Welcome
The Grainger Library Innovation and Design in Engineering & the Arts (IDEA) Lab is a creative technology lab available to all all students, staff, and faculty at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Creative technology labs provide technology for creative use, including academic and personal work. Our lab encourages and offers interdisciplinary support and resources by providing access to emerging technologies for learning, instruction, and research. Our services and resources are available to all majors. Discover, innovate, and play at the IDEA Lab!
Our Services
- Loanable Technology: Check out technology to use in the lab or elsewhere! Our technology includes Augmented and Virtual Reality technologies, podcasting equipment, game consoles, and more.
- In-room Technology: Reserve a room or seat in the lab. Our spaces include different technology set-ups for group project rooms and individual workstations.
- Makerspace Services: Fill out our request forms for 3D printing or 3D Digitization and our makerspace team will help you with your personal or professional works.
- Workshops and Activities: Follow the Grainger Library Instagram or calendar, and join us for beginner-friendly workshops, Open Gaming, and library events like De-Stress Fest.
Our Staff
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. He researches the material cultures of ancient civilizations and ways to integrate 3D and digital archiving in material preservation. Recent work in digital visualization and 3D printing have been essential in his work on weapon structure and material shape analysis. He also enjoys blacksmithing.
Our Partners
