Local Student Innovates Emergency Preparedness with Virtual Reality Game
La Jolla, CA — Ella Xing, a junior at The Bishop’s School, has taken emergency preparedness to the next level by developing a virtual reality (VR) game that simulates various crisis scenarios. Frustrated by traditional, often overlooked emergency drills, Ella aimed to create a more engaging and educational experience for students.
“Drills feel too rhythmic; they don’t teach us how to react in real situations,” she stated, reflecting on her experiences with standard fire and earthquake drills. After experiencing a recent 5.2 magnitude earthquake near San Diego, she recognized the urgent need for improved preparation. On the day of the quake, chaos ensued, highlighting the gap between practice and reality.
At the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair, Ella’s innovative VR project earned her first place in the senior division for computer science and system software. The game utilizes artificial intelligence to immerse users in realistic scenarios including fires, floods, and active shooter situations, encouraging quick thinking and effective decision-making.
“The way students engage with emergency protocols can significantly impact their safety,” she explained. Ella first became interested in game development at a summer camp, where she initially designed a board game focused on evacuation strategies.
Her mother, Peilin Fu, praised her daughter’s lifelong passion for science and innovation. Ella now plans to enhance her VR tool by allowing users to customize scenarios.
Head of School Ron Kim remarked on the initiative, acknowledging the challenges of real emergencies versus drills. Ella’s project is not only a creative solution but also a testament to student activism in addressing community safety. As she continues to refine her invention, Ella aims to revolutionize how her school—and potentially others—approach emergency readiness.
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