Artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and behavioral sciences are joining forces through a collaboration between the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences (CBCS) and the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing to improve the lives of individuals affected by mental health challenges, speech and language disorders, aging-related issues, and more.
On Friday, Nov. 7, CBCS hosted the Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality in Behavioral Sciences Town Hall in collaboration with the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing.
Julie Serovich, PhD, dean of the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, opened with welcoming remarks, noting that AI and VR have influenced every discipline within the college.
"Today there is nothing about AI and virtual reality that has not impacted every single unit in this college — from the aging population to criminology and communication sciences and disorders and all our behavioral health disciplines," she said. She also reflected on the Mental Health America Conference she attended in October in Washington, D.C., which featured panels on development, academia, and youth engagement in the mental health field.
Lawrence Hall, Distinguished University Professor and associate dean of research innovation in the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing (front) and Chae Jaynes, associate professor in the Department of Criminology, attend the town hall.
Faculty from both colleges presented their research integrating AI and VR within behavioral science disciplines. Projects explored how immersive and data-driven technologies can improve health outcomes, enhance learning environments, and expand access to care for diverse populations.
Speakers included:
- Tammy Jorgensen Smith, PhD, CRC, associate professor in the the Department of Child and Family Studies, presented "Delivering Innovative Vocational Education through Virtual Reality Technology (DIVE-VRT) Program."
- Soonhyung Kwon, PhD, assistant professor in the School of Social Work, presented "Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of a Virtual Reality-Based Positive Psychological Intervention on Mental Health Among Older Korean Immigrants."
- Michelle Arnold, PhD, AuD, associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, presented "Using AI Models for Clinical Documentation and Other Supports in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology."
- George Burruss, PhD,
- Julia Woodward, PhD, assistant professor from the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, presenting "Designing Augmented Reality Interfaces for Adults vs. Children."
- Alison Salloum, PhD, LCSW, and Shaun Canavan, PhD, presented "Developing an AI tool to assess posttraumatic stress disorder in children."
Closing remarks were delivered by Lawrence Hall, PhD, Distinguished University Professor and associate dean of research innovation at the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing.
Lawrence Hall gives his closing remarks at the Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality in Behavioral Sciences Town Hall.
"There is great research going on and some challenges that you all are attacking," Hall said. "Problems can be overcome, and I think you all are here to overcome those. Faculty want to collaborate, and we want to continue to have collaborations and conversations within our colleges."
The town hall encouraged cross-college partnerships and showcased USF’s leadership in using innovative technology to improve lives and strengthen communities. Find the program here and the presentation here to learn more about research taking place within CBCS and the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing.