The IDEA Lab is a collaborative technology center bridging the gap between technologies, expertise, and community.
The Grainger Library Innovation and Design in Engineering & the Arts (IDEA) Lab provides access to the latest emerging technologies for all faculty, staff, and students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The lab is home to Augmented and Virtual Reality technologies, high-end gaming computers, 3D printing, podcasting equipment, and much more. We welcome all majors. Discover, innovate, and play at the IDEA Lab!
WILLIAM MISCHO | w-mischo@illinois.edu
William (Bill) Mischo was the former Head of the Grainger Engineering Library Information Center and the Berthold Family Professor Emeritus in Information Access and Discovery at Illinois Library. He was involved in numerous grant funded digital library projects, such as the NSF Digital Library Initiative and the NSF National Science Digital Library and several Mellon Foundation grants. Bill has also published over 75 articles and conference papers and presentations.
ELISANDRO CABADA | cabada@illinois.edu
Elisandro Cabada was the Medical and Bioengineering Librarian at the Grainger Engineering Library and former Director of the IDEA Lab where he led technology-rich library initiatives. His research interests include studying the barriers to access, pedagogical affordances, and application of emerging and immersive technologies in research and instruction. He is a first generation American and college student and is now the Head of Feldberg Library at Dartmouth College.
STUART TURNER | slturne1@illinois.edu
IDEA Lab Coordinator
Stuart Turner is responsible for the IDEA Lab’s day-to-day operations. He has 20 years of technical and academic expertise from across campus. His focus is in bringing emerging technologies into a sustainable and scalable operation within the lab. His office is located in Room 000G.
CELENIA GRAVES | celeniag@illinois.edu
Experimental Learning & Engagement Librarian, Assistant Professor
Celenia leads comprehensive programming and engagement efforts in the lab to help bridge the digital and technical divide for underserved and underrepresented communities through collaborative partnerships. Their research interests include accessibility, user experience, and experimental learning with library tech. Their office is located in Room 000A.
MARK HEWITT | mhewitt3@illinois.edu
Library Specialist
Mark assists the lab with 3D modeling/printing and works primarily as a photogrammetrist and photographer. He has a background in film and media and has a desire to become haunted.
DIRK TON | dwton@illinois.edu
Library Technician Supervisor
Dirk Ton helps supervise the Lab Technicians in performing day-to-day operations. He has been pursuing research on the material cultures of ancient civilizations and ways to integrate 3D and digital archiving methods in material preservation. Recent work in digital visualization and 3D printing have been essential in his work on weapon reconstruction and material shape analysis. His interests include blacksmithing and digital archiving.
