Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning
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.
Contact Us
Mohammad F. Obeid, Ph.D
Co-Director, SCiL
Program Director, Bachelor of Science Program
Professor, Virtual Reality Design
Mirza Endowed Chair in Global Learning
mobeid@su.edu
Nathan R. Prestopnik, Ph.D
Co-Director, SCiL
Program Director, Bachelor of Arts Program
Professor, Virtual Reality Design
nprestop@su.edu
Mariah Arant
Operations Manager
mariah.arant@su.edu
Wes Brown
Immersive Technology Specialist
wbrown1@su.edu
Lee A. Graff, M.Ed.
Immersive Media Specialist
lgraff@su.edu
SCIL News & Announcements
Shenandoah Students Creating VR Experience That Follows The Lewis And Clark Trail
‘Following in Their Footsteps’ immerses users in key moments, stories of the famed cross-country expedition
Shenandoah VR Design Students Showcase Their Work At Prestigious Conference
Four students presented projects at I/ITSEC in Orlando, Florida
SCiL Completes Wilton House VR Project
Virtual recreation of historic Virginia plantation is now part of the visitor experience at the Wilton House Museum
SCiL People
Meet the Instructors
Mohammad F. Obeid, Ph.D
Co-Director, SCiL
Program Director, Bachelor of Science Program
Professor, Virtual Reality Design
Mirza Endowed Chair in Global Learning
mobeid@su.edu
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.
Nathan R. Prestopnik, Ph.D
Co-Director, SCiL
Program Director, Bachelor of Arts Program
Professor, Virtual Reality Design
nprestop@su.edu
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.
Mariah Arant
Operations Manager
mariah.arant@su.edu
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
Immersive Technology Specialist
wbrown1@su.edu
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 A. Graff
Immersive Media Specialist
360 video production specialist
Adjunct Professor
lgraff@su.edu
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
Collaborative Audio Arts
I enjoy being able to put into practice what I’m going to school for.”
Gabrielle Pieklo ’26
B.A. Media & Communications
I like seeing the cool projects we do and their educational benefits.”
Ethan Swope ’25
B.A. Virtual Reality Design
SCiL relates to my studies and it helps me get experience in my field.”
Ann Fink ’25
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
I like the community and the support we all give each other.”
Michael Reynolds ’25
B.S.Virtual Reality Design
The projects we work on translate directly into real work life.”
Febronia Farowez ‘28
Secondary Education, English
I like the people, the job is fun, and I’ve learned a lot already.
Tyler Dossat ’24
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
SCiL helps me become a better developer.”
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.”
Michael Harrington ‘26
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
I am learning cool stuff I didn’t know how to do before.”
Ryan Casey ‘26
B.A. Virtual Reality Design
It is a unique opportunity to further my skill set.”
Kade Myers ‘27
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
I am learning cool stuff I didn’t know how to do before.”
Jacob Eisenhart ‘25
B.A. Virtual Reality Design
I like the freedom on projects that classes don’t always allow.”
Matthias Williams ‘28
Collaborative Audio Arts
Spencer Franklin ‘26
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
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.