Challenge

Traditional laboratory training methods—webinars, manuals, and slide-based instruction—were not consistently translating into real-world procedural performance.

At the same time, immersive simulation was emerging as a potential solution, but CDC had no precedent, funding model, or internal capability to support it.

The challenge was twofold: prove immersive training could improve skill transfer, and establish the organizational, technical, and design foundation required to scale it as a long-term capability.

Proving the Model

I co-led CDC’s first immersive VR training pilot, transforming biosafety cabinet instruction into a fully interactive simulation designed to improve procedural accuracy.

The initiative required securing funding, defining the learning hypothesis, and building the capability from the ground up. We recruited specialized talent, established the technical approach, and developed a fully interactive lab environment with real-time feedback and retry mechanics.

Pilot results demonstrated increased learner confidence and improved procedural accuracy, validating immersive simulation as a viable training modality.

This success secured additional funding, expanded leadership support, and led directly to the formation of a dedicated immersive learning team.

Establishing the System

As the immersive program scaled beyond pilot, I led the development of a dedicated sub-brand identity system to support its growth and positioning.

The identity was designed to signal innovation while maintaining alignment with CDC’s institutional brand. This included a flexible logo system, color and typography frameworks, motion language, and UI treatments across in-headset environments, web platforms, and external communications.

We also developed custom storefront branding for CDC’s presence on the Meta Quest platform and redesigned the program’s web experience to align UX, messaging, and visual identity.

The result was a cohesive system that strengthened internal credibility, improved communication consistency, and positioned immersive learning as a forward-facing component of CDC’s training ecosystem.

Impact

The combination of validated training outcomes and a cohesive brand system transformed immersive learning from an experimental pilot into a sustained, enterprise-supported capability.

This work established the foundation for larger-scale platforms like OneLabVR, enabling ongoing investment, expansion, and adoption across CDC’s global laboratory network.

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