An immersive learning system to enhance healthcare awareness and STEM education.
Official title: Educational Media to Promote healthcare Awareness through an Immersive Experience (EMPATHIE)
Funded at Barron Associates, INC. · NIH-10833673 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a fun, motion-based game that helps K-12 students learn about healthcare and science, especially focusing on motor control disorders, while making learning exciting and inclusive for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Barron Associates, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2018 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $861,521 |
| NIH project number | 5R44GM130188-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10833673 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are K-12 students, particularly those from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds interested in STEM education.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in the K-12 education system or those who are not interested in STEM fields may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
EMPATHIE is an innovative educational platform that uses a motion-based game interface to teach healthcare and science concepts. It provides an immersive experience focused on motor control disorders while promoting inquiry-based learning. The program is designed to engage K-12 students from diverse backgrounds, enhancing their interest and performance in STEM fields. By incorporating design thinking and empathy into its lessons, EMPATHIE aims to create a positive learning environment for students of varying abilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve STEM education and healthcare awareness among K-12 students.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that interactive digital media can effectively enhance learning outcomes in STEM education, indicating a promising approach with EMPATHIE.
Where this research is happening
-
Barron Associates, INC.
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krepkovich, Eileen T. — Barron Associates, INC.
- Study coordinator: Krepkovich, Eileen T.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.