# CAREER: Broadening Participation in Computing through Virtual Identities

> **NSF 01002829DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (IL) · $512,775

## Abstract

Today's technologies, including videoconferencing software, video games, and virtual reality, have become integral to education. These technologies allow individuals to represent themselves through virtual identities. However, these virtual identities can inadvertently trigger stereotype threat--a psychological state where individuals feel at risk of confirming negative stereotypes related to their social group and can underperform educationally as a result. Thus, addressing stereotype threat in virtual environments is crucial. This project aims to create computational interventions and virtual representations that reduce stereotype threat in online educational settings, thereby contributing to the development of a diverse and globally competitive workforce.

The specific objectives of this research within the context of educational settings are: 1) Investigate the impact of different visual and auditory virtual identities on stereotype threat, and 2) Develop avatar customization systems that mitigate stereotype threat by leveraging insights from the first objective. Through controlled studies, this project generates new insights into several areas: 1) The effects of different visual and auditory virtual identities on stereotype threat among diverse online learners, 2) How to develop avatar customization systems aimed at reducing stereotype threat in online educational settings, 3) The effectiveness of these systems in improving performance for diverse learners, and 4) Gen

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2548701
- **Awardee organization:** University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (IL)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** Y8CWNJRCNN91
- **PI:** Dominic Kao
- **Primary program:** 01002829DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, Cyber-Human Systems
- **Estimated total:** $512,775
- **Funds obligated:** $178,136
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 04/30/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2548701

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2548701, CAREER: Broadening Participation in Computing through Virtual Identities. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2548701. Licensed CC0.

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