Andrei B. B. Torres

PhD Student / Assistant Professor / Researcher / Developer, from Brazil into the world

Email / ResearchGate / Google Scholar / ORCID / LinkedIn / Github / Mastodon / Twitter

👷‍♂️ Professional Experience

VR Technology Developer - Mitacs Accelerate Fellowship @ Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Mar 2024 - current)
Conducting activities in the VR-SIM Carers project involving the development of 3D characters and animations, supporting the development of virtual reality scenarios in Unreal Engine, and exploring technologies to enhance the development flow, deployment and user experience.

Research Associate @ OntarioTech University (Apr 2023 - Mar 2024)
Developed and implemented two virtual toolkits and a serious gaming framework customizable by non-technical users. Engaged with the research team to design, develop, evaluate and implementing said toolkits, and collaborated with the ‘Team: Primary Care’ group, as a member of one of the 35 teams funded by the Canadian government to modernize primary care across Canada.

Professor @ Seneca Polytechnic (Sep 2023 - Dec 2023)
Conducted the course Game Development Fundamentals as part of the Bachelor of Technology (Software Development) program, led lectures and laboratory sessions, following a hyflex approach, on designing and implementing games using the Unreal game engine.

Graduate Research Assistant @ OntarioTech University (Aug 2020 - Jan 2023)
Conducted research studies related to gamification, experiential learning, virtual simulation, and learning management systems, and also provided support to undergraduate and graduate students in their research work.

Assistant Professor @ Federal University of Ceará (UFC) (Jan 2015 - Aug 2022)
Faculty member of the Digital Systems and Media (Sistemas e Mídias Digitais - SMD) program, focused on digital animation and 3D.

Teaching Assistant @ OntarioTech University (Sep 2018 - Dec 2020)
Responsible for laboratory and tutorial sessions for undergrad courses in the Game Development and Entrepreneurship program at the Faculty of Business and Information Technology (FBIT).

Intern @ Palomino Sys (Jan 2020 - Aug 2020)
Internship part of the Collaborative Learning of Usability Experiences (CLUE) program
Explored immersive visualization in virtual and augmented reality based on retail data and created a proof-of-concept application for the Oculus Quest.

Intern @ Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA) (Jan 2019 - Aug 2019)
Internship part of the Collaborative Learning of Usability Experiences (CLUE) program
Worked on a project to create a virtual reality application to be used as part of the working-at-heights training program.

Webdesigner and Reseacher @ Federal University of Ceará (Feb 2011 - Jan 2015)
Drafted, designed and implemented the specs for Solar 2 UI (Solar 2 is a Virtual Learning Environment created by UFC developed in Ruby on Rails), created the UI design of various mobile apps for Android and iOS and created and maintained UI tests for Solar 2.

CG Artist @ Studio PO (Jan 2012 - Mar 2012)
Researched and implemented 3D effects to be used in the new transitions, intros and programs for TV Jangadeiro. Also worked in optimizing assets (objects, scenarios, materials) and improving the network render structure.

Webdesigner @ Federal University of Ceará (UFC) (2005 - Jan 2011)
Developed layouts used by Distance Learning courses, improved usability, accessibility and implemented new technologies (e.g., HTML5, augmented reality) into Distance Learning material.

Intern @ André Grieser Architecture and Acoustic Consulting (Mar 2008 - Aug 2008)
Architecture internship
Assisted in the design of acoustic-related residential and commercial architecture projects.

Intern @ César Fiuza Projetos (Aug 2007 - Dec 2007)
Architecture internship
Assisted in the design of commercial architecture projects and created 3D renders.

👨‍🏫 Academic Experience

Professor @ Seneca Polytechnic
Couses:

• Game Development Fundamentals

Teaching Assistant @ OntarioTech University
Courses:

• Modelling & Animation System II
• Computer Architecture
• Game Design Workshop II
• Cinematic Systems Design
• Game Design Workshop III
• Industrial Design for Game Hardware

Assistant Professor @ Federal University of Ceará (UFC)
Courses:

• Visual Communication I
• Visual Communication II
• History of Design
• Three-dimensional Modelling Tools I
• Digital Animation Techniques I
• Motion Graphics
• Programming for Mobile Devices (Swift for iOS)
  
  

🏫 Scholarly and Professional Academic Activities

Deputy Editor @ Cureus - Annals of Simulation - maxSIMhealth (2019 - 2022)

Information Technology Chair @ DiSIMinate 2 Build - maxSIMhealth (2020 - 2021)
Member of the Steering Comittee.

