CDC This is a TEST Expansion - Serious Game Design for Environmental Emergency Preparedness Fellowship

Research Project

This project aims to expand the serious cooperative game "This is a TEST" to better prepare state and local health departments for nuclear and radiological emergencies. The expansion will focus on hospital preparedness and challenges faced by specific populations such as pediatric, rural, and animal care staff.

Learning Objectives

• Learn about Community Reception Center (CRC) operations and emergency preparedness planning for nuclear and radiological incidents.
• Gain experience with updating game content related to public health emergency preparedness objectives, hospital preparedness, and access and functional needs populations.
• Participate in functional testing and field evaluations of updated game materials to assess effectiveness and usability.
• Collect and analyze evaluation data in collaboration with CDC staff to improve training outcomes and emergency response strategies.
• Gain exposure to emergency response coordination, including CRC operations, Emergency Operations Center integration, hospital operations, and response challenges involving pediatric populations, rural communities, animal care, vehicle monitoring, and recovery efforts.

Mentor(s)

Peter Rzeszotarski (BQQ3@CDC.GOV)

Citizenship Requirements

The opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only.

ORISE Information

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and CDC. Participants do not become employees of CDC, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Qualifications

• The qualified candidate should have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields within the past five years.
• A degree in instructional and game design, game theory, serious game development and simulations, interactive media, or equivalent, with coursework in instructional principles, game design, gaming interaction, and evaluation is preferred.
• Skills in game design, elicitation of user participation, and game evaluation are desired.
• Familiarity with emergency management principles and/or radiation emergencies is desirable.
• Critical thinking and strong plain language writing are essential.

Application Process

To apply, follow the instructions provided at the bottom of the opportunity. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation. Applicants must have proof of health insurance.