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SCIL

SCIL

SCIL

SCIL infuses AR and VR simulation models into teaching and learning experiences.

Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning

Shenandoah University’s Center for Immersive Learning (SCiL) is a state-of-the-art design studio and learning environment focused on virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and extended reality (XR) applications.SCiL supports faculty research, student coursework, and external client projects across media such as VR, AR, XR, 360 and 3D video, traditional videography, and more.

SCiL is on the path to becoming a nationally recognized studio, research facility, and educational environment for immersive learning and extended reality, pioneering advancements and innovations in education and the workforce.

Work With SCiL

SCiL frequently partners with the SU campus community as well as external organizations seeking to develop VR, AR, XR, or 360/3D video productions in partnership with the University. We are excited about working on interesting projects that help our students learn, innovate within the VR/AR/XR space, and work well with academic scheduling (fall, spring, summer terms).

If you are part of the SU community (faculty, staff, students, administration)

SCiL’s primary mission is to support Shenandoah University and its people, and we frequently assist with internal initiatives, including faculty research and student coursework. Please feel free to contact scil@su.edu or our directors to start a discussion about your concept.

If you are external to Shenandoah University

SCiL is motivated to work on innovative, showcase projects that provide educational and professional development opportunities for our undergraduate students. If you have an idea for a project or are interested in working with SCiL, contact scil@su.edu to start a discussion about your concept.

Proposals and cost estimates for external projects are prepared based on an overall assessment of time and resources required to complete a project.

See our projects section for examples of current and past client work.

Contact Us

Mohammad F. Obeid, Ph.D

Co-Director, SCiL
Program Director, Bachelor of Science Program
Associate Professor, Virtual Reality Design
Mirza Endowed Chair in Global Learning and Associate Professor
mobeid@su.edu | (540) 535-3414

 

Nathan R. Prestopnik, Ph.D

Co-Director, SCiL
Program Director, Bachelor of Arts Program
Professor, Virtual Reality Design
nprestop@su.edu | (540) 535-3477

 

Mariah Arant

Operations Manager
mariah.arant@su.edu

 

Wes Brown
Immersive Technology Specialist

 

Lee A. Graff, M.Ed.

Immersive Media Specialist
lgraff@su.edu

 

Explore our Current Projects

The Great Experiment

Redebating the Electoral College in Virtual Reality

For over five years, students and faculty collaborated to create the "The Great Experiment", which places users within a virtual Independence Hall in Philadelphia during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Through a series of progressively immersive and interactive stages, participants join the country’s founders as they discuss and debate how to select the chief executive of a new republic.

"The Great Experiment" virtual reality experience

Learn More About the Project

Winchester Area Technology Entrepreneurs Virtual Reality, 360 Video, and 3D Modeling Help Available at SU at no cost

The Shenandoah University Center for Immersive Learning (SCIL Lab) is available for a limited time to help area entrepreneurs learn how Virtual Reality (VR) experiences, 360 Video and/or 3D models can help pitch new business concepts or promote tech startups. For an appointment complete the inquiry form or email us at scil@su.edu. This opportunity is made possible through funding from Go Virginia to foster business development in the Shenandoah Valley by helping entrepreneurs develop concepts and connect them to the Startup  Shenandoah Valley (S2V) accelerator program.

SCIL News & Announcements

See All SCiL News

SCIL People

Meet The Instructors

 

M Obeid
Mohammad F. Obeid, Ph.D
Co-Director, SCiL
Program Director, Bachelor of Science Program
Associate Professor, Virtual Reality Design
Mirza Endowed Chair in Global Learning and Associate Professor
mobeid@su.edu | (540) 535-3414
 
Mohammad F. Obeid holds a PhD and MS in Modeling and Simulation Engineering from Old Dominion University. His research revolves around synthetic environments and medical-oriented simulations. His interests encompass extended reality platforms.
 

Dr. Obeid's Full Bio

Nate

Nathan R. Prestopnik, Ph.D
Co-Director, SCiL
Program Director, Bachelor of Arts Program
Associate Professor, Virtual Reality Design
nprestop@su.edu | (540) 535-3477
 
Nathan Prestopnik holds a PhD and M.Phil. in Information Science, an M.S. in New Media, and a dual B.A. degree in Film Production and History from Syracuse University. His research focuses on VR, AR, and XR in the digital humanities, as well as UI/UX, HCI, and serious game design.
 