🎓 Education

PhD (Candidate; Expected completion July 2022) in Computer Science
OntarioTech University - Oshawa, Ontario, Canada (Aug 2018 - Aug 2022)

• Research Topics: Virtual and Augmented Reality, Serious Games, Gamification, Virtual Simulation

Master of Engineering in Teleinformatics Engineering
Federal University of Ceará - Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil (Feb 2015 - Jul 2017)

• Field: Signals and Systems
• Dissertation: Multilevel Data Fusion for Internet of Things in Precision Agriculture

Bachelor in Architecture in Architecture and Urbanism
Federal University of Ceará - Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil (Aug 2003 - Dec 2011)

• Dissertation: Modular Architecture
  
  

🏆 Grants, honors & awards

Mitacs Accelerate Fellowship @ Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (March 2024 - October 2024)
$30,000 - A. Torres
VR-SIM Carers authoring platform (VR-CAP)

eCampus Ontario - Virtual Learning Strategy - Digital Content @ Government of Ontario (Jul 2022 - Jan 2023)
$70,348 - W. H. Gage, C. da Silva, B. Kapralos, A. Dubrowski, S. Coffey, C. Anyinam, L. Graham, E. Peisachovich, A. Torres, F. Singh
Palliative care in Long-term Care: A Virtual Serious Game

eCampus Ontario - Virtual Learning Strategy - Digital Content @ Government of Ontario (May 2021 - Feb 2022)
$77,396 - C. da Silva, B. Kapralos, A. Dubrowski, A. Torres, S. Coffey, C. Anyinam, L. Graham, E. Peisachovich, G. Maheux-Pelletier
International Educated Nurse-Centered Virtual Serious Game

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Small Grants Program @ Ontario Tech University (Mar 2021 - Mar 2022)
$6,914 - A. Dubrowski, B. Kapralos, A. Torres
Enhancing Educators’ Experience with a Collaborative Learning Management System (GEN-LMS)

Teaching City Grant @ City of Oshawa (Aug 2020 - Jul 2021)
$20,000 - A. Dubrowski, B. Kapralos, P. Mutombo, A. Torres
Using an innovative tool to teach and test cultural competencies to enhance age‐friendly communities.

Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) @ Government of Ontario (Aug 2018 - Aug 2022)
$40,066 yearly - A. Torres
The Ontario Trillium Scholarships (OTS) program is an initiative from the Ontario government to attract more of the best qualified international students to Ontario for doctoral studies.

💬 Languages

Portuguese: Native
English: CLB 10+

👨‍💻 Volunteer Work

Translator @ Haiku (Operating System) (2020 - Present)
Brazilian portuguese translator and language manager.

Project coordinator and programming lecturer @ App Run - Android App Marathon (2015)
Co-creator of the project, leading communication efforts, guiding volunteers and presenting part of the lectures.

Workshop lecturer and organizer @ Mediaweek Event (2015)
Introduction to Unity 3D Workshop.

Translator @ Mandrake Linux (2000 - 2003)
First brazilian portuguese translator. Worked on the initial versions of the graphical installer and system configuration tools.

💻 Technical Skills

Web Development: Vue.js, Django, HTML5, CSS3
3D Software: Blender, Modo, Maya, 3DStudio
3D Engines: Unity, Unreal
Scientific computing: Python, Matlab
Scripting languages: Python, JavaScript, Shell Script
Video Editing/Compositing: After Effects, Nuke, Fusion
Revision control: Git, Subversion
Digital Typesetting: LaTeX

📜 Publications & Talks

Refereed Journal Publications

⬦ indicates authors that contributed equally.

A. Torres, B. Kapralos and A. Dubrowski, “Examining the Usability of the Moirai Serious Game Authoring Platform,” in IEEE Transactions on Games, doi: 10.1109/TG.2024.3360918 [early access]

S. Meshkat, M. Edalatkhah, C. Di Luciano, J. Martin, G. Kaur, G. H. Lee, H. Park, A. Torres, A. Mazalek, B. Kapralos, A. Dubrowski, and V. Bhat, “Virtual Reality and Stress Management: A Systematic Review,” Cureus, Jul. 2024, vol. 16(7):e64573, doi: 10.7759/cureus.64573

J. Martin, A. Rueda, G. H. Lee, V. K. Tassone, H. Park, M. Ivanov, B. C. Darnell, L. Beavers, D. M. Campbell, B. Nguyen, A. Torres, H. Jung, W. Lou, A. Nazarov, A. Ashbaugh, B. Kapralos, B. Litz, R. Jetly, A. Dubrowski, G. Strudwick, S. Krishnan and V. Bhat, “Digital Interventions to Understand and Mitigate Stress Response: Protocol for Process and Content Evaluation of a Cohort Study,” JMIR Research Protocols, May 2024, vol. 13:e54180, doi: 10.2196/54180

A. K. Jolly, D. Selvarajah, J. Micallef, A. Torres and D. Button, “Adapting the Gamified Educational Networking Online Learning Management System to Test a Decentralized Simulation-Based Education Model to Instruct Paramedics-in-Training on the Emergency Intraosseous Access and Infusion Skill,” Cureus, Mar. 2024, vol. 16(3): e55493. doi:10.7759/cureus.55493

A. Torres, B. Nguyen, B. Kapralos, S. Krishnan, D. M. Campbell, L. Beavers, A. Dubrowski and V. Bhat, “Development and Implementation of a Stress Monitoring Paradigm Using Virtual Reality Simulation During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Technical Report, Cureus, Feb. 2024, vol. 16(2): e53450, doi: 10.7759/cureus.53450

