The Florida State University Chief Clinical Research Officer and College of Nursing Faculty, Joseph Frascella, Ph.D., is leading a new $2,490,000 grant to address the critical need for improved healthcare access in rural and underserved communities across northern Florida and southern Georgia.

This grant, titled “Simulation and Virtual Reality Laboratory Equipment for the FSU Health Tallahassee Center,” is a crucial component of the FSU HEALTH initiative. The initiative, launched in collaboration with regional partners, including Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH), seeks to establish world-class healthcare ecosystems to serve the healthcare needs of these communities.

The grant will specifically fund the creation of state-of-the-art, dual-purpose labs equipped with virtual reality (VR) and simulation technology at the FSU-TMH Academic Health Center. This center will play a pivotal role in promoting the integration of research, health education, clinical practice, and innovation, ultimately leading to improved healthcare outcomes for residents in the region. 

 FSU CON Dean and Professor Jing Wang, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, expressed her excitement about the grant, stating, “This grant is a true game-changer, forged through collaboration with TMH and other regional partners. Harnessing novel technologies will empower us to cultivate a new generation of skilled healthcare professionals, unlock groundbreaking research avenues, and ultimately reshape healthcare delivery for the better. Together, we'll bridge the gap and ensure equitable healthcare access for all in our communities.”

The grant application, submitted by Dr. Frascella and Nicole Fearnbach Viverito, Ph.D., Research Development Coordinator, both with the FSU Office of Research and working with Dean Wang and Carla Dormeus, Ed.D., Director of Simulation in the CON, has paved the way for funding to support the acquisition of vital equipment. This includes video recording systems, VR headsets, monitors, furniture, and medical equipment. These essential resources will find their place strategically within VR labs, a Simulation Lab, a Surgical Suite, and an Observation Room, all to be housed in the FSU-TMH Academic Health Center building.

The grant affords us the opportunity to provide seamless integration of these novel technologies into the educational and research activities at the College of Nursing and across campus.