Dalhousie University Professors Revive Woody the Talking Tree

Professors from Dalhousie University played a crucial role in rescuing a cherished holiday icon, Woody the Talking Christmas Tree, from a mechanical failure that threatened his annual debut at Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The tree successfully opened his eyes and began greeting guests on November 15, 2023, thanks to the quick intervention of the university’s Faculty of Computer Science.

The mall’s owner, Joe Ramia, reached out to Dalhousie after discovering that Woody’s mechanics were malfunctioning. With the festive season approaching, immediate assistance was needed to ensure Woody could emerge from his “slumber” and continue to delight visitors. The call for help was answered by assistant professors Hanieh Shakeri and Joe Malloch, both specialists in human-computer interaction.

Professors Collaborate for Holiday Tradition

Shakeri, who recently relocated to Halifax, was initially unfamiliar with the local holiday tradition. “Our research space examines how humans interact with various computer systems. Woody’s wake-up routine presented a fun opportunity to apply that knowledge,” she shared.

For Malloch, a native of Dartmouth, assisting with Woody carried a personal significance. “Experiencing Woody as a child adds an element of nostalgia,” he remarked. “I enjoyed collaborating with Hanieh; it made the project even more enjoyable.”

Over two weeks, the professors made multiple trips to the mall, working outside of regular hours to avoid disrupting shoppers. While they have not disclosed specific details about the repairs, they successfully prepared Woody for his much-anticipated appearance. According to updates, Woody is now “talking and acting better than ever,” with improvements noted in his blinking eyes and overall expressiveness.

Community Gratitude for University Support

Joe Ramia expressed gratitude for the support from Dalhousie University, stating, “We were incredibly impressed by the assistance we received. After exhausting our options, reaching out to Dal was the best decision we made. Their prompt reaction helped us bring the spirit of the season to life this year.”

Woody the Talking Christmas Tree will be available for visits until December 23, 2023, allowing the community to enjoy this beloved holiday fixture. The collaboration between the university and the mall exemplifies the intersection of education and community tradition, highlighting how local resources can come together to enhance festive celebrations.