C. Espinola⬦, B. Nguyen⬦, A. Torres⬦, W. Sim, A. Rueda, L. Beavers, D. Campbell, H. Jung, W. Lou, B. Kapralos, E. Peter, A. Dubrowski, S. Krishnan, V. Bhat. “Digital Interventions for Stress Among Frontline Health Care Workers: Results From a Pilot Feasibility Cohort Trial”, JMIR Serious Games, Jan. 2024, vol. 12:e42813, doi: 10.2196/42813

N. Guérard-Poirier, L. Meloche-Dumas, M. Beniey, A. Torres, B. Kapralos, M. Dhane, F. Mercier, R. Younan, A. Dubrowski, E. Patocskai. “The Exploration of Remote Simulation Strategies for the Acquisition of Psychomotor Skills in Medicine: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial”, Discover Education, vol. 2, pp. 19, 2023, doi: 10.1007/s44217-023-00041-2

B. Nguyen, A. Torres, C. Espinola, W. Sim, D. Kenny, D. M. Campbell, W. Lou, B. Kapralos, L. Beavers, E. Peter, A. Dubrowski, S. Krishnan, V. Bhat. “Development of a Data-driven Digital Phenotype Profile of Distress Experience of Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic”. Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, vol. 240, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2023.107645

F. Pelletier, A. Torres, L. Meloche-Dumas, N. Guérard-Poirier, A. Kaviani, B. Kapralos, F. Mercier, A. Dubrowski, E. Patocskai. “The role of collaborative observational practice and feedback-discourse to promote remote acquisition of technical surgical skills”, Journal of Surgical Research, vol. 288, pp. 372-382, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.02.006

M. Habti, F. Bénard, L. Meloche-Dumas, S. Bérubé, D. Cadoret, A. Arutiunian, Y. Papas, A. Torres, B. Kapralos, F. Mercier, A. Dubrowski, E. Patocskai. “Hand Sewn Anastomosis Skill Acquisition and In Vivo Transfer Using 3D-Printed Small Bowel Simulator”, Journal of Surgical Research, vol. 288, pp. 225–232, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.03.004

B. Gamble, A. Dubrowski, A. Torres, M. Short, “Virtual interprofessional education to support medical laboratory technologists’ participation in interprofessional collaborative practice within integrated healthcare models”. Healthcare Management Forum, SAGE Publications Inc, Jan 2023, vol. 36(1), pp. 21-25, doi: 10.1177/08404704221114961

A. Torres, B. Kapralos, C. da Silva, E. Peisachovich, A. Dubrowski. “Moirai: A No-Code Virtual Serious Game Authoring Platform”. Virtual Worlds, MDPI, Dec 2022, vol. 1(2), pp. 147-171, doi: 10.3390/virtualworlds1020009

S. Siraj, M. Sivanathan, S. Abdo S, J. Micallef, B. Gino, D. Buttu, K. M. Clarke, M. Mnaymneh, A. Torres, G. Brock, C. Pereira, A. Dubrowski, “Hands-On Practice on Sustainable Simulators in the Context of Training for Rural and Remote Practice Through a Fundamental Skills Workshop”. Technical Report. Cureus, Sep 2022, vol. 14(9): e28840, doi: 10.7759/cureus.28840

M. Sivanathan, J. Micallef, K. M. Clarke, B. Gino, S. Joshi, S. Abdo, D. Buttu, M. Mnaymneh, S. Siraj, A. Torres, G. Brock, D. Button, C. Pereira, A. Dubrowski. “The Development and Initial End-Point User Feedback of a 3D-Printed Adult Proximal Tibia IO Simulator”. Technical Report. Cureus, May 2022, vol. 14(5): e25481, doi: 10.7759/cureus.25481

B. Nguyen⬦, A. Torres⬦, W. Sim, D. Kenny, L. Beavers, D. Campbell, W. Lou, B. Kapralos, E. Peter, A. Dubrowski, S. Krishnan, V. Bhat, “Digital Interventions to Reduce Distress Among Health Care Providers at the Frontline: Protocol for a Feasibility Trial”. JMIR Research Protocols, Feb. 2022, vol. 11(2), p. e32240, doi: 10.2196/32240

M. Habti, F. Bénard, A. Arutiunian, S. Bérubé, D. Cadoret, L. Meloche-Dumas, A. Torres, B. Kapralos, F. Mercier, A. Dubrowski, E. Patocskai, “Development and Learner-Based Assessment of a Novel, Customized, 3D Printed Small Bowel Simulator for Hand-Sewn Anastomosis Training”. Technical Report. Cureus, Dec. 2021, doi: 10.7759/cureus.20536

E. S. Junqueira, C. Silva, A. Torres, E. Teixeira, “Análise, Através da Técnica de Rastreamento Ocular, de Interfaces de Fórum Virtual que Favorecem a Aprendizagem On-line (Analysis, Through the Eye Tracking Technique, of Virtual Forum Interfaces Features that Raise On-line Learning)”. Cadernos de Pesquisa, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 181-202, Jul-Sep. 2021.

