Brooks College dedicates Innovation Lab

Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies officially dedicated its Innovation Lab in mid-April. 

The lab, in Lake Ontario Hall, room 179, is space designed to foster creativity for classes, student groups and student organizations.

Anne Hiskes, dean of Brooks College, said the idea behind this dedicated space came from listening to students talk about how they learn best.

"Students learn best by doing," Hiskes said. "Programs in engineering have had maker spaces and programs in art and design their workshop studios. Our Innovation Lab is designed to support project-based learning in humanistic, social scientific interdisciplinary programs."

Furniture manufacturer Haworth and Interphase Interiors generously supported creation of the lab and held focus groups with students and faculty members before renovations began. Hiskes said the lab provides flexible spaces that maximize writing surfaces and areas and charging stations are placed throughout the space.

The lab has 20 seats and is available by reservation, details on how to reserve it are online at gvsu.edu/partnerships/lab.

Provost Maria Cimitile said the lab is an example of Grand Valley's commitment to students. "This is our faculty, staff, donors, and community partner’s commitment to providing the best educational experience possible for our students," Cimitile said.

Tom Manikoski, from Haworth, and Jim and Donna Brooks were among the attendees at the dedication.