BridgeMakers

The Story of STEM VR and Astro Rabbit

What if the metaverse always existed even before we had immersive technology to help us access it? Every so often, in my metaverse adventures, I come across remarkable people who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Today, I want to introduce you to one such visionary – Astro Rabbit, a PhD student studying astronomy at New Mexico State University. But Astro is more than just an academic; they are the brilliant mind behind STEM VR, a community in VRChat dedicated to bringing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals together.

STEM VR was born in 2020, during the “dark ages” of the pandemic. As isolation gripped the world, Astro found themselves standing in a corner of VRChat’s Black Cat world, holding a sign about astronomy. What started as casual conversations with fellow curious minds quickly blossomed into something greater. Astro realized that there was a need for a space where people could discuss science in a meaningful way – and so STEM VR was created. From its humble beginnings, it has now grown into a steady community where professionals and enthusiasts alike can gather, share ideas, and explore the wonders of the universe.

Astro Rabbit’s journey is not just about building a community; it’s about transforming the way we engage with education and science. Their work goes beyond the confines of textbooks and traditional classrooms. By creating immersive virtual worlds, like a detailed model of the Apache Point Observatory in New Mexico, Astro offers a hands-on experience of what it’s like to be an astronomer. These worlds are designed to be both visually captivating and scientifically accurate, providing visitors with the opportunity to practice operating telescopes, collecting data, and exploring the cosmos.

But Astro’s dream doesn’t stop there. With the right support, they envision creating self-guided experiences within his worlds, allowing anyone to step into the shoes of an astronomer without needing a host. Imagine being able to wander through an observatory, and learn the on the ground details about how it looks to “see the stars” – all from the comfort of your virtual reality headset. It’s an inspiring glimpse into what the future of career sampling and science education could look like, where learning is interactive, immersive, and accessible to all.

Imagine if your career day at school could have been in a headset with a real astronomer hologram guiding you through their lab!

This is why I’m loving every day I get to be a BridgeMaker. I am helping connect community leaders and builders in the metaverse who are creating spaces for inclusion, innovation, and transformation. Astro Rabbit embodies the essence of what BridgeMakers stands for: bridging gaps, building connections, and improving our understanding our universe (and ourselves within it) by making these concepts accessible to everyone. In this case, it’s not just about connecting people; it’s about connecting our imaginations through worlds—both virtual and cosmic.

BridgeMakers is helping leaders like Astro pave the way for a future where education and community intersect in mind-blowing and transformative ways. We know that the Metaverse is not just a playground for social interaction; it’s a space where professionals and dreamers alike can come together, exchange ideas, and build the future we want to see.

So, the next time you’re in VRChat or any virtual space, keep an eye out for communities like STEM VR. These aren’t just places to hang out—they’re places where minds meet, and where the boundaries of what we can learn and create together are constantly expanding.

I hope Astro’s story inspires you as much as it inspires me. Whether you’re passionate about science, technology, or simply the idea of creating spaces for connection and growth, there’s room for all of us in the vast expanse of our dreams colliding through the Metaverse.

See you in the stars!

— Ruth Diaz, Founder of BridgeMakers