A. Dubrowski, B. Kapralos, E. Peisachovich, C. Da Silva, and A. Torres, “A Model for an Online Learning Management System for Simulation-Based Acquisition of Psychomotor Skills in Health Professions Education”. Editorial. Cureus, Mar. 2021, doi: 10.7759/cureus.14055

A. Torres, A. R. da Rocha, T. L. Coelho da Silva, J. N. de Souza, and R. S. Gondim, “Multilevel data fusion for the internet of things in smart agriculture”. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, vol. 171, p. 105309, Apr. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.compag.2020.105309

C. M. S. Ferreira, M. J. P. Peixoto, P. A. S. Duarte, A. Torres, M. L. Silva Junior, L. S. Rocha, and W. Viana, “An evaluation of cross-platform frameworks for multimedia mobile applications development”. IEEE Latin America Transactions, vol. 16, no. 4, pp. 1206-1212, 2018, doi: 10.1109/TLA.2018.8362158

J. C. S. Carvalho, A. R. da Rocha, F. R. C. Sousa, A. Torres, and J. N. De Souza, “Management of multiple applications for shared sensor and actuators networks”. IEEE Latin America Transactions, vol. 14, no. 10, pp. 4358-4366, 2016, doi: 10.1109/TLA.2016.7786316

Book Chapters

A. Torres and maxSIMhealth Group, “An interconnected collective of manufacturing, design, and simulation labs to advance medical simulation training”. In: A. L. Brooks, S. Branham, B. Kapralos, A. Nakajima, J. Tyerman, and l. Jain (Eds.). Recent Advances in Technologies for Inclusive Well-Being: Virtual Patients, Gamification and Simulation, Cham: Springer International Publishing, pp. 141–176, 2021, doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-59608-8_8

M. F. Bonates and A. Torres, “Modelagem 3D: Conceitos Básicos e o Estado da Arte”. In: Edgar Marçal et al. (Org.). Sistemas e Mídias Digitais: Uma Introdução, 1 ed., São Paulo: Pontes Editores, Campinas, pp. 61-87, 2017.

A. R. da Rocha, F. R. C. Sousa, A. Torres, and J. N. De Souza, “Internet of Things: Architecture, Technologies and Applications.” In: Silvia Watts. (Org.). The Internet of Things (IoT): Applications, Technology, and Privacy Issues, 1st ed., S. Watts, Ed. Hauppauge, New York: Nova Publishers, pp. 1–21, 2016.

Refereed Conference and Workshop Proceedings (Full and Short Papers)

B. Nguyen, A. Torres, A. Rueda, W. Sim, D. Campbell, W. Lou, B. Kapralos, L. Beavers, A. Dubrowski, S. Krishnan, and V. Bhat. “Digital Interventions to Reduce Distress Among Frontline Health Care Providers: Analysis of Self-Perceived Stress”. In: Proceedings of the 2023 45th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine & Biology Conference (EMBC 2023), July 24-28, Sydney, Australia, doi: 10.1109/EMBC40787.2023.10340958

C. da Silva, A. Torres, B. Kapralos, E. Peisachovich, C. Anyinam, S. Coffey, L. Graham, and A. Dubrowski, “International Educated Nurses’ Co-Design of a Virtual Serious Game”. In: Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies (EDULEARN23), July 3-5, 2023, Palma, Spain, pp. 5330-5336, doi: 10.21125/edulearn.2023.1402

K. Clarke, A. Torres, M. J. P. Peixoto, B. Kapralos, and A. Dubrowski. “Mobile learning and simulation for the development of hands-on clinical skills”. In: Proceedings of the Mobile Learning 2023 International Conference (ML 2023), March 11-13, Lisbon, Portugal.

A. Torres, M. Sivanathan, P. Mutombo, J. Micallef, S. Wahab, S. Abdo, V. Matheou, K. Wilcocks, L. Yanguez Franco, B. Kapralos, and A. Dubrowski. “The gamified educational network learning management system for medical education”. In: Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Remote Engineering and Virtual Instrumentation (REV2023), pp. 1-8, March 1-3, 2023, Thessaloniki, Greece.

