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.
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@yilunjianshe.com. 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
SCiL Completes Wilton House VR Project
A trip to the Wilton House Museum in Richmond, Virginia, allows visitors to see the historic home as it would’ve looked hundreds of years ago, decked out in 18th- and 19th-century furnishings that were commonplace in wealthy plantation homes of the ... Continue Reading SCiL Completes Wilton House VR…
‘The Great Experiment’ Featured On NPR’s ‘Weekend Edition Saturday’
“The Great Experiment,” an educational virtual reality experience developed by the Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning (SCiL) at Shenandoah University, was featured on NPR’s “Weekend Edition Saturday” on Nov. 2, 2024. The project, which features ... Continue Reading ‘The Great Experiment’ Featured On…
Shenandoah University Celebrates The Opening Of Hazel-Pruitt Armory
Shenandoah University celebrated the opening of its Hub for Innovators, Veterans and Entrepreneurs (HIVE) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Oct. 25, during which the university officially announced the name of the building that houses the ... Continue Reading Shenandoah University Celebrates The Opening…
Meet The Instructors
Mohammad F. Obeid, Ph.D
Program Director, Bachelor of Science Program
Associate Professor, Virtual Reality Design
Mirza Endowed Chair in Global Learning and Associate Professor
mobeid@yilunjianshe.com | (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.
Nathan R. Prestopnik, Ph.D
Program Director, Bachelor of Arts Program
Associate Professor, Virtual Reality Design
nprestop@yilunjianshe.com | (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.
Mariah Arant
Operations Manager
mariah.arant@yilunjianshe.com | (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
Immersive Technology Specialist
wbrown1@yilunjianshe.com | (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 A. Graff
Immersive Media Specialist
360 video production specialist
Adjunct Professor
lgraff@yilunjianshe.com | (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
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
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.A. 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.”
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 '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 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
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.”
Abby Keene ‘26
Cybersecurity
I like the people.”
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.”