The School of Communication-led study abroad program put 3D scanning technology in the hands of passionate students
Students visiting Historic Environment Scotland
By Colin Bowyer, Communications Manager - February 7, 2025
In summer 2024, Todd Kesterson, senior instructor of new media communications, and Joshua Reeves, associate professor of new media communications, led a first-of-its-kind study abroad trip to Scotland, where students utilized 3D scanning technology, which is used to help digitally preserve historical sites and artifacts. The six-credit program allowed students to “discover the beauty and rich history of Scotland,” while also gaining invaluable experience working with 3D scanning tools.
Students on the fourteen-day study abroad program visited the cities of Edinburgh, Stirling, and Oban, as well as made many side trips to historical sites, including Kilmartin, Dunstaffanage, and Linlithgow castles. After the two weeks in Scotland, students worked remotely with faculty to develop a complete multimedia project reflecting their experiences, consisting of photos, videos, written components, and their own 3D scans from the trip.
“Even just ten years ago, 3D scanning used to require large and sometimes onerous technological equipment,” explained Kesterson. “Now anyone can download an app and get started.”
They visited Historic Environment Scotland, and learned about their technologies and methodologies of digitally preserving Scotland’s structures and monuments. Using their own personal phones, students 3D scanned artifacts during the two weeks and some students uploaded their progress for public access on a 3D asset website called Sketchfab.
Abigael Craig, a senior majoring in digital communication arts (DCA), saw the study abroad program to Scotland as a way to expand her awareness and understanding of 3D scanning.
“Truthfully, 3D scanning was so foreign to me in particular,” Craig explained. “I always saw the field as something more based in video games development. Now after using this tech myself, it was really eye opening and made me want to learn more about its potential.”
3D scanning and modeling is something Cara Simpson, also a senior in DCA, is looking at for a potential career. Simpson was already a student of Kesterson’s previous classes on 3D modeling and animation, but the trip to Scotland took their skills and interest to another level.
“Being able to utilize 3D technology for a larger purpose and greater good was what attracted me to the program,” said Simpson. “This trip made me feel more integrated with the technology and pay more attention to detail. It also directly impacted my direction to pursue a career in 3D modeling.”
Kesterson plans to offer the faculty-led study abroad program to Scotland again in summer 2026.
A 3D scan by Angelina Branson of a standing stone at Kilmartin Glen
A stone lion scanned by Sam Laos at Edinburgh Castle
A 3D scan of Rosslyn Chapel by Angelina Branson
