WELCOME

Thank you for reviewing my thesis project. Below you’ll find key materials relevant to my research and presentation.

About the Project

This project was inspired by my own experience with chemotherapy and the urgent need for better patient education and emotional support during treatment. Many patients begin chemotherapy feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. I wanted to create something immersive and comforting to help guide them through the process. To do that, I developed a 360-degree video and a VR interactive application that simulate the chemotherapy journey. I also designed calming, research-based VR modules such as Star Gazing and Breathing Exercise, aimed at reducing anxiety, enhancing understanding, and supporting emotional well-being. To assess the impact, I conducted a mixed-methods research study in collaboration with the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, involving over 250 participants. The findings—published in a peer-reviewed journal—showed significant reductions in anxiety and increased chemotherapy knowledge, particularly among participants who used the VR experience. This project brings together storytelling, technology, and science to make cancer care more human, empathetic, and accessible.

Watch the First Day

This video is for demonstration purposes only and is part of a private defense presentation. Sharing or distributing this content is not permitted.

Projects

Each project has been thoughtfully developed to support patients facing medical treatments—especially those experiencing anxiety, stress, or uncertainty about their care. By combining immersive technology with evidence-based practices, these tools aim to create more clarity, comfort, and emotional support throughout the treatment journey.

Click on each project below to learn more about its purpose and impact.

Research

To assess the effectiveness of these VR tools, we conducted a mixed-methods research study in collaboration with the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. The study involved over 250 participants who were randomly assigned to experience either a 360-degree video or an interactive VR application, both designed to simulate the chemotherapy process in a calm, immersive environment.

We used pre- and post-surveys to measure participants’ chemotherapy knowledge and anxiety levels, as well as open-ended questions to gather qualitative insights. The results showed a statistically significant increase in knowledge and a decrease in anxiety, particularly among those who used the interactive VR experience. Many participants described the simulation as realistic, engaging, and helpful in preparing them emotionally for treatment.

We also explored how demographic factors like age, gender, and prior VR experience influenced users’ perceptions. These insights are helping shape how future educational tools in healthcare can be more personalized and inclusive.

Research Findings: Click on each item to explore the full context from the study.