About
Biography
Vikki Schaffer is a proud UniSC graduate who completed an undergraduate degree in Sustainable Tourism, BA Honours (Class 1) and Doctorate in Philosophy who has received an Australian Award for Teaching (2019), two UniSC Teaching Awards (2018) and is a Higher Education Academy (HEA) Senior Fellow.
Vikki has a strong interest in the cognitive responses (emotional) to immersive experiences (real and virtual) and the impact on pro-environmentalism; adventure, accessibility, citizen science 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 marine tourism, immersive experience design, immersive visualisation, cognitive appraisal (emotional elicitation; awe and wonder), sustainable tourism, leisure and event management, technology and innovation, design thinking and destination management.