Dr. Prestopnik's Full Bio

 

Mariah Arant

Mariah Arant
Operations Manager
mariah.arant@su.edu | (703) 581 - 5983

Mariah Arant joined the SCiL team as Operations Manager in the fall of 2023. Her background is in human services and she recently graduated with a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis from Shenandoah University.

Wes Brown

Wes Brown
Immersive Technology Specialist
wbrown1@su.edu | (540) 316-0694

Wes Brown is an extended reality (XR) developer. He has been with SCIL since Sept. 2018. He has worked in the world of special effects, web development, virtual reality, augmented reality, and other technology.

Lee Graff

Lee A. Graff
Immersive Media Specialist
360 video production specialist
Adjunct Professor
lgraff@su.edu | (540) 535-3535

Lee A. Graff is an Adjunct Professor at Shenandoah University. He has been with SCIL since Sept. 2018. He is an active storyteller and video producer who also enjoys writing, photography, and playing video games.

 

Meet Our Students

Our student workers play a vital role in lab operations, contribute to the maintenance of the facility and actively engage in various SCiL projects.

 

Jaden Galloway ‘28

Jaden Galloway ‘28
B.S. Virtual Reality Design

I enjoy being able to put into practice what I’m going to school for.”

Gabrielle Pieko

Gabrielle Pieklo '26
B.A. Media & Communications

I like seeing the cool projects we do and their educational benefits.”

Ethan Swope

Ethan Swope '25
B.A. Virtual Reality Design

SCiL relates to my studies and it helps me get experience in my field.”

Anne Fink

Ann Fink '25
B.S. Virtual Reality Design

I like the community and the support we all give each other..”

Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds '25
B.A. Virtual Reality Design

The projects we work on translate directly into real work life.”

Febronia Farowez ‘28

Febronia Farowez ‘28
Secondary Education, English

I like the people, the job is fun, and I’ve learned a lot already.

Tyler Dossat

Tyler Dossat '24
B.S. Virtual Reality Design

SCiL helps me become a better developer.”

Andriana Dickenson ‘26

Andriana Dickenson ‘26
B.A. Virtual Reality Design

I like the opportunity to get my name out there and work on a project to get real-time experience.”

Aaron Van Rens

Aaron Van Rens '27
B.A. Virtual Reality Design

I get to work on a lot of projects, learn new skills, and meet people through this work.”

"Negina

Negina Ishaqzai ‘24
Information Technology

I like the Friday meetings. It’s a good time to see everyone and the progress on their projects.”

Michael Harrington ‘26

Michael Harrington ‘26
B.S. Virtual Reality Design

I am learning cool stuff I didn’t know how to do before.”

Ryan Casey ‘26

Ryan Casey ‘26
B.A. Virtual Reality Design

It is a unique opportunity to further my skill set.”

Abby Keene ‘26

Abby Keene ‘26
Cybersecurity

I like the people.”

Kade Myers ‘27

Kade Myers ‘27
B.S. Virtual Reality Design

I am learning cool stuff I didn’t know how to do before.”

Jacob-Eisenhart

Jacob Eisenhart ‘25
B.A. Virtual Reality Design

I like the freedom on projects that classes don’t always allow.”

 

Visit SCiL

SCiL hosts visits of all kinds, including local, regional, national, and international groups.

Past visits have included delegations from foreign embassies, federal and state government agencies, universities and colleges from around the world, area school districts, local governments and businesses, and interested individuals. SCiL also hosts workshops, events, and exhibitions of various kinds.

Visits typically last about one hour, but can be tailored to the specific needs of the delegation. A visit can showcase a variety of SCiL projects, focus on just one project of interest, demonstrate specific production facilities and equipment, be tailored to discuss topics of mutual interest, or start a conversation about potential client work. Most client work will eventually include at least one visit to SCiL.

Please understand that SCiL is a working studio space and educational environment. Visits and events work best during business hours (9-5, M-F) and will typically be scheduled to fit between class schedules, project meetings, and other lab operations.

If you would like to arrange a visit or event, send an email to scil@su.edu.

The Future Is Here!

Bachelor of Arts in Virtual Reality Design

The Virtual Reality, BA program prepares students for careers focused on the design of beautiful, usable, and engaging content for VR, AR, and XR games, simulations, and stories.

Bachelor of Science in Virtual Reality Design

The Virtual Reality, BS program prepares students for careers focused on the software engineering, programming, and technical design of AR, VR, and XR games, simulations, and experiences.