Spatial Audio Artist in Residence Review

To assist PhD students with their projects, provide updates on how I am progressing with my own projects, assist with hosting events and learning how to use new software / technologies to implement spatial audio. As this was a research placement year, there was a lot of self-directed learning involved, but also the chance to learn from a world-wide institute on different types of audio and its capabilities.

I have learned how to use Unreal Engine through self-study. I have learned how to use the audio middleware Wwise, through direction of my supervisors and self-study. How to organise and run an event on a larger scale than I am accustomed to. I have learned how to use scripting in C# and C++ more efficiently, from my already existing knowledge from my course.

I think that the most responsibility I was given was that I was largely left to conduct the work and provide evidence of this without the need to be managed directly. I was given the responsibility to assist with making a multiplayer VR experience to assist with a PhD student's own research, as this is not something which was part of their research, but allowed me to implement spatial audio in a multiplayer setting.

I received support and guidance when it was required and at a quick pace. My supervisors are extremely knowledgeable in their field and are very easy to talk to and get along with.

The general atmosphere from day one was welcoming and I felt like I belonged. I was treated with a great deal of respect and everyone was easy to speak to and get along with. In this, I felt like I wanted to attend every day and to continue working. I would say that I have made some extremely valuable friendships and connections.

I was initially apprehensive as the main focus of the placement was not something I was fully familiar with. However, I enjoyed every day of work, the people are amazing and some of the kindest people I have ever met and I will endeavour to keep in touch with them.

Yes

For other students applying for a placement year at DMU, take the risk. It might be something that you are not wholly familiar with as a job, but it can open so many doors and ideas for the future and it has certainly helped me to consider my future career path upon graduation.