# Caduceus Quest: An interactive digital media resource to promote knowledge of reproductive health and STEM

> **NIH NIH R44** · RESILIENT GAMES STUDIO, LLC · 2021 · $693,772

## Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT
This Phase II STTR project will develop Caduceus Quest, an interactive multimedia resource to promote
knowledge and interest in careers in STEM and health. It includes a digital game and a table-top analog game.
An initial prototype of the Caduceus Quest digital game was developed and tested over the course of our Phase
I project. A multidisciplinary team from Resilient Games Studio LLC, Ci3 (the Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry
and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health), and a robust team of advisors will expand the existing
prototype into the game’s final form. The full commercial version of Caduceus Quest will consist of a theory-
based, role-playing game, and accompanying analog game, in which players build teams of STEM/health
professions (e.g., doctors, epidemiologists, and engineers) to solve an emerging epidemiologic mystery. These
components are supplemented by an analog and digital curriculum. All elements are hosted on a learning
management system for better integration in the formal and informal setting allowing for student assessment and
curriculum development. The game will be evaluated through a participatory formative and outcome evaluation.
A stakeholder advisory team comprised of youth ages 14-17 and another comprised of educators from a variety
of disciplines will support the iterative development of the intervention. The outcome evaluation will be conducted
with 120 youth ages 14-17 using surveys and focus groups. By the conclusion of the Phase II project, Caduceus
Quest will be ideally positioned for commercial distribution.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10171869
- **Project number:** 5R44GM133290-03
- **Recipient organization:** RESILIENT GAMES STUDIO, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** MELISSA L. GILLIAM
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $693,772
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-08-01 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10171869

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10171869, Caduceus Quest: An interactive digital media resource to promote knowledge of reproductive health and STEM (5R44GM133290-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10171869. Licensed CC0.

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