Publications
Peer Reviewed
Bardhan, M., Li, F., Browning, M. H. E. M., Dong, J., Zhang, K., Yuan, S., İnan, H. E., McAnirlin, O., Dagan, D. T., Maynard, A., Thurson, K., Zhang, F., Wang, R., & Helbich, M. (2024). From space to street: A systematic review of the associations between visible greenery and bluespace in street view imagery and mental health. Environmental Research, 263(Pt 3), 120213-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2024.120213
Bolouki, A., McAnirlin, O., H. E. M. Browning, M., & Maynard, A. (2024). Optimizing Virtual Nature for Psychological and Physiological Well-Being: A Systematic Review of the Moderating Effects of Duration, Nature Type, Sample Characteristics, and Immersiveness and Potential Risks of Bias. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2024.2338327
Hartshorn, G., Browning, M., Chalil Madathil, K., Mau, F., Ranganathan, S., Todd, A., Bertrand, J., Maynard, A., McAnirlin, O., Sindelar, K., Hernandez, R., & Henry Gomez, T. (2022). Efficacy of virtual reality assisted guided imagery (VRAGI) in a home setting for pain management in patients with advanced cancer: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 12(12). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064363
Rousseau, C. X., Binfet, J.-T., Green, F. L. L., Tardif-Williams, C. Y., Draper, Z. A., & Maynard, A. (2020). Up the leash: Exploring canine handlers’ perceptions of volunteering in canine-assisted interventions. Pet Behaviour Science, (10), 15–35. https://doi.org/10.21071/pbs.vi10.12598
Widdop Quinton, H., Piersol, L., Rousell, D., Russell, J., Dezan, R., Shannon, T., Davis, C., Maynard, A., & Woodruff, M. (2020). Becoming companions: Compositions of childhoodnature relation, sense, poetics, and imagining by children and young people. Research Handbook on Childhoodnature, 687–756. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-67286-1_132
Non-Peer Reviewed Publications
Maynard, A. (2021). Natural connections: Exploring the role of engagement in outdoor activities and technology use on children’s moral concern for wild animals and Ecosystems (thesis).
Maynard, A. (2017). Eco-Advisor.org The Use of Social Media to Positively Advance Ecotourism (thesis).
Works Under Review
Browning, M. H. E. M., Thurson, K. M., Maynard, A., McAnirlin, O., Kiani, M., & Powell, R. (under review). Beyond the screen: Comparing Holocaust museum visitor outcomes from interactive Dimensions in Testimony exhibits with 2D film exhibits. Holocaust Studies Journal.
Work & Experiences
Bridging Museums, Personal Narrative, and Technology
As the graduate assistant on our Dimensions in Testimony project, I contributed to a two-year evaluation of innovative immersive exhibits, Dimensions in Testimony, at two Texas Holocaust museums. Working with a multidisciplinary research team under Dr. Matt Browning and Dr. Robert Powell, we conducted research to assess visitor engagement, impacts, and learning outcomes. My responsibilities included managing the research team, collecting on-site survey data in Texas, co-authoring a DiT Best Practices Report, and a peer-reviewed manuscript currently under review. This project helped to build my skills in immersive technology research, visitor experience evaluation, and data-driven insights in educational settings.
Innovating Education with Virtual Reality
At Clemson University’s Summer Scholars Program, I blend immersive technology, education, and nature to inspire middle and high school students. As the instructor of Nature in Virtual Reality: Explore, Learn, Create, I’ve guided students through learning about immersive technology’s history and the history of human-nature relationships, as well as helped the students imagine and plan VR research studies. I have also led them to create 360-degree virtual tours and virtual crime scene stories. Now, as a graduate assistant for the Summer Scholars program, I’ll be leading the evaluation of the program while supporting the launch of a new day camp initiative. These work has helped develop my skills in curriculum design, program evaluation, and leveraging VR to connect learners with the natural world.
Community Connections and STEM Initiatives
I am passionate about engaging young learners through innovative technologies. My volunteer work with a local STEM elementary school included hosting a VR day with our lab, where students explored nature, science, and engineering through VR headset experiences. Additionally, my current community collaboration is with CircularSTEM, a program centered on STEM education that turns classroom learning into leadership in sustainable design. I’m currently working with the creator of CircularSTEM, Erin Rockenhaus, to explore if VR can be added to STEM education about flight, gliding, and biomimicry. The project will involve creating educationally narrated 360-degree video components to explore the program content. This project, run through the SC Botanical Garden and UGA Botanical Gardens, is helping to enhance my ability to integrate VR into environmental education and create engaging, future-forward learning experiences.
Creating Hands-On Unforgettable Outdoor Experiences
As a Program Operations Associate at Camp Zeke, I created and ran programs for over 200 campers aged 8-17. My work included planning daily schedules, organizing camp-wide events, and managing logistics and staff teamwork. I ensured smooth operations and designed inclusive activities that fostered connection and engagement.
Before Camp Zeke, I spent 7 years as a trainer and coach at the Delaware Soccer Club in Buffalo, NY. I coached soccer for players aged 3-15 and led competitive travel girls' teams. I also helped design and run weekly summer, winter, and goalkeeper-specific camps for players aged 8-18. These roles strengthened my leadership, mentorship, and program management skills.
In addition, I worked with the Canisius Ambassadors for Conservation (CAC) group and as a nature guide at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. Through CAC, I created educational videos and social media content and conducted outreach in classrooms, sharing insights from my travels around the globe. At the refuge, I led K-12 summer school groups on birding excursions and taught about ecosystems, fostering environmental awareness and appreciation among young learners. All of these roles and experiences deepened my skills in education, outreach, and inspiring nature connections. As well as reinforced my passion for creating inclusive, impactful programs that inspire and connect.
