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Newsworthy and noteworthy highlights from the work of the I+R team:

• 2025 - Hunter Bridwell, Emerging Technologies Coordinator, presented a poster highlighting STING at the Meaningful XR 2025 conference at the UC Davis International Center in Davis, CA on May 22, 2025.
• 2025 - IT Innovation + Research was featured in a GVNEXT article entitled: "Learning through Virtual Reality" on May 5, 2025.
• 2025 - IT Innovation + Research supported 6 immersive experiences (Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, and the Blue Dot Lab) at the GVSU Reach Higher Celebration on April 18, 2025.
• 2025 - IT Innovation + Research assisted in the delivery of extended reality experiences for the Seidman College of Business Advisory Team on March 28, 2025.
• 2025 - IT Innovation + Research held an "Apple Day @ GVSU", highlighting the use of Spatial Computing and Apple Intelligence.
• 2025 - The IT Innovation + Research team brought an immersive virtual reality-based 360 degree video experience to the 2025 Michigan International Auto Show in partnership with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital on January 29, 2025.
• 2024 - Hunter Bridwell, Emerging Technologies Coordinator, presented on a panel entitled: "Innovation and Creativity in Leadership at GVSU" on December 3, 2024.
• 2024 - Joseph Van Harken, Innovator in Residence, presented in a lightning session on AI and generative video at the AI@ND Artificial Intelligence Forum on November 20, 2024.
• 2024 - Joseph Van Harken, Innovator in Residence, presented at the Educational Technology Organization of Michigan Conference on the topic of AI and generative video held at Grand Rapids Community College on November 4. 2024.
• 2024 - Joseph Van Harken, Innovator in Residence, and Eric Kunnen, Senior Director, IT Innovation + Research presented at the 2024 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas, at a poster session entitled: "Leverage AI to Auto-Generate XR Lesson Plans on the Fly". 
• 2024 - The IT Innovation + Research team provided leadership, facilitation, coordination and support for the "Blue Dot Experience" during Tech Week GR, with state-of-the-art volumetric video and an interactive 3D direct view LED visualization as part of the X>STUDIO exhibit, enabling visitors to explore a future rendering of the Blue Dot Lab, Eberhard Center renovation. In addition, makerspace and extended reality examples where on display for  participants to experience, including a 360 degree courtroom and a virtual reality occupational therapy simulation in the Atomic Object Technology Showcase exhibit. Finally, an interactive gaming experience was created and placed on display for families and students attending the Confluence Festival and Laker Family Fest, whereby players could fly around downtown, passing by the future Blue Dot Lab in a biplane with Louie the Laker.
• 2024 - Joseph Van Harken, Innovator in Residence, presented a Tech Talk entitled: "Deep Fakes for Good: AI-Assisted Video Content Creation" during Tech Week GR.
• 2024 -  Hunter Bridwell, Emerging Technologies Coordinator received the IT Division's 2024 Innovation Award for consistently demonstrating a deep commitment to integrating innovative technologies into practical classroom applications. His dedication led to the creation of the Student Technology Innovation Guild, or STING, a groundbreaking program that unites talented students and faculty to develop cutting-edge educational tools.
• 2024 - The IT Innovation + Research team engaged in a groundbreaking event for the Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital which is expected to open in 2026. In collaboration with the Office of the President, the I+R team assisted in supporting the event which featured 10 Meta Quest headsets and 10 iPads featuring a 360-degree computer-rendered video of the new hospital that was created by a futurEDlab alumni team.
• 2024 - The IT Innovation + Research team supported a breakout session entitled: "Experience XR in the Classroom" focused on extended reality in education at the 30th annual Fall Conference on Teaching and Learning. The session was led by Paul Hillman and Dawn Brackmann from the Seidman College of Business.  
• 2024 - The IT Innovation + Research team engaged with high school learners from across Michigan for the 2024 REP4 Midwest Regional Summit, providing a tour of the Atomic Object Technology Showcase.
• 2024 - The IT Innovation + Research team provided a live webinar entitled: "Revolutionizing Education with XR: Uptale at Grand Valley State University" which showcased our innovative use of the Uptale platform to create immersive educational content. The event began with a presentation from Uptale, detailing the platform’s capabilities and the value it brings to educational institutions. This introduction set the stage for an insightful exploration of how XR technology is transforming learning experiences at GVSU.