C. da Silva, A. Torres, B. Kapralos, E. Peisachovich, C. Anyinam, S. Coffey, L. Graham, and A. Dubrowski, “International Educated Nurse-Centered Virtual Serious Game Framework”. In: The Thirteen IEEE International Conference on Information, Intelligence, Systems and Applications (IISA 2022), Online, July 18-20, 2022, doi: 10.1109/IISA56318.2022.9904347

A. Torres, B. Kapralos, C. da Silva, E. Peisachovich, and A. Dubrowski, “A Scenario Editor to Create and Modify Virtual Simulations and Serious Games for Mental Health Education”. In: The Twelfth International Conference on Information, Intelligence, Systems and Applications (IISA 2021), Online, July 12-14, 2021, doi: 10.1109/IISA52424.2021.9555531

A. Torres, C. Carmichael, W. Wang, M. Paraskevakos, A. Uribe-Quevedo, P. Giles, and J. L. Yawney, “A 360 Video Editor Framework for Interactive Training”. In: 2020 IEEE 8th International Conference on Serious Games and Applications for Health (SeGAH), Vancouver, BC, Canada, pp. 1-7, 2020, doi: 10.1109/SeGAH49190.2020.9201707

S. V. Cruz, G. de Castro Quintino, A. Torres, and W. Viana, “Providing Sense of Embodiment with Mobile Virtual Reality Devices: A Case Study using the ‘ Lamp-Head’s Laboratory’ Animation”. In: 2019 21st Symposium on Virtual and Augmented Reality (SVR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, pp. 1-9, 2019, doi: 10.1109/SVR.2019.00017

A. Torres, B. Kapralos, A. Uribe-Quevedo, E. Z. Quero, and A. Dubrowski, “A gamified educational network for collaborative learning”. In: Auer M.E., Tsiatsos T. (eds) Internet of Things, Infrastructures and Mobile Applications. IMCL 2019. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 1192. Springer, Cham., doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-49932-7_26

A. Torres, J. Adriano Filho, A. R. da Rocha, R. S. Gondim, and J. N. De Souza, “Outlier detection methods and sensor data fusion for precision agriculture”. In: Anais do IX Simpósio Brasileiro de Computação Ubíqua e Pervasiva (SBCUP). São Paulo, 2017, doi: 10.5753/sbcup.2017.3316

A. Torres, A. R. da Rocha, and J. de Souza, “Análise de desempenho de brokers mqtt em sistema de baixo custo”. In: Anais do XV Workshop em Desempenho de Sistemas Computacionais e de Comunicação, Porto Alegre, pp. 2804-2815, 2016, doi: 10.5753/wperformance.2016.9727

P. de T. C. Pequeno Filho, W. W. F. Sarmento, A. Torres, J. M. Soares, G. C. Barroso and G. A. L. Paillard, “u-LabPA: A framework based on ubiquitous computing for laboratory activities”. In: 2016 8th Euro American Conference on Telematics and Information Systems (EATIS), Cartagena, pp. 1-5, 2016, doi: 10.1109/EATIS.2016.7520146

M. J. P. Peixoto, A. Torres, W. W. F. Sarmento, R. S. Freire, and H. S. L. Pequeno, “Mathpost: A Integração de uma Ferramenta Gráfica Utilizando LaTeX para Discussões em Webforum”. In: Congresso Brasileiro de Educação em Engenharia (COBENGE), Juiz de Fora, 2014.

A. de L. Coutinho Junior, A. Torres, M. J. P. Peixoto, C. M. A. Bezerra, Y. V. S. Albuquerque, D. A. A. Gurgel, L. L. C. Pequeno and W. W. F. Sarmento, Utilização de robótica livre com dispositivos móveisno ensino de lógica de programação para alunos do Ensino Fundamental. In XIX Conferência Internacional sobre Informática na Educação (TISE), Fortaleza, p. 10, 2014.

W. W. F. Sarmento, G. A. L. Paillard, W. S. Lima, K. F. Rabelo, A. Torres, H. O. O. Gomes, P. M. B. Costa and M. C. Pequeno, “extMobilisTTS: Uma Arquitetura de Aplicação Móvel para Suporte a Fóruns usando Text-to-Speech em Ambientes Virtuais de Aprendizagem”. In: XXXI Simpósio Brasileiro de Redes de Computadores e Sistemas Distribuídos, Brasília. Anais do 31º Simpósio Brasileiro de Redes de Computadores e Sistemas Distribuídos. SBC, pp. 1068-1075, Porto Alegre, 2013.

W. W. F. Sarmento, C. L. Harriman, K. F. Rabelo, and A. Torres, “Avaliação de Usabilidade no processo de desenvolvimento contínuo em Ambientes Virtuais de Aprendizagem: um estudo de caso com o ambiente SOLAR”. In XXII Simpósio Brasileiro de Informática na Educação e o XVII Workshop de Informática na Escola (SBIE - WIE)). Anais do Simpósio Brasileiro de Informática na Educação, pp. 781-791, Aracaju, 2011.

