The National Science Foundation website featured the Hank Virtual Environments Lab, led by Professor Jodie Plumert and Associate Dean (and CS Professor) Joe Kearney.

"The researchers in Iowa are looking to learn more about that decision-making process with ultimate goals that include giving parents information that could help them when they're discussing safety with young children. [...] The researchers' simulator has allowed it to do the sort of experimental work that would be impossible in the field."

Ongoing research, which centers on walking instead of bicycling "focuses on finding out how parents can help children internalize safety skills, so those kids can keep themselves safe when they're not under close supervision."