CAMLS Translational Research Labs
At CAMLS, research is active, applied, and deeply connected to the future of healthcare training and education. Our translational research labs are where new ideas are explored, emerging technologies are tested, and evidence-based advances take shape—all within immersive, real-world environments.
Led by experts in human factors, engineering, clinical practice, and educational science, CAMLS’ research teams are actively investigating how innovations such as extended reality, artificial intelligence, advanced visualization, and fabrication technologies can improve how healthcare professionals learn, train, and perform. This work is grounded in real clinical challenges and driven by a commitment to improving access, effectiveness, and outcomes in healthcare education and practice.
Each lab brings focused expertise while remaining tightly connected to CAMLS’ immersive environments and broader research ecosystem. Together, they translate discovery into practice-ready solutions that inform training, technology development, and clinical innovation.
Smart Technologies through Advanced Research Lab (STAR Lab)
Led by Byeol (Star) Kim, PhD, the Smart Technologies through Advanced Research Lab (STAR Lab) advances human-centered medical technologies at the intersection of engineering, extended reality, and clinical care. The lab focuses on developing personalized, immersive tools that enhance diagnosis, treatment, surgical planning, and medical training.
STAR Lab integrates extended reality (VR/AR), machine learning, and 3D printing to create data-driven solutions that improve clinical decision-making and simulation-based education. Dr. Kim’s work spans VR-based surgical planning systems, AI-enabled patient simulation platforms, adaptive XR rehabilitation technologies, and patient-specific device design—bridging research, clinical practice, and industry application. Her research has been supported through competitive funding and intellectual property development, and reflects a strong commitment to translating innovation into real-world healthcare impact.
Focus Areas:
Extended Reality (VR/AR) | Human-Centered Medical Systems | Machine Learning | 3D Printing
STAR Lab: Engineering the future of healthcare through immersive, data-driven medical technologies.
Bailey Lab
Shannon Bailey, PhD’s lab advances human factors and emerging technologies to improve clinical education and simulation-based training. Dr. Bailey is a Senior Human Factors Scientist at the USF Health Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Education and Department of Emergency Medicine, where her work focuses on leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes and expand access to high-quality healthcare training.
The lab investigates emerging educational technologies for healthcare curricula, translating research into practice-ready training solutions. This work is supported by over $2 million in extramural funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense, and the Florida High Tech Corridor, and has resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications and national and international presentations.
Through strong collaboration with industry partners, small businesses, government organizations, and academic medical centers, the Bailey Lab extends innovation beyond academia into real-world applications. Dr. Bailey’s leadership in professional societies and commitment to mentorship further strengthen the lab’s impact, supporting trainees across medicine, biomedical engineering, computer science, instructional design, and psychology.
Focus Areas:
Human Factors & Cognitive Psychology | Immersive Technologies
Bailey Lab: Harnessing immersive VR and haptics to advance healthcare education through evidence-based research.
TGH–USF Health 3D Visualization and Printing Lab
The TGH–USF Health 3D Visualization and Printing Lab is a hub for translational research and clinical innovation, bringing together Tampa General Hospital, the USF Health Department of Radiology, and the USF Health Center for Advanced Medical Learning & Simulation (CAMLS) to advance patient-specific visualization, surgical planning, and device development.
Located at Tampa General Hospital, the lab transforms advanced medical imaging—including CT and MRI—into patient-specific, anatomically precise 3D models used for surgical planning, procedural training, and education. These tangible models enable clinicians, researchers, and learners to visualize complex anatomy, rehearse procedures, and evaluate approaches prior to entering the operating room.
The lab has demonstrated meaningful impact across high-acuity domains such as cardiac surgery, oncologic care, and complex reconstructive procedures, contributing to improved surgical outcomes, reduced operating times, and enhanced procedural safety. Beyond planning and education, the collaboration supports innovation in device design and procedural tools, translating imaging data into functional prototypes and patient-specific solutions.
The lab is led by Devid Zille, DDS, OMFS, an internationally recognized expert in 3D modeling, additive manufacturing, and patient-specific implants, and Assistant Professor in the USF Morsani College of Medicine Department of Radiology. Dr. Zille brings deep clinical and engineering expertise shaped by leadership roles across academic medicine, healthcare systems, and industry. His work integrates virtual surgical planning, design for additive manufacturing (DfAM), and advanced fabrication technologies to improve surgical precision and patient outcomes.
Through this collaboration, CAMLS extends its immersive research ecosystem into active clinical care—connecting imaging, fabrication, and experiential learning to accelerate translational research and technology-enabled innovation.
Focus Areas:
3D Visualization & Printing | Patient-Specific Implants | Virtual Surgical Planning | Translational Device Innovation