The self-checkout kiosk for laptop computers.

A suite of emerging technologies has transformed what was a general computer lab in Fenton Hall into the State University of New York at Fredonia’s new Innovation Lab.

Through the Innovation Lab, faculty can teach regular courses with emerging technologies, and students will be able to develop extracurricular skills, take advantage of enhanced learning opportunities and become more creative overall, said Chief Information Officer Michel Kouadio.

The lab is part of an overall goal or strategy to transform SUNY Fredonia, making the campus more innovative as a way to distinguish it among other higher education institutions, explained Dr. Kouadio, who launched a review of the campus technology infrastructure in 2023.

“Students are attracted to universities perceived as innovative, and so are employers who tend to hire more students that come from innovative institutions, because they feel more confident in their overall skills set and abilities that they can bring to an organization, so this lab can be a great recruitment tool for the university,” Kouadio said.

At the Innovation Lab, located in Fenton Hall Room 115, students can learn how to pilot a drone, become certified to operate drones, learn 3D printing (digital fabrication) and develop digital storytelling and communication skills.

Two podcasting rooms have been created within the lab, so students can create their own podcasts and edit video.

The lab will host many events and programming, including training and competitions. As an example, students will soon be invited to participate in “Four Seasons at Fredonia,” a drone-based story competition that documents the changing of the seasons that the campus experiences.

Another new component of the lab is 3D printing, which offers students the opportunity to develop a new skill set.

“Remember that manufacturing was key to jobs in the nation, and as a lot of manufacturing has been outsourced, this created the unemployment challenges we now know. However, 3D printing, or digital manufacturing, is a new way to do design and fabrication. The focus is on design; the machine fabricates what you want. This means you can easily fabricate most things that you can design. It has changed the nature of manufacturing,” Kouadio said.

Virtual reality technology, another feature of the lab, enables students to simulate different environments virtually. For example, a virtual environment solar system can be created that leads to an immersive environment and a much better overall learning experience, Kouadio explained.

A self-checkout laptop kiosk has also been placed in the lab to allow students to easily check out laptops 24/7 for their work anywhere on campus, in residence halls or in the community.