VEST Education and Research Speaker Series: Melissa DeRosier

Abstract

In this talk, Dr. DeRosier will present the sequence of efforts that went into creating the first game-based social emotional assessment tool, Zoo U. The scientific literature was purposefully used to craft game-based scenarios and iterative psychometric tests were used to refine social situations and derive scoring algorithms. Once finalized, Dr. DeRosier established the reliability and validity of the Zoo U assessment, alongside user-centered tests to ensure high usability and engagement. Zoo U is now an established assessment tool used by researchers to measure core social emotional competencies with elementary aged students. It also forms the foundation of the Zoo U social emotional learning (SEL) intervention whereby assessment data is used by the game to adjust what is presented to the student based on their individual strengths and weaknesses. Zoo U’s efficacy as an SEL intervention has been repeatedly demonstrated, including an independent IES-funded efficacy evaluation, and the product is used by schools across the U.S. and in 12 other countries.

Biography

Melissa DeRosier is the founder and CEO of 3C Institute. For over 20 years, 3C has developed, tested, and commercialized a broad array of social, emotional, and behavioral health products. She has been the principal investigator on more than 70 grants from NIH, CDC, and the U.S. Department of Education. Her work primarily focuses on applying technologies to bring evidence-based practices to as many children and families as possible. To that end, 3C partners with hundreds of intervention developers and researchers at universities and non-profit organizations across the globe to help them scale their evidence-based programs via our online platforms for professional development, behavioral health intervention, and the full array of research endeavors.