The Problem College students and urban residents face rising risks of poor sleep and physical inactivity. Environmental stressors and limited access to restorative greenspace worsen these issues. Nature-based interventions that integrate mindfulness and movement show promise. Effectiveness depends on accessibility, individual behavior and environmental context. The Approach The SHIN (Space, Health, Interaction and Nature) Lab will develop and test a forest walking program in both natural and virtual (VR) environments to assess its impact on sleep, mental well-being and physical activity. Integration of wearable sensors, ecological data and design methods to deliver personalized, nature-based interventions. Immersive virtual forest walking sessions in campus greenspaces and nearby forests. Mindfulness and meditation practices before and after walks. Sleep, stress and physical activity tracking using wearable devices. Forest Walking Programs for Real and Virtual Environments “Whether under real trees or virtual canopies, we design nature experiences that restore rest and movement.” Jong Cheol Shin, PhD Short Term Impact Improved sleep, mood and stress levels Increased daily physical activity Campus walking program and scalable VR wellness modules VR intervention ready for broader implementation Longer Term Impact Offer scalable, tech-enhanced nature interventions on campuses. Bridge access gaps for individuals with limited greenspace exposure. Inform integration of VR tools into behavioral and sleep health programs. Societal Impact Funding for this research will support the development of a forest walking program in both natural and virtual environments to aid university students and community members in getting improved sleep, mental well-being and physical activity. This work offers societal benefits in the following areas: For more information visit https://health.lehigh.edu/research-partners or email INRSRCH@lehigh.edu 30 Education: Integrate nature, sleep science and tech in student-led applied health research. Data Driven Innovation: Advance extended reality (XR) and wearable fusion for nature-based health experiences. Community/Culture: Promotes preventative health through immersive nature experiences.
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