STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Dr. Jonali Baruah, a professor of psychological sciences at Tarleton State University, has received a $419,534 research grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH) to gain a better understanding of the effects of extended exposure to virtual meetings.
The ultimate goal is to create a computational tool that utilizes machine learning techniques to predict fatigue and performance by providing real-time feedback for meeting organizers and participants.
“Currently, video-based meetings are widely used in both organizations and educational institutions,” said Dr. Baruah. “However, it remains unclear whether these meetings are as effective as face-to-face interactions. This research will examine the physiological responses of attendees and explore the impact of prolonged virtual meetings on Zoom fatigue and anxiety.”
This is the second federal grant that Dr. Baruah has received to conduct research on the effects of video-based meetings on cognitive performance. This new research sponsored by NIH will focus more on the long-term impact of such exposure on mental health and overall productivity in creative thinking, problem-solving and decision-making in virtual group interactions.
“In Tarleton State’s College of Education, we recognize that mental well-being is essential to learning, performance and overall health,” said Dr. Lesley Leach, Dean of the College of Education. “This research on Zoom fatigue reflects our commitment to advancing knowledge at the intersection of education and health by studying the cognitive and physiological impacts of prolonged video conferencing.
“By developing tools to detect and mitigate this emerging mental health concern, not only are Dr. Baruah and her team contributing to scientific discovery, they are also equipping educators, students and professionals with strategies to promote well-being in an increasingly digital world.”
Dr. Baruah will conduct her research with the help of her colleague, Dr. Jugal Kalita, a computer science professor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Dr. Kalita will be working to develop a machine learning-based prototype that will use static and dynamic meeting-related information, text transcripts, screenshots, videos, self-reports, performance, and physiological measures to automatically gage the likelihood of fatigue and exhaustion of individuals attending a video-based meeting.
The discoveries from this prototype will be used to develop software to aid meeting hosts in knowing when to take breaks and how to structure their meetings in a way that enhances productivity while promoting healthy practices for virtual learners and workers.
Funds from the NIH grant will go toward supporting student workers in conducting research and analyzing data, as well as purchasing the equipment needed to perform the study.
“I am excited about this new project and optimistic that through this interdisciplinary research, our findings will make a meaningful contribution to optimizing learning and performance in virtual groups, said Dr. Baruah. “This is just the starting point, and I hope it will pave the way for further studies in this area.”
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.