• 2024 - The IT Innovation + Research team hosted a field trip for over 50 attendees that were part of the Confluence Thought Series.
• 2024 - The IT Innovation + Research team pioneered and collaborated to participate in the 10 presentations at the GVSU Reach Higher Showcase, featuring key themes including: DIGITAL TWINS, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, EXTENDED REALITY, EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES, AI, IMMERSIVE LEARNING, EXPERIENTIAL EMPOWERED EDUCATION, and INNOVATION.
• 2024 - Hunter Bridwell, Emerging Technologies Coordinator and Jacob Fortman, Emerging Technology Research Analyst, presented with Courtney Topic, Assistant Professor in the Legal Studies Department, at the Stanford Digital Learning Summit (co-sponsored with HAIL Higher Ed Innovation) on the topic of virtual reality and 360 immersive video in a poster session entitled: "Scaling VR Education at GVSU". March 28, 2024. 
• 2023 - Eric Kunnen, Senior Director, IT Innovation and Research, presented virtually with Jeremy Nelson, Senior Director of XR Initiative, University of Michigan on a panel discussion entitled "Immersive Learning and the Built Environment" for a Steelcase Workspace Futures event at Victory Commons One in Dallas, TX. December 7, 2023.
• 2023 - Jacob Fortman, Emerging Technology Research Analyst, co-authored a chapter in the book Formative Design in Learning entitled: "Formative Learning Design in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis, Synthesis, and Critique of Learning Design and Delivery Practices". November 28, 2023.
• 2023 - IT Innovation and Research was featured in GVSU's futureEDlab ribbon cutting and open house on November 8, 2023.
• 2023 - Eric Kunnen, Senior Director, IT Innovation and Research, presented I+R's innovation ecosystem at Krakow University in Poland. October 15 - 19, 2023.
• 2023 - Jacob Fortman, Emerging Technology Research Analyst, was cited in an EdTech Magazine article entitled: "Schools Can Protect Student Privacy in Augmented, Virtual and Extended Reality Tools". November 3, 2023.
• 2023 - Eric Kunnen, Senior Director, IT Innovation and Research, presented a poster at the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference entitled: "Leveraging Innovation and Research to Pioneer the Future of Education through an Era of Complexity". October 9 - 12, 2023.
• 2023 - Ty Rizer, Emerging Technologies Developer, IT Innovation and Research, presented a poster at the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference entitled: "Exploring the Future of Teaching and Learning in the Technology Showcase". October 9 - 12, 2023.
• 2023 - Jacob Fortman, Emerging Technology Research Analyst, IT Innovation and Research, presented a poster at the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference entitled: "VR Learning Design Compendium: Design Artifacts to Inspire VR Education". October 9 - 12, 2023.
• 2023 - Hunter Bridwell, Emerging Technologies Coordinator, IT Innovation and Research, presented a poster at the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference entitled: "Student-Built Solutions to Address University Needs". October 9 - 12, 2023.
• 2023 - IT Innovation and Research facilitated GVSU's inspired innovation activities at Tech Week Grand Rapids and Confluence Festival. September 18 - 21, 2023.
• 2023 - Jacob Fortman, Emerging Technology Research Analyst, published research on XR in a special issue of the International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning. August 21, 2023. 
• 2023 - Eric Kunnen, Senior Director, IT Innovation and Research, provided an interview with Brian Cohen on WOODTV8 evening news, highlighting GVSU's participation in the Confluence Festival. July 21, 2023.  
• 2023 - Ty Rizer, Emerging Technologies Developer, IT Innovation and Research, contributed to an article featuring an immersive learning application for the GVSU Simulation Center entitled: "Tech collaboration between campus departments will enhance nursing education". July 20, 2023.
• 2023 - IT Innovation and Research was highlighted for supporting work in collaborating on two initiatives (Grand Path and Laker Learning Futures) in an article in Grand Valley Magazine entitled: "Reach Higher Showcase identifies innovations in learning, teaching". July 20, 2023.
