Ep 147: Christopher Plummer on Research and Creative Expression

On this episode, Katie is joined by Christopher Plummer, Professor at Michigan Technological University. Christopher created the Sound programs at Michigan Technological University, which combine fundamental engineering and artistic course work with applied sound creation. He has long been a practicing sound designer with theatre designs at regional theaters and in New York, sound design for independent films, and PBS specials. In that work he has been keenly interested in how immersive sound and room acoustics can bypass our conscious awareness and impact our underlying emotional state. This work includes the way an electroacoustic system can help an opera singer touch an audience with their voice to how the acoustics of a room change the classroom dynamics of a pre-school. Recently, Christopher has been exploring the power of soundscapes through a National Endowment for The Arts funded project, "Listening to Parks." This project takes images and ambisonic recordings of the National Parks surrounding Lake Superior and creates a virtual retreat where the park experiences are shared through an immersive installation using 11 speakers and 6 screens to transport the audience. New programs continue to be developed for this system, most recently, "Shell Shocked," a virtual experience of World War I warfare as part of the Copper Country's remembrance of the 100 year anniversary of the Armistice.

Segment 1: Sound Design and Composition [00:00-18:17]

In this first segment, Christopher describes his work with sound design and music composition.

In this segment, the following resources are mentioned:

• Keweenaw Soundscapes "Listening to Parks"

Segment 2: Research and Creative Expression [18:18-37:03]

In segment two, Christopher shares how his creative work impacts his research.

In this segment, the following resources are mentioned:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Sound Health

Bonus Clip #1 [00:00-06:11]: The Core Principle of Christopher's Work

In this bonus clip, the following resources are mentioned:

• This American Life

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The views expressed by guests on the Research in Action podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Oregon State University Ecampus or Oregon State University.