# Driving Simulator Research Core

> **NIH NIH P20** · KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $147,262

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
A new Driving Simulator (DS) core facility will be constructed at Wichita State University (WSU) through the
provision of resources, equipment, and technical support to enhance the research capabilities of the Cognitive
and Neurobiological Approaches to Plasticity (C-NAP) primary projects, pilot projects, and programs. The DS
core will establish a state-of-the-art, high fidelity driving simulator and, to our knowledge, will be the first
simulator in the US with full 3D imagery technology and integrated eye tracking capabilities, making this a truly
unique resource for WSU, C-NAP, and the State of Kansas. The DS core will support critical research on the
impact of aging on cognitive and neural plasticity relating to driving. Given the growing aging population, and
the importance of driving for maintaining independence among the aging population, this core will supply a key
resource for combatting age-related declines in driving performance. The driving simulator will support the
Human Factors program at WSU and the Cognitive/Human Factors program at Kansas State University (KSU),
one of the three programs that make up the core of C-NAP research interests. Driving research is a primary
area of interest in the Human Factors program at WSU, and will therefore supply an important resource to
promote the success of the program. The DS core will be accessible to researchers across the State of Kansas
and will support one of the COBRE primary projects (Dr. Ni), all three C-NAP programs (Pilot Grants, Post-
Doctoral Training, and Scientific Exchange Network), and will strongly utilize the Neuroinformatics core. The
core will be directed by Dr. Alex Chaparro, an internationally recognized researcher in studying the effects of
eye disease and visual deficits on driving behavior. Supported by a dedicated technician, this core will provide
easy access for driving simulation research that will contribute to the scientific skills training, collaboration, and
core facility network through the Scientific Exchange Network. The core will also contribute to the post-doctoral
training program and directly support the pilot grant program where we have identified one potential pilot grant
applicant (Dr. Jibo He) who will use the core. More generally, the DS core will aid in attracting new faculty who
will be eligible for pilot and/or primary project grant funding. The overarching goal of the core is to promote the
ability of C-NAP researchers, particularly Drs. Ni and He at WSU, Drs. Bailey (Primary Project Leader) and
Loschky (Associate Director), new faculty recruits at KSU and WSU, post-doctoral program recruits, and future
project and pilot project grant holders to compete for extramural funding by incorporating new technologies that
can advance their research programs into exciting new areas. The DS core will supply substantial new
opportunities for the growth of research on driving behavior across C-NAP, advancing our overall mission.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9947941
- **Project number:** 5P20GM113109-04
- **Recipient organization:** KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Alex Chaparro
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $147,262
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9947941

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9947941, Driving Simulator Research Core (5P20GM113109-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9947941. Licensed CC0.

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