Re: [DCHAS-L] Virtual Reality Lab Safety Resource

On Sep 30, 2026, at 4:32 PM, Lawrence, David S. <000027b61dfc1245-dmarc-request**At_Symbol_Here**LISTS.PRINCETON.EDU> wrote:

Dear Colleagues,

 

We are  writing to ask whether you (or graduate students/postdocs at your institution) are willing to test, and  consider adopting, a new online virtual reality laboratory safety resource for advanced undergraduates and first-year graduate students entering research laboratories.

 

As you know, effective safety training is essential, yet generic online modules often fail to capture the complexity and unique hazards of real research environments. This resource was developed to address that gap by using the equivalent of Google Street View modules in actual research labs to help trainees identify safety hazards and violations in actual research laboratory settings. A screenshot of an example of the user interface is attached.

 

This VR platform was developed with the idea of offering an engaging and effective way to prepare new researchers for laboratory work. Your feedback (and/or that of research-knowledgeable students/postdocs) would be extremely valuable in assessing its usefulness and whether your students or institution will consider purchasing it. 

 

Please feel free to share this email with potentially interested colleagues and/or students. For those interested in trying a free demo, please contact Ms. Heidi Collins at pharmacyCE**At_Symbol_Here**unc.edu.

 

Thank you for considering this request.

 

David S. Lawrence, PhD

Professor Emeritus

UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy

Department of Chemistry, College of Arts & Sciences

UNC School of Medicine

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

lawrencd**At_Symbol_Here**email.unc.edu

 

Roy Zwahlen, JD

Chief Strategy Officer, Eshelman Innovation

Associate Dean for Strategic Partnership and Risk Management

UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

rzwahlen**At_Symbol_Here**email.unc.edu

 

Amanda Chung, PhD

Chemical Hygiene Officer

Environment, Health, and Safety

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

amandac8**At_Symbol_Here**unc.edu