# Immersive Modular Preparedness Intelligent Tutor for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IMPRINT NIOSH)

> **NIH ALLCDC R44** · CHARLES RIVER ANALYTICS, INC. · 2024 · $500,506

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) hierarchy of controls (HoC) certification
programs encompass in-classroom, online, and hybrid training methods. This requires instructors to deliver
PowerPoint or video-based hands-on exercises that fail to meaningfully engage or immerse trainees. Hands-on
and paper-based training methods cannot adequately represent physics-based concepts, such as differences
between particulate matter and droplets, or more complex activities, such as how to make the determination of
hazardous materials on a site and then establish an exclusion zone. These necessary training activities currently
require trainees to complete the targeted steps using only their imaginations. Trainees are poorly served by this
roleplay approach of complex and potentially lifesaving skills. This current approach provides neither immersive
environments nor supportive learning for adults. Therefore, emergency response training organizations need a
cost-effective training solution that increases the stakes, authenticity, and engagement of simulations to better
equip trainees to remain safe and effective when in the field.
 Based on our successful Phase I demonstration of feasibility, Charles River Analytics, in partnership with
The New England Consortium and Lt. Mike Kates of the Boston Fire Department, proposes to develop and
evaluate a full-scope Immersive Modular Preparedness Intelligent Tutor for the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (IMPRINT NIOSH). IMPRINT NIOSH aims to provide a robust, commercially
viable, portable virtual reality (VR) solution that will be complemented by an intelligent virtual training system and
development framework that actively improves trainees’ ability to perform HoC procedures within a range of
engaging and realistic case studies, field scenarios, modules, and activities. IMPRINT NIOSH will include an
intelligent tutoring system (ITS) that guides training via the untethered Meta Quest VR headset to provide an
immersive, personalized experience. With IMPRINT NIOSH, trainees can overcome complex, dangerous
situations in a safe, controlled environment through guided and immersive procedure rehearsal. Trainees will be
accompanied throughout their experience with a virtual “training buddy” that employs adult learning theory in the
context of lessons to enhance training outcomes. In Phase II, we will produce a system that complements existing
training with a library of VR training modules and natural interactions, including locomotion and haptics that
replace or augment current scenario-based activities.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11006729
- **Project number:** 2R44OH012496-02
- **Recipient organization:** CHARLES RIVER ANALYTICS, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Ernest Vincent Cross
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** ALLCDC
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $500,506
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11006729

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11006729, Immersive Modular Preparedness Intelligent Tutor for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IMPRINT NIOSH) (2R44OH012496-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11006729. Licensed CC0.

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