Disaster Response Researchers Test Virtual Reality Tool With Older Adults
By Mike Nolan
ALBANY, N.Y. (Aug. 26, 2025) — Researchers at the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC) have spent the summer helping older adults better prepare for disasters — in a virtual world.
In September, CEHC researchers received $549,943 from the National Science Foundation (NSF)'s Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation to lead a project focused on using virtual reality (VR) to reduce disaster vulnerabilities for older individuals and others who are disproportionately affected.
Over the last month, the research team has conducted simulations with seniors in Brooklyn and Atlanta. The simulations exposed participants to disaster scenarios using Meta Quest VR headsets, a head-mounted display that creates immersive, simulated environments for users.
“The idea here is that we’re trying to help prepare individuals for disaster in virtual environment spaces,” said DeeDee Bennett Gayle, the associate dean for research at CEHC and project leader. “Most people think that older adults and virtual reality do not necessarily go together. If we can prove this tool accessible to them, then we can broaden it out to different age groups and offer a product that helps emergency managers.”
“Along with collecting user data for our NSF-funded project, the goal here is to engage socially vulnerable populations with emerging technologies so they can better their knowledge and skills when it comes to dealing with disaster situations,” added Xiaojun (Jenny) Yuan, an associate professor at CEHC and project collaborator.
Older adults are disproportionately vulnerable to the effects of disasters due to a combination of factors including age-related health issues, social isolation, and limited mobility. For example, in Hurricane Katrina, half of the deaths were among those 75 and older. When Hurricane Sandy struck New York City in 2012, nearly half of the fatalities were among people age 65 or older.
During the simulations, the research team, which also includes Salimah LaForce of Georgia Tech and Mwarumba Mwavita of Minnesota State, observed participants to gain insight into their decision-making process across various hazards, as well as how they use advanced technologies.
The simulations were conducted with support from graduate student research assistants at CEHC’s Extreme Events, Social Equity, and Technology lab.
“Before studying at UAlbany, I was working as a civil engineer back in Nepal and there was a massive earthquake. Having a tool like this would have not only helped to prepare older adults, but the entire population,” said Prabin Sharma, a PhD student in emergency preparedness and homeland security. “Being part of this project has been a great opportunity to meet people, listen to their stories and help them better prepare for disasters.”
“My research focus is on human-centered emerging technologies, which made this project a great fit for me,” said Mahsa Goodarzi, a PhD student in information science. “As part of the team, I’ve been able to code, design and do data analysis. The interdisciplinary nature of the work makes me happy and satisfied with what I’m studying.”
CEHC undergraduates also helped design the VR assets, along with tech start-up Superluminal, a hardware and software development company based in Albany. Local high schoolers in the Rise High program helped test the playability of the disaster scenarios.
“Once we heard about it, we knew this was a project for us to get involved in," said Jarell Pryor, a software developer at Superluminal. "It feels really good to work on things that have an impact on social good."
The research team is actively recruiting participants and plans to conduct more simulations over the next year. Those interested in participating are encouraged to email: [email protected]