STRIVE Lab

STRIVE Lab advances surgical training through simulation-based deliberate practice, enabling trainees to achieve proficiency prior to first clinical application and improve patient outcomes. We integrate immersive and emerging technologies, including virtual reality, while intentionally developing cost-effective, scalable training models. Our work is driven by continuous innovation and strengthened through national, international, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

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Our Team

About Our Team of Innovators

Dr. Noel Williams MD

Medical Lead & Advisor

Dr. Williams serves as the Faculty Lead and Senior Advisorfor STRIVE Lab, providing strategic vision, academic oversight, and mentorship.His expertise guides the lab’s direction in surgical education, innovation, andoutcomes-driven simulation research.

Dr. Kristoffel Dumon MD

Medical Lead & Advisor

Bridging clinical insights and technology to ensure educational content aligns with real-world training needs.

Daniel Weber

VR/AR Technologist & Learning Experience Designer

Developing immersive interaction systems, prototyping new mixed-reality training tools, and shaping user-centered learning experiences that integrate educational science with cutting-edge XR technology.

Dr. Dheeraj Baji, MD

Simulation & Curriculum Specialist

Dr. Baji is the Simulation Fellow and operational lead ofSTRIVE Lab, driving the day-to-day execution of curriculum design, simulationdevelopment, and research initiatives. He leads hands-on implementation oftraining modules, coordinates multidisciplinary teams.

What do we do?

Our lab is focused on finding the interactions of engineering and medicine and connecting that directly to the learners.

For more in depth looks at our research and projects, check out the Featured page!

Virtual & Augmented Reality

Designing interactive VR/AR learning experiences that simulate clinical scenarios for safe, repeatable practice.

DIY Low Cost Simulation Development

Creating accessible tools for educators and learners to build realistic procedural simulations without expensive hardware.

3D Printing

Rapid-prototyping anatomical models and custom learning aids to enhance tactile understanding.

Hardware Development

Engineering affordable devices and tools that support hands-on skills training in diverse settings.

Collaborations

Engineering affordable devices and tools that support hands-on skills training in diverse settings.

Contact Us!

For general enquiries, partnerships, or collaboration opportunities, please contact us via email at either pennvr@pennmedicine.upenn.edu or kristoffel.dumon@pennmedicine.upenn.edu!

If you would like to reach us directly, you may call or text (215)-738-0119.