Refereed Conference and Workshop Proceedings (Extended Abstracts)

P. Mutombo, A. Torres, B. Kapralos, B. Gamble, C. Adams, L. Lawson, A. Dubrowski and C. da Silva, “An Innovative Virtual Learning Environment to Enhance Age-Friendly Cultural Competencies,” COMPSAC 2021: Intelligent and Resilient Computing for a Collaborative World, Jul. 12-16, 2021, doi: 10.1109/COMPSAC51774.2021.00195

C. da Silva, A. Torres, B. Karalos, E. Peisachovich, A. Dubrowski, V. Baltazar, B. Qureshi and N. Caraballo, “Person-centered Virtual Serious Games: Mental Health Education,” COMPSAC 2021: Intelligent and Resilient Computing for a Collaborative World, Jul. 12-16, 2021, doi: 10.1109/COMPSAC51774.2021.00196

K. Wilcocks, A. Torres, A. Uribe-Quevedo, B. Kapralos, S. Hunt, K. Slade, and G. Cullen, “Development of a Virtual Reality-Based Working at Heights Safety Awareness Framework”. In: Proceedings of the 23rd Annual IEEE International Symposium on Consumer Technologies (ISCT 2019), June 19-21, Ancona, Italy, doi: 10.1109/ISCE.2019.8901011

Refereed Abstracts and Posters

Z. Hosseini, A. Torres, D. Smeeton, B. Gamble, B. Kapralos, and A. Dubrowski, “Virtual Simulation is More Effective than Didactic Lectures in Preparing Medical Laboratory Students for Simulation-Based Microtomy Training: Pilot Randomized Control Trial,” 2024 SIM Expo, Banff, Alberta, Canada, Nov 25-26, 2024. [to be presented]

A. Torres, M. Chiu, C. Craven, B. Kapralos, A. Dubrowski, M. Smith, and A. Burhan, “Building a Virtual Reality Platform for Dementia Caregivers Simulation-Based Skills-Training: A Technology Developer’s Perspective on Lessons Learned,” 2024 AGE-WELL Annual Conference, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Oct 23-24, 2024. [to be presented]

R. Al-bayati, K. Clarke, M. Chiu, A. Torres, A. Dubrowski, B. Kapralos, M. Smith, and A. Burhan, “Empowering Dementia Caregivers with a Virtual Reality (VR) Simulation-Based Skills-Building Platform ‘VR-SIM Carers’ - Knowledge Users’ Perspectives,” 2024 AGE-WELL Annual Conference, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Oct 23-24, 2024. [to be presented]

W. Sun, J. Calver, A. Torres, L. Martignetti, M. Lemonde and A. Dubrowski, “Using Micro-credential to Educate Long-Term Care Staff to Provide Palliative Care for People with Dementia: A Gamified Educational Network (GEN),” 2024 IEEE 8th International Conference on Serious Games and Applications for Health (SeGAH), Funchal, Portugal, Aug 7-9, 2024.

S. Abdo, S. Siraj, B. Barth, P. Calverley, K. Clarke, K. Gamble, B. Kapralos, B. Kohain, M. Short, A. Torres, B. Gamble, and A. Dubrowski, “Developing Virtual Interprofessional Education Micro-Credential Modules for Medical Laboratory Learners using Elaboration Theory,” 2023 SIM Expo, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Dec 11-12, 2023.

F. Pelletier, A. Torres, L. Meloche-Dumas, N. Guérard-Poirier, A. Kaviani, B. Kapralos, F. Mercier, A. Dubrowski, E Patocskai, “The role of collaborative feedback and remote practice in the acquisition of suturing skills by medical students at Université de Montréal,” Canadian Conference for the Advancement of Surgical Education (C-CASE), Oct. 13-14, 2022, doi: 10.1503/cjs.014622

F. Bénard, M. Habti, L. Meloche-Dumas, S. Bérubé, D. Cadoret, A. Arutiunian, Y. Papas, A. Torres, B. Kapralos, F. Mercier, A. Dubrowski, E. Patocskai, “Efficacy testing of an affordable and realistic small bowel simulator for hand-sewn anastomosis,” Canadian Conference for the Advancement of Surgical Education (C-CASE), Oct. 13-14, 2022, doi: 10.1503/cjs.014622

S. Siraj, M. Sivanathan, S. Abdo, J. Micallef, B. Gino, D. Butthu, K. Clarke, M. Mnaymneh, A. Torres, G. Brock, A. Dubrowski, “The Acceptability of Three Dimensionally (3D) Printed Simulators in the Context of Training for Rural and Remote Practice: A Case Study of University and Not-for-Profit Collaboration.” 2022 SIM Expo, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Oct 17-18, 2022.

F. Pelletier, L. Meloche-Dumas, A. Torres, N. Guérard-Poirier, A. Kaviani, B. Kapralos, F. Mercier, A. Dubrowski, E. Patocskai, “Learning Surgical Skills Remotely: Open Ended Commentary Based on Peer-to-Peer Feedback is as Efficacious as Expert-Based Feedback.” The 27th Annual Meeting of Society for Simulation in Europe (SESAM 2022), Seville, Spain, Jun. 15-17, 2022.

N. Guérard-Poirier, M. Beniey, L. Meloche-Dumas, A. Torres, B. Kapralos, M. Dhane, F. Mercier, A. Dubrowski, E. Patocskai, “Exploration of Remote Peer-to-Peer Learning in Preparation for Acquisition of Fundamental Surgical Skills: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.” The 22nd International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH 2022), Los Angeles, California, USA. Jan. 15-19, 2022.

