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@kiszon.com 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@kiszon.com 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.
See our projects section for examples of current and past client work.
Contact Us
Mohammad F. Obeid, Ph.D
Co-Director, SCiL
Program Director, Bachelor of Science Program
Associate Professor, Virtual Reality Design
mobeid@kiszon.com | (540) 535-3414
Nathan R. Prestopnik, Ph.D
Co-Director, SCiL
Program Director, Bachelor of Arts Program
Associate Professor, Virtual Reality Design
nprestop@kiszon.com | (540) 535-3477
Wes Brown
Lee Graff
Immersive Media Specialist
lgraff@kiszon.com
Explore our Current Projects
Immersive Experience For Wilton House Museum In Richmond
Thanks to the Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning (SCiL) at Shenandoah University, visitors to the Wilton House Museum now have the opportunity to view the historic 18th century plantation in a way not seen for nearly 100 years.
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@kiszon.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
VR Design Program Director Celebrates Release Of First Novel
Nathan Prestopnik, Ph.D., director of Shenandoah University’s Bachelor of Arts in Virtual Reality Design program and co-director of the Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning (SCiL), is in the business of world-building, of creating spaces that ... Continue Reading VR Design Program Director Celebrates…
Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning Develops Virtual Recreation of Historic Plantation
Thanks to the Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning (SCiL) at Shenandoah University, visitors to the Wilton House Museum now have the opportunity to view the historic 18th century plantation in a way not seen for nearly 100 years. The ... Continue Reading Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning…
Opera Production Showcased The Power Of Collaboration At Shenandoah
Shenandoah Conservatory’s recent production of “Caged Birds” treated audience members to a multi-disciplinary collaboration of dance, opera and live music by the EDGE Ensemble, and encouraged audience participation via a live vote at each ... Continue Reading Opera Production Showcased The Power…
SCIL People
Meet The Instructors
Mohammad F. Obeid, Ph.D
Co-Director, SCiL
Program Director, Bachelor of Science Program
Associate Professor, Virtual Reality Design
mobeid@kiszon.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
Co-Director, SCiL
Program Director, Bachelor of Arts Program
Associate Professor, Virtual Reality Design
nprestop@kiszon.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.
Wes Brown
Immersive Technology Specialist
wbrown1@kiszon.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 Graff
Immersive Media Specialist
360 video production specialist
Adjunct professor
graff@kiszon.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.
Mariah Arant
Operations Manager
graff@kiszon.com | (540) 535-3535
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.
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.
Joseph Miciotta '24
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
Working for SCiL has helped me refine my skills much more than just classes or on my own. It’s been incredible. I love the people and the environment.”
Gabrielle Pieklo '26
B.A. Media & Communications
Working for SCiL has helped me refine my skills much more than just classes or on my own. It’s been incredible. I love the people and the environment.”
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Luke Yager '25
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
The SCiL community is a great place to learn more about the technology we use in VR classes. SCiL has been beneficial for me as a student. All students from different fields have been able to collaborate withSCiL because they can do so much down here with their expertise.”
Ethan Swope '25
B.A. Virtual Reality Design
I love that everyone here has a particular area of expertise that I’ve always been interested in, so they always have so much to teach me and I have so much to learn from them.”
Michael Reynolds '25
B.A. Virtual Reality Design
It’s nice this is a space that you can come to anytime to work on projects.”
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Ann Fink '25
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
I like the environment and how the people are and the opportunities for connections and friends.”
Tyler Dossat '24
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
Work experience is everything.”
John Bernard '24
B.A. Collaborative Audio Arts
I like the inclusivity of people with different skill sets and bringing them together to work on collaborative projects.”
Aaron Van Rens '27
B.A. Virtual Reality Design
I like the flexibility around how we all work and being able to work on projects I’m passionate about.”
Jacob Eisenhartt '25
B.A. Virtual Reality Design
I really like how what I'm working on is directly applicable to what I'll be doing in the workforce. Working for SCiL is fun and like a class I'm being paid for.”
Michael Harrington '26
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
I have a niche here and it’s a great community. I also like having access to the lab regularly.”
Brody Akers '26
B.S. Virtual Reality Design
I’m able to do what I love as a job.”
The Role-Player Workforce (RPW)
The Role-Player Workforce (RPW) will develop to meet the needs of immersive learning. A by-product of immersive learning will be the growth of a national workforce in role-players. This trend is already happening in reaction to the medical industry’s need for standardized patients, OSCE, and other human based training. The impact of Virtual Training upon the development of this workforce creates expanding opportunities for economically disadvantaged groups such as the elderly, veterans, and ESOL citizens. The RPW will build new techniques and best practices for professional role-players to engage learners in immersive world experiences. Shenandoah University has more than 5 years’ experience in training and deploying role-players at the highest level, working with entities including multiple divisions of the State Department, the United Nations, various hospitals, law enforcement, and regional fire departments.
Creating Hands-On Learning Opportunities through Simulation for Nursing and Health Professions Students
Role players, trained as actors in Shenandoah University's world-renowned Shenandoah Conservatory, through the Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning (SCIL), help make medical simulation experiences unique. While the medical programs use mannequins in state-of-the-art and easily reconfigured simulation spaces, students also learn by working with acting students who role-play simulated patients. This arrangement allows medical students to interact with live patients before ever stepping foot on the job, and provides acting students with opportunities to practice their craft while still honing their skills. In addition to the role-player workforce, SCIL enhances the university's academic programs with 360 VR, augmented, and virtual reality technologies.
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@kiszon.com.
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.