Western New England University (WNEU) has opened a new extended reality (XR) lab, which provides students and faculty with access to the latest in virtual (VR), augmented (AR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies.
The Massachusetts-based university said the new lab positions the school “at the forefront of immersive learning and innovation in western Massachusetts.”
“Learning about extended reality gives college students a competitive edge in a world where immersive technologies are transforming industries,” said Marcus Davis, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Whether it’s healthcare, education, engineering, or business, XR equips students with the tools to innovate, solve real-world problems, and shape the future of digital interaction.”
The XR Lab is located in the school’s D’Amour Library and will serve as a hub for developing educational experiences and XR applications, while also providing a venue to explore the latest tools in virtual content creation and training.
WNEU said the roll out of the lab will happen in multiple phases. In Phase 1, the XR Lab will be used in two ways. Faculty can use the technology to go beyond what a traditional classroom can offer by creating interactive simulations to allow students to explore distant locations such as museums, historical sites or even outer space in VR.
The lab will also be used for training where students can practice everything from job interviews through “body swapping” to flying drones for building site visits in engineering. The university said that with access to these tools, students can acquire skills in spatial computing, artificial intelligence, and immersive technologies.
The lab was created in partnership with WNEU Alum Edward Zemba, CEO of Link to VR. In a presentation to university faculty and staff, Zemba emphasized XR’s transformative potential.
“Extended Reality is revolutionizing education by immersing students in hands-on, experiential learning. With XR, students don’t just study concepts – they live them. This technology turns abstract ideas into interactive, real-world experiences, fostering deeper understanding and engagement. It’s a game-changer for how we prepare the next generation for tomorrow’s challenges,” said Zemba.
“I am beyond excited to partner with my alma mater to establish the XR Lab at WNE,” continued Zemba. “But I am even more excited about how the establishment of the lab will become a nexus for all industries in our region so they can come together, learn from each other, and form a community that makes western Massachusetts a designation for economic and business growth.”