• 2023 - Eric Kunnen, Senior Director, IT Innovation and Research, provided an interview with Brian Cohen on WGVU Public Media's Shelley Irwin Show, highlighting GVSU's participation in the Confluence Festival. June 22, 2023. 
• 2023 - IT Innovation and Research presented at the ETOM Summer Retreat on the topic: "Extended Reality Powers Immersive Learning Experiences at GVSU". June 8, 2023.
• 2023 - Eric Kunnen, Senior Director, IT Innovation and Research, provided an interview WWJ New Radio 950 Detroit about new Apple Vision Pro spatial computing headsets, immersive learning, and the opportunity of high impact educational practices. June 7. 
• 2023 - Eric Kunnen, Senior Director, IT Innovation and Research, provided an interview for WOODTV8 segment on "Exploring the new Apple Vision Pro". June 6, 2023. 
• 2023 - Ty Rizer, Emerging Technologies Developer and Hunter Bridwell, Emerging Technologies Coordinator were highlighted for their work in support of the GVSU Simulation Center's immersive Microsoft HoloLens operation room application in an interview with Katie Branch on WGVU Public Media's Shelley Irwin Show. June 2, 2023.
• 2023 - IT Innovation and Research was highlighted for supporting work in collaborating on two initiatives (Grand Path and Laker Learning Futures) in a video feature on WOODTV8 entitled: "Technology initiatives look to transform learning at GVSU". April 22, 2023.
• 2023 - Eric Kunnen, Senior Director, IT Innovation and Research, participated on a panel with The University of Texas System, Utah State University, and Vanguard University for an Inside Higher Ed webinar facilitated by Logitech on "IT Leadership Panel: Exploring 5 Key Trends in Higher Education".  March 21, 2023. 
• 2022 - Jacob Fortman, Emerging Technology Research Analyst, co-edited a special issue in Journal of Applied Instructional Design and co-authored its introduction. The special issue is called “Rethinking Multimedia Design for Learning.” December 2022.
• 2022 - Hunter Bridwell, Emerging Technologies Coordinator, and Jacob Fortman, Emerging Technology Research Analyst, presented with Kelley Senkowski, Instructional Technology Project Specialist, at the ETOM Fall Conference 2022 on the topic: "Rethinking Student Engagement With Emerging Technology". November 4, 2022.
• 2022 - Eric Kunnen, Senior Director, IT Innovation and Research, facilitated a presentation with Chris Bilski, GVSU Esports Coordinator, along with presenters from Northern Michigan College and Mott Community College on the topic: “Introduction to Collegiate ESports” at an ETOM Meet Up, held on January 19, 2022.
• 2021 - Eric Kunnen, Senior Director, IT Innovation and Research, contributed to an article in HigherEdAV Media entitled: "Learning Spaces Lessons Learned", highlighting GVSU's work in creating the next generation of learning spaces through active learning on December 17, 2021.
• 2021 - Eric Kunnen, Senior Director, IT Innovation and Research, and Hunter Bridwell, Emerging Technologies Coordinator toured the FabLab at Lake Michigan College and Muskegon Community College, along with participation in Lawrence Technological University's TechDRIVE event.
• 2021 - Eric Kunnen, Senior Director, IT Innovation and Research, presented with Kim Kenward, Director eLearning Technologies, on the topic: “Active Learning and Next Generation Classrooms” an ETOM Meet Up, held on November 17, 2021.
• 2021 - Eric Kunnen, Senior Director, IT Innovation and Research, presented with Kelley Senkowski, Instructional Technology Project Specialist, on the topic: “Best Practices in Quality Online Teaching and Course Evaluation” at the ETOM Fall 2021 Virtual Conference, held on November 5, 2021.
• 2021 - Eric Kunnen, Senior Director, IT Innovation and Research, published an article in CIOReview entitled: "Pioneering the Future Through Technology Innovation" in April, 2021.
• 2021 - Lily Snyder, GVSU Alumnus and former virtual reality software COO, highlighted the Technology Showcase and the Emerging Technology Fund in a “Let’s talk about college.” post on LinkedIn.
• 2019 - Eric Kunnen authored an article in Education Technology Insights entitled: "Technology as a Catalyst in Shaping the Educational Experience".
• 2019 - An interview of Eric Kunnen featured an article in EdTech Magazine: "Active-Learning Buildings Showcase New Teaching Philosophies". 
