Select projects

Precision Health

One major area of ongoing work at CACHE focuses on the ability of virtual experiences to promote healthy attitudes and the adoption of healthy behaviors. In the past, we have investigated the impact of virtual experiences on physical activity, nutritional intake, and vaccine hesitancy. One ongoing health intervention, the Virtual Fitness Buddy Ecosystem, attempts to integrate a pre-programmed virtual pet as a motivator for increasing physical activity in at-risk children. Recognizing the importance of customization and accessibility, CACHE focuses on expanding access to these technologies. This 5-year project is in collaboration with the YMCA of metro-Atlanta and is funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Education & Training

CACHE researchers find that the integration of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies in education and training offers transformative potential for pedagogical methods. They observe that VR enables immersive learning environments and realistic simulations, especially valuable in fields requiring complex skill sets. AR's application enhances interactivity in learning materials and proves particularly effective for on-site, contextual training. MR facilitates collaborative and dynamic educational experiences, blending digital and physical elements for group interactions. Looking forward, they anticipate further advancements, including the integration of these immersive technologies with artificial intelligence to create adaptive, personalized learning environments.

Climate Change

CACHE researchers have also investigated the effectiveness of virtual reality in communicating environmental risk to encourage pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors. These virtual experiences place people in redwood forests, coral reefs, and hurricanes to increase awareness of the grave environmental issues that the world faces today. In one ongoing project, CACHE researchers have developed a virtual environment designed to highlight the long-term devastation caused by hurricanes in the absence of flood insurance. This project is funded by UGA Research Foundation and Sea Grant.

Immersive Social Media

CACHE researchers also delve into the ‘metaverse’ of immersive social media, focusing on the integration of spatial computing technologies. They explore the creation of realistic avatars and virtual meeting spaces in VR, enhancing the depth and presence of online social interactions. In AR, they examine how digital overlays on the physical world can enrich communication with interactive content. MR research combines elements of both VR and AR to create blended experiences where digital and physical worlds coalesce, offering new collaborative opportunities. Alongside these innovations, CACHE researchers are acutely aware of the ethical and privacy concerns, including data security and content moderation. Their work is oriented towards making these technologies more accessible and enhancing their interactivity, shaping the future of how we interact in digital social spaces.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

CACHE researchers also investigate the impact of virtual experiences in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) education and training. Virtual experiences hold significant promise, as evidenced by a systematic review of two decades of research. These immersive environments can be effective tools for reducing racial bias and prejudice. However, as our researchers have shown, their design must be carefully considered to avoid reinforcing existing biases inadvertently.

Artificial Intelligence

One significant area of ongoing research at CACHE involves the utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Machine Learning (ML) to enhance virtual experiences and their impact on individuals' well-being. In particular, our team explores how AI-driven virtual environments can foster positive attitudes and facilitate the adoption of healthy behaviors. By prioritizing customization and inclusivity, CACHE endeavors to broaden access to these cutting-edge technologies.