When BSN student Joey Belanger set out to explore the potential of immersive technology in healthcare, he never imagined his work would be named one of the top research projects at Michigan State.
Belanger’s research project titled “Feasibility of using Immersive Virtual Reality for a 6-minute Walk Test in Young Adults,” was recommended to receive the 2025 University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF) Grand Prize for the science, technology, engineering and mathematics category.
Belanger’s research reviewed whether virtual reality could replicate a tradition six-minute walk test — a commonly used physical assessment to measure aerobic capacity and endurance — by immersing subjects in a VR environment, while collecting data on performance.
Preliminary results showed that while the VR-based walk test may not be a valid replacement for the traditional 6-minute walk test, it demonstrated strong reliability. Step count, heart rate, and perceived exertion were nearly identical between both test formats. These findings suggest that while VR may not fully replicate standard fitness assessments, it holds potential as a practical tool to reduce barriers to physical activity and health monitoring.
He says presenting his work and receiving the award have been both meaningful and inspiring.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have shared my project with such esteemed colleagues, researchers, and scholars. I am honored to have been awarded the Grand Prize in the STEM division and even more so being the first College of Nursing student to receive this distinction,” he said. “This award serves as a testament to the dedication and perseverance I invested in the project, which has brought me immense fulfillment. Winning this award has ignited my passion for continued research, and I aspire to contribute to the advancement of patient care and the enhancement of overall outcomes.”
UURAF provides MSU undergraduate students with an opportunity to showcase their academic and creative activity each spring. UURAF brings together an intellectual community of Undergraduate students share their work with faculty, staff and external audiences. A panel of faculty judges review submissions and provide constructive feedback to students on their work.
Belanger’s project was mentored by Assistant Professor Pallav Deka.
“This recognition highlights the success of our College of Nursing Undergraduate Research Program, which offers meaningful hands-on research opportunities to undergraduate students,” said Jiying Ling, undergraduate research program coordinator. “This early exposure not only strengthens the academic experience but also contributes to the long-term growth of nursing research within the college and beyond.”
Beyond the award, Belanger expresses a hope that his achievement will encourage other nursing students to engage in research opportunities in their academic journey.
“I intend to inspire others within the nursing field to participate in the undergraduate research program and present at UURAF,” he said. “I am proud to represent MSU’s College of Nursing in my research endeavors.”