• 2018 - Eric Kunnen contributed to an article posted on September 17, 2018, entitled: "Mary Idema Pew Library celebrates five years of innovative education" for the Grand Valley Lanthorn at GVSU.
• 2018 - Eric Kunnen contributed to an article posted on September 12, 2018, entitled: "Technology Showcase to celebrate five-year anniversary" for GVNext at GVSU.
• 2018 - Eric Kunnen authored an article in E-Learn Magazine entitled: "Keeping Students Engaged: the Role of Faculty in Student Retention".
• 2018 - Eric Kunnen, Matt Roberts, and Szymon Machajewski (Affiliate Professor) co-organized the first ever 'hackathon' hackGVSU event at GVSU.
• 2017 - The Technology Showcase was highlighted on the Ultimaker Libraries blog in a post entitled: "Atomic Object Technology Showcase - A spotlight for 3D printing and emerging technologies"
• 2017 - The Technology Showcase was featured in a Blackboard Blog post about the custom Amazon Alexa skill that was created by GVSU Professor, Szymon Machajewski.
• 2017 - Article in Rapid Growth featured the eLearning and Emerging Technologies team and Technology Showcase "From Virtual Reality to Online Libraries, How Technology is Revolutionizing Education in GR".
• 2017 - The Technology Showcase was highlighted in a press release entitled: "Modular, dynamic lighting system lends an artistic quality to GVSU's Technology Center".
• 2016 - The Technology Showcase participated in the Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire.
• 2016 - The Technology Showcase was highlighted on the My College Planning Team Blog.
• 2016 - The Technology Showcase participated in "Making as Learning: A Three Day Workshop" that was sponsored by the University of Michigan.
• 2016 - Eric Kunnen presented "Serendipitous Learning Potential through Intentionally Designed Learning Spaces" for the Michigan State University Hub for Innovation, Learning, and Technology.
• 2016 - The Technology Showcase participated in the New Media Consortium Horizon Report Video Competition.
• 2015 - Eric Kunnen was cited in a conference proceedings book regarding the GVSU Atomic Object Technology Showcase. The proceedings book was entitled: "Where Do We Go from Here?: Charleston Conference Proceedings 2015 - Google Books"
• 2015 - Campus Technology Magazine highlighted the Technology Showcase in an article: "Technology Showcase Explores 'Serendipitous Learning Opportunities"
• 2015 - "Emerging Technologies to Enhance Teaching and Enable Active Learning" article in EDUCAUSE Review featured the Technology Showcase.
• 2015 - The Technology Showcase was highlighted in an EDUCAUSE session entitled: "Working with Emerging Technologies to Promote Engaging Learning".
• 2015 - The Technology Showcase went on the road to Indy for the Crowe Horwath Learning Matters Now Conference.
• 2015 - A GVSU article in GVNext highlighted the "Lightboard one of many innovations available to faculty", where the Technology Showcase 3D printing was featured.
• 2015 - Eric Kunnen presented a session entitled: "Leveraging Emerging Technologies to Enhance Teaching and to Enable Active Learning", Michigan Library Association Applied Technology and Trends Workshop in Allendale, MI.
• 2014 - An interview of Eric Kunnen was featured an article in EdTech Magazine: "Colleges Offer Hands-On Tech Engagement" about the Technology Showcase.
• 2014 - Eric Kunnen facilitated an online webinar through the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative (ELI 2014 Online Fall Focus Session: Re-Imaging Learning Spaces: Design, Technology, and Assessment) with Dean Lee Van Orsdel. The session was entitled: "Radically Student-Center Design and the New Learning Commons". 
• 2014 - Michigan Radio highlight featured Eric Kunnen and the Technology Showcase in a segment entitled: "GVSU tries to bring new technologies into the classroom"
• 2014 - Eric Kunnen facilitated a preconference seminar entitled: "Wireless Presentation Systems: Ad hoc and Enterprise Solutions for the Interactive Classroom" at the EDUCAUSE Conference in Orlando, FL.
• 2014 - Case study featured on Swivl.com about how GVSU is leveraging Swivl (exhibited in the Technology Showcase) in education: "How Grand Valley State University made online teacher training a possibility with Swivl"