About
Biography
Vikki Schaffer began working at USC in 2005. She is a proud USC graduate who completed an undergraduate degree in Sustainable Tourism, BA Honours (Class 1) and Doctorate in Philosophy.
Vikki has a strong interest in the cognitive responses (emotional) to immersive experiences (real and virtual) and the impact on pro-environmentalism; adventure and conservation with a particular passion for the marine environment.
In keeping with the premise that it takes a village, Vikki uses innovative approaches, enthusiasm, commitment and active engagement in the business and wider community to inform research that supports industry and community development.
Vikki is a multi-disciplinary researcher (e.g. linking business, tourism, animal ecology, psychology, human geography).
Expert media commentary
Dr Vikki Schaffer's specialist areas of knowledge include whale-related tourism, immersive experiences, immersive visualisation, cognitive appraisal (emotional elicitation; awe), sustainable tourism, leisure and event management, technology and innovation in tourism, leisure and event management and destination management.