughout the project.
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