P. Mutombo, A. Torres, B. Kapralos, B. Gamble, B. Momand, C. Adams, L. Lawson, C. da Silva, A. Dubrowski, “Using Community-Based Participatory Research to build an Innovative Virtual Environment to Enhance Age-friendly Cultural Competencies,” IFAs 15th Global Conference on Ageing “Rights Matter”, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, Nov. 10-12, 2021.

N. Guérard-Poirier, M. Beniey, L. Meloche-Dumas, A. Torres, M. Dhane, B. Kapralos, F. Mercier, A. Dubrowski, E. Patocskai, “Virtual Simulation in Medical Education for the Acquisition of Fundamental Surgical Skills: a Randomized Controlled Trial,” The Royal College Simulation Summit, Virtual, Nov. 4-5, 2021.

P. Mutombo, A. Torres, B. Kapralos, B. Gamble, B. Momand, C. Adams, L. Lawson, C. da Silva, A. Dubrowski, “Seniors Cultural Competency Virtual Learning Environment (SCCVLE): An Innovative Education Tool to enhance Competencies,” MEI 2021 4th International Conference on Medical Education Informatics, Virtual, The University of Nottingham, UK and the University of Malaya, Malaysia, Jul. 12-15, 2021.

C. da Silva, A. Torres, B. Kapralos, E. Peisachovich, C. Anyinam, S. Coffey, L. Graham, A. Dubrowski, “Co-Designing Mental Health Virtual Reality Education,” MEI 2021 4th International Conference on Medical Education Informatics, Poster, Virtual, The University of Nottingham, UK and the University of Malaya, Malaysia, Jul. 12-15, 2021.

D. Buttu, A. Torres, B. Kapralos, A. Dubrowski, B. Gino, A. Benson, “Preliminary data results regarding the development of a virtual education simulation of an adult proximal tibia model for intraosseous insertion simulators to train pre-hospital healthcare providers,” MEI 2021 4th International Conference on Medical Education Informatics, Virtual, The University of Nottingham, UK and the University of Malaya, Malaysia, Jul. 12-15, 2021.

A. Dubrowski, B. Kapralos, E. Patocskai, A. Torres, A. Arutiunian, S. Wahab, T. Weber, M. Mnaymneh, “Virtual Health Experiential Learning Platform (HELP) - Utilizing Gamified Educational Networking and Three-Dimensional Printing for Distance Training,” The Learner: Twenty-eighth International Conference on Learning, Krakow, Poland, Jul. 9-11, 2021.

N. Guérard-Poirier, M. Beniey, L. Meloche-Dumas, A. Torres, M. Dhane, F. Mercier, A. Dubrowski, E. Patocskai, “La Pédagogie Chirurgicale en temps de COVID-19: l’enseignement des points de suture avancés entre pairs à travers une plateforme en ligne,” L’Association Québécoise de Chirurgie (AQC) – 51e Congrès annuel 2021, Virtual, Montréal, QC, May 21, 2021.

N. Guérard-Poirier, M. Beniey, L. Meloche-Dumas, A. Torres, M. Dhane, F. Mercier, A. Dubrowski, E. Patocskai, “La Pédagogie Chirurgicale en temps de COVID-19: l’enseignement des points de suture avancés entre pairs à travers une plateforme en ligne,” Journée annuelle de la recherche du Centre de pédagogie appliquée aux sciences de la santé (CPASS), Université de Montréal, Virtual, Montréal, QC, May 19, 2021.

S. Wahab, D. Smeeton, A. Torres, B. Kapralos, A. Dubrowski, “Application of hierarchical task analysis to construct experiential task analysis hands-on and on-line training modules to teach microtomy: A pilot study,” 2020 Canadian Health Workforce Virtual Conference, Dec. 9-10, 2020.

N. Guérard-Poirier, M. Beniey, L. Méloche-Dumas, A. Torres, M. Dhane, B. Misheva, A. Dubrowski, F. Mercier, E. Patocskai, “A Gamified Network for Surgical Education during COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” Canadian Conference for the Advancement of Surgical Education (C-CASE), Oct. 29-30, 2020, doi: 10.1503/cjs.021920.

A. Torres, B. Kapralos, A. Uribe-Quevedo, E. Zea, A. Dubrowski, “A gamified educational network for collaborative learning”. In: Proceedings of the 2019 SIM-one SIM Expo, Montreal, Canada, Oct. 21-22, 2019.

