This fall, Patricia arrived at the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies at the University of Iowa as an International Fellow, drawn to the renowned Hank Lab to study how immersive virtual environments can help understand and prevent traffic injuries.

During her stay, she entered the lab’s room-sized VR space where children and parents simulated road crossings in real time – tracking decisions, reactions, even light conditions. 

With inspiration and practical insight gained in Iowa, Patricia is returning home, in Romania, not just with data, but with a full blueprint: how to build an interdisciplinary team, set up accessible VR infrastructure, and engage vulnerable populations like school-children and elderly pedestrians in Romania.

Her fellowship represents a significant step toward bridging international expertise and local public-health needs, laying the groundwork for future projects that combine advanced technology with evidence-based prevention strategies.

Follow the link below to read more:

https://obermann.uiowa.edu/news/2025/10/patricia-marga