Build the future at the Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning
Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning
Shenandoah University’s Center for Immersive Learning (SCiL) is a state-of-the-art learning environment and design studio focused on virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and extended reality (XR) applications. SCiL supports student coursework, faculty research, and external client projects across media such as VR, AR, 360 and 3D video, games, software, and more.
As a VR Design Student
SCiL will be your classroom, and you’ll have day-to-day access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including:
- More than 90 VR and AR headsets from Meta, Apple, HTC, Valve, Pico, Microsoft, and more
- More than twenty high end computer workstations for design and development
- Professional software tools like Unreal Engine, Unity, Maya, Blender, Substance Painter, Premiere, Photoshop, Illustrator, and more
- Motion capture studio
- Virtual production studio
- Sound recording studio
- A full-featured makerspace for 3D printing, laser cutting, electronics, and more
As a Partner or Client
SCiL partners with the SU campus community and external organizations to develop immersive productions of all kinds. We are excited about interesting projects that give our students real experience and that fit well into academic scheduling (fall, spring, and 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 are eager to 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 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
Academic Program Director, VR Design, BS
Associate Professor, Virtual Reality Design
mobeid@su.edu
Nathan R. Prestopnik, Ph.D
Co-Director, SCiL
Academic Program Director, VR Design, BA
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
Mohammad F. Obeid, Ph.D
Co-Director, SCiL
Academic Program Director, VR Design, BS
Associate Professor, Virtual Reality Design
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
Academic Program Director, VR Design, BA
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 dual B.A. degrees 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
Adjunct Professor
lgraff@su.edu
Lee A. Graff is an Adjunct Professor at Shenandoah University. He has been with SCIL since Sept. 2018 and is a active storyteller and video producer who enjoys writing, photography, and video games.
Jaden Galloway ‘28
B.A. Collaborative Audio Arts
Bodie Beach ’27
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
David Evans ’27
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
El Lillard ’25
B.A. Virtual Reality Design
Ezgi Pinar ’28
B.S. Virtual Reality Design, Computer Science
Febronia Farowez ‘28
B.A. Secondary Education, English
James Kennedy ’24
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
Aaron Van Rens ’27
B.A. Virtual Reality Design, Film
Michael Harrington ‘26
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
Ryan Casey ‘26
B.A. Virtual Reality Design
Kade Myers ‘27
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
Klaudia Alzamora ‘28
B.A. Education, Special Education
Lily Tippets ‘28
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
Spencer Franklin ‘26
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
Cadence Vera Cruz ‘28
B.A. Collaborative Audio Arts, Film
Mario Munoz ‘29
B.M. Music Production & Recording Technology
Nikolai Compton ‘29
B.S. Information Technology
Noah Godfrey ‘27
B.S. Computer Science
Teshowme Marshall ‘29
B.S. Cybersecurity
Visit SCiL
SCiL hosts visits of all kinds, including local, regional, national, and international groups
Past visits have included delegations from federal and state government, universities and colleges from around the world, embassies, area school districts, local governments and businesses, and interested individuals. SCiL also hosts workshops, events, talks, and exhibitions of various kinds.
SCiL is a working studio space and educational environment. Visits and events work best during business hours (9-5, M-F) and are typically scheduled to fit between class schedules and academic considerations.
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.