About

Walter Greenleaf, PhD, is a highly accomplished neuroscientist, virtual reality (VR), and digital health expert at Stanford University's Virtual Human Interaction Lab. His current role as Medical VR/AR Expert involves exploring the dynamics and implications of interactions among people in immersive VR simulations and other forms of human digital representations in media, communication systems, and games. Dr. Greenleaf's research is focused on understanding social interaction within the confines of VR, using empirical, behavioral science methodologies to explore people as they interact in these digital worlds. In addition to his current role, Dr. Greenleaf has served as a MediaX Distinguished Visiting Scholar and Director of the Mind Division at the Stanford Center on Longevity. As a MediaX scholar, he explored how the thoughtful use of technology can impact a range of fields, from entertainment to learning to commerce. As Director of the Mind Division, he harnessed the human capital represented in a growing number of mature and talented older citizens, aiming to increase knowledge and expertise, emotional stability, and motivation to engage in meaningful work. Dr. Greenleaf's educational background includes a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Neuro and Biobehavioral Science from Stanford University School of Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from Hampshire College. With over 10 years of relevant experience, he has contributed significantly to the field of VR and digital health, developing new gesture tracking systems, three-dimensional modeling techniques, and agent-behavior algorithms to answer basic social questions. Overall, Dr. Greenleaf's expertise in VR and digital health, coupled with his extensive research experience, makes him a valuable asset to the Virtual Human Interaction Lab and the broader scientific community.