Talks and Presentations

How to Build Microcredentials @ 6th New Year; New Ideas - Driving Education through Technology into the Next Era (Jan. 18, 2023)
Hosted by Ontario Tech University and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
Dr. Brenda Gamble, Dr. Adam Dubrowski and Andrei Torres

Micro-credential Presentation @ Transformative learning: What does it mean for Medical Laboratory Science? (Oct. 16, 2022)
Hosted by MLT Micro-credential Team - Ontario Tech University Sandy Abdo and Andrei Torres

Development, and Initial Testing of a Virtual Simulation Training Module to Teach Microtomy (Pecha Kucha) @ Transformative learning: What does it mean for Medical Laboratory Science? (Oct. 16, 2022)
Hosted by MLT Micro-credential Team - Ontario Tech University
Andrei Torres

Gamified Educational Network @ 2021 CLUE Symposium (Feb. 3, 2021)
Hosted by NSERC CREATE Collaborative Learning of Usability Experiences (CLUE)
Andrei Torres

Visualizing Data in VR - Immersive Analytics Project @ CLUE End-of-Internship Workshops (Sep. 15, 2020)
Hosted by NSERC CREATE Collaborative Learning of Usability Experiences (CLUE)
Andrei Torres

Working at Heights in VR - Managing Tasks to Achieve a Deadline @ CLUE End-of-Internship Workshops (Sep. 18, 2019)
Hosted by NSERC CREATE Collaborative Learning of Usability Experiences (CLUE)
Andrei Torres

Working at Heights Virtual Reality Training - Asset Creation and Evaluation @ 2019 CLUE Symposion (May 15, 2019)
Hosted by NSERC CREATE Collaborative Learning of Usability Experiences (CLUE) and IBM Design Canada
Andrei Torres

Industry Liaison Activities

maxSIMhealth Research Projects to Laerdal Medical (Nov. 25, 2022)
Hosted by maxSIMhealth and Ontario Tech University

maxSIMhealth Lab Tour @ Norm Mackie - Mackie Moving Systems (Nov. 11, 2022)
Hosted by maxSIMhealth and Ontario Tech University

maxSIMhealth Lab Tour @ E.P. Taylor Legacy Society Recognition Reception (Nov. 4, 2022)
Hosted by maxSIMhealth and Ontario Tech University

Working at Heights Project Demo @ Black & McDonald (Jul. 15, 2019)
Hosted by Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA)

⚛ Research Projects

Virtual educational toolkits to support the participation of medical laboratory professionals in interprofessional collaboration within a Patients’ Medical Home model of care (2023 - Current)
Key to the delivery of timely, accurate and high-quality laboratory services is the collaboration between patients, primary care physicians, medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) and other health care professionals during the pre- and post-analytical phases of the laboratory process. Errors in the clinical laboratory process are directly related to patient safety. Inaccurate tests results can potentially lead to the delivery of incorrect treatment, delay in correct diagnosis, unnecessary treatment, treatment complications, and additional unnecessary diagnostic testing.

Several challenges exist that impact the ability of MLTs to participate in interprofessional collaboration within Patients’ Medical Home (PMH) model of care. The development of interprofessional educational materials that are cognisant of these challenges provides the opportunity for MLTs to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to participate in interprofessional collaboration, an approach central to PMH models of care.

We are developing two virtual toolkits, one for MLTs, and another one for other health care professionals that will be accessible regardless of geographical location.

• Website: Team Primary Care

Micro-credential badges: Virtual interprofessional education for Medical Laboratory learners (2022 - Current)
Providing quality health care is a priority in all health care sectors. Interprofessional collaborative practice supports this priority. We at Ontario Tech University have developed micro-credentials to support interprofessional education for Medical Laboratory Professionals.

• Website: Micro-credential badges: Virtual interprofessional education for Medical Laboratory (ML) learners

Could Digital Interventions Help Understand And Flatten The Curve Of Distress Due To Moral Injury Among Health Care Workers During The COVID Pandemic: A Pilot Study (2021 - Current)
Interdisciplinary project in partnership with members of Ryerson University, University of Colorado, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, University of Toronto, funded by a Department of National Defence grant. Acting as researcher and developer creating virtual reality scenario, dialogues, as well as performing experiment sessions and collecting data.

• News article: Virtual reality helps unmask impact of moral distress on health-care workers during the pandemic. 26 Aug, 2021

Person-Centered Serious Games for Mental Health Education (2020 - Current)
Interdisciplinary project in partnership with members of the Health Science department from York University, funded by an NSERC grant. Acting as researcher and developer creating the 3D assets and dialogue editor and player.

• News article: York collaborates on development of virtual educational tool for nursing students. 30 Aug, 2020

GEN: Gamified Educational Network (2018 - Current)
Acting as researcher and developer of GEN, focusing on web development and applying gamification concepts.

• Video: GEN features demo.

Using an innovative tool to teach and test cultural competencies to enhance age‐friendly communities (2020 - 2022)
A collaboration between TeachingCity Oshawa, Oshawa Senior Community Centres (OSCC55+), the City of Oshawa, and Ontario Tech University. Researcher and developer of the technology components.

• News article: TeachingCity Oshawa highlights year five of innovative partnership. 22 Sep, 2022
• News article: A videogame that aims to enlighten. 12 Mar, 2021

SmartGreen: An Internet-of-Things Framework for Intelligent Agriculture (2016 - 2019)
Researcher and developer of software and hardware. Worked in implementing data fusion algorithms in a sensor network based on low-end hardware.

Virtual Shooting Training System (2010 - 2011)
Director of 3D environments and models.

Use of Mediatic Languages in Distance Learning Courses (2007 - 2009)
Researcher of new technologies to improve distance learning.