Assistant Professor
Education
D.S., University of Baltimore
M.A., Savannah College of Art and Design
B.A., University of Maryland Baltimore County
Elka Cahn has worked as a 3D artist for television and software developer for the US military before coming to teach at the University of Baltimore. Her research focuses on virtual reality, human-computer interactivity using electroencephalography, and multisensory integration in virtual reality. Dr. Cahn earned degrees from University of Maryland Baltimore County, Savannah College of Art and Design, and the University of Baltimore.
virtual reality, human-computer interactivity using electroencephalography (EEG), and multisensory integration in virtual reality
Art (2D and 3D), Design, Software development
Cahn, E. ACM Southeast, "Best Practices for Measuring EEG in Virtual Reality Experiments," Association for Computing Machinery, Troy, AL. (2026).
Cahn, E. ACM Southeast, "Multisensory Stimulation and Measures of Presence in Virtual Reality," Association for Computing Machinery, Troy, AL. (2026).
"3D zBrush Animation Pipeline" (Writing Results)
This research has focused on transferring animation between Maya and zBrush. I am working on creating a smooth workflow for preserving quality of models and textures from zBrush to Maya, while keeping render time to a minimum. As such, I have been experimenting with the rigging and animation tools in zBrush. Developing a viable pipeline for rendering animation in zBrush will open up a multitude of creative possibilities for animation production.
"A Retrospective Study of Pedagogical Shifts in Teaching Virtual Reality Game Development" (On-Going)
This study examines how undergraduate students experienced learning virtual reality (VR) game development over time as instructional approaches, tools, and technologies evolved. The study seeks to better understand how pedagogical shifts—from technology-driven experimentation to experience-driven design emphasizing accessibility and user experience—affected student learning, engagement, and perceived outcomes. Findings will be used to inform instructional practice in immersive computing and game development education and may be disseminated through academic publications and conference presentations.
"Corellations in Teaching Evaluation Scores in Higher Education" (Planning)
"Digital Media/Virtual Reality Interinstitutional Research and Learning Lab" (On-Going)
"Effects of Olfactory Stimulation on User Experience in a Virtual Reality Environment" (On-Going)
This study examines the effects of olfactory stimulation on user experience and cognitive engagement in a virtual reality (VR) environment. Virtual reality research has increasingly explored multisensory inputs; however, olfactory stimulation remains underexplored in classroom-based VR contexts. This study seeks to compare user responses between a VR experience with olfactory stimulation and the same experience without olfactory input.
"Experiences and Outcomes of Participants in a University of Baltimore-Hosted Global Game Jam" (On-Going)
This study examines the experiences of individuals who have participated in the Global Game Jam hosted at the University of Baltimore. The purpose is to understand why participants chose to attend, what their collaborative experiences were like, what skills they believe they developed, and whether participation had any lasting academic or professional impact. Adults who previously participated will be invited to complete an anonymous online survey about their past experiences. Participation is voluntary, no identifying information will be collected, and the study involves no more than minimal risk.
"Experimental study examining extrasensory stimulation in virtual reality" (On-Going)
"Experimental study examining user articulation of presence in virtual reality" (On-Going)
"Exploring Correlations Between Motion Sickness Susceptibility and Virtual Reality Sickness" (On-Going)
"Exploring Correlations Between Motion Sickness Susceptibility and Virtual Reality Sickness" (On-Going)
"High-definition interactive virtual reality artwork for VR headsets." (Writing Results)
"Interactive Artworks" (Writing Results)
Research has focused on creating interactive artwork utilizing Unity, Maya, 3Ds Max, zBrush and Kinect.
"Measurements of Olfactory Stimulation in Virtual Reality" (Planning)
"Measurements of Presence and Multisensory Stimulation in Virtual Reality" (Writing Results)
Doctoral dissertation in Interactive Design and Information Architecture
"Measurements of Presence and Multisensory Stimulation in Virtual Reality" (Writing Results)
"Measurements of Presence in Virtual Reality (Part II)" (Planning)
"Measuring Presence and Learning Outcomes in Virtual Reality Training Environments: A Pilot Study" (Planning)
This pilot study will examine how undergraduate psychology students respond to immersive virtual reality (VR) training environments compared to traditional in-person instruction and computer-based learning. The study will utilize questionnaire-based measures alongside neurophysiological measurement via electroencephalography (EEG) to assess information retention and levels of presence experienced by participants.
"Measuring Presence and Learning Outcomes in Virtual Reality Training Environments: A Pilot Study" (Planning)
This pilot study will examine how undergraduate psychology students respond to immersive virtual reality (VR) training environments compared to traditional in-person instruction and computer-based learning. The study will utilize questionnaire-based measures alongside neurophysiological measurement via electroencephalography (EEG) to assess information retention and levels of presence experienced by participants.
The primary goal of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed research design, including recruitment through a psychology research pool, implementation of experimental procedures, and integration of EEG and self-report measures. This work will serve as a foundational step toward a larger interdisciplinary study examining immersive training environments in professional education contexts.
This project reflects interdisciplinary collaboration across design, psychology, and human-computer interaction, while adapting the study population and procedures to a controlled university-based research setting.
"Perceptions on Teaching Evaluations in Higher Education" (On-Going)
Study collecting opinions from university and college faculty regarding how well student course evaluations reflect instructor quality.
"Shady Grove Workshop" (On-Going)
Shady Grove Workshop established a dedicated space outside of the classroom for Simulation and Game Design students to work together with faculty and community-aligned clients on various projects. We moved to a new space this semester and are in the process of integrating additional interdisciplinary projects with programs from other schools.
"Shape recognition and utilization in VR." (Writing Results)
"Stories of the Peruvian Amazon" (On-Going)
Virtual Reality exploration of the stories and beliefs of the aboriginal people of the Peruvian Amazon.
"Thai Jungle exploration in VR" (Writing Results)
Research trip to Thailand and game
"USG CAVE and Interdisciplinary Research Lab" (On-Going)
An interdisciplinary team from different programs at Shady Grove are currently working on getting an immersive virtual reality environment (CAVE) set up at the Universities at Shady Grove. This new lab will accommodate interdisciplinary scholarly research.
"Virtual Reality Interactive Artwork" (Writing Results)
My research has focused on creating high-definition interactive virtual reality artwork for VR headsets.