Alcyr Alves de Oliveira Junior

@ufcspa.edu.br

Psychology
UFCSPA

Alcyr Alves de Oliveira Junior


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https://researchid.co/alcyr.oliveira

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Psychology, Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Multidisciplinary

FUTURE PROJECTS

Smells for deep immersion experiences

Enhancing immersive experiences in virtual reality (VR) presents a significant challenge, as creating a truly lifelike environment requires multisensory engagement. While haptic feedback has been widely explored, incorporating olfactory stimuli could dramatically increase the realism of VR experiences. Our research group is developing an innovative, cost-effective prototype that integrates scent release into VR environments. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize VR applications across various fields—ranging from gaming and education to healthcare—by providing a more immersive and authentic sensory experience. Our approach focuses on making this advanced technology accessible and affordable, opening new frontiers in the enhancement of virtual environments.


Applications Invited

LabVIS: a virtual lab for autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses neurodevelopmental conditions influenced by genetic and environmental factors, with symptoms such as deficits in social communication and repetitive behaviors. Difficulties in sensory integration, present in 90-95% of cases, affect the child's functional abilities, leading to the recommendation of therapies such as Ayres Sensory Integration. However, there are disparities in access and quality of these treatments among different population groups. The use of technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have shown improvements in the cognitive and social abilities of individuals with ASD, but they still require adjustments. There are no studies associating virtual environments with sensory rehabilitation for ASD. This study will evaluate the therapeutic potential of a virtual Sensory Integration Room (LabVIS), developed at UFCSPA, in a clinical trial with children with ASD.


Applications Invited
43

Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

GRANT DETAILS

I recently secured 500k in funding through two prestigious grants from Brazilian government institutions, adding to a series of significant research grants I have been awarded over the years. Currently, I am leading three high-impact grant proposals in collaboration with international and national partners, with a potential funding total exceeding one million. In addition to financial support, I have also received valuable non-financial backing from private companies keen on advancing research using experimental methodologies.

CONSULTANCY

In addition to my academic work, I have extensive consultancy experience with two non-academic institutions, focusing on experiments involving virtual reality and its applications in health. My expertise in this innovative field has enabled me to contribute valuable insights into the design and implementation of cutting-edge virtual reality experiments, particularly in healthcare contexts. Moreover, I am regularly invited to evaluate studies and projects, where my deep understanding of experimental methods and health-related applications of VR provides critical guidance to ensure rigorous and impactful outcomes.

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

I completed my PhD at the Institute of Psychiatry, where my research involved data collected in collaboration with a biotech company, ReNeuron. Additionally, I am currently involved in several projects with companies, which are subject to confidentiality agreements.