Creighton Libraries Connections

Creighton University's Radlab Joins The University Libraries

Creighton’s Research and Development Lab (Radlab) was originally developed as an innovation engine to accelerate ideas from across campus. It has grown into a space for students, faculty, and staff to explore possibilities and to work collaboratively to ackle a variety of challenges. Beyond campus, the Radlab conducts outreach to the community and has taught courses for Upward Bound students, hosted middle and high school students, and provided technology training events for adult learners.

The RadLab and the University Libraries have embarked on a three-year pilot to reimagine the lab to further support the research and teaching needs of students and faculty. The goals of the pilot are to:

1.    Identify and prioritize campus needs
2.    Establish expertise, equipment, and space
3.    Pilot and evaluate activities
4.    Complete a report on the impact.

An essential part of the Radlab has been its student internship program, which will continue throughout the pilot. Talented students from diverse fields of study are matched to available projects based on their interests and skills. The internship program experience further develops student’s skills and will aid employment opportunities upon graduation.

Interns have been involved in many projects. A couple of these included creating both onsite and virtual cybersecurity escape rooms to help students, faculty, and staff become better aware of the threats.

One project the Lab is currently exploring is how virtual reality can play a role in providing engaging experiences for students. Using Sansar, a 3D virtual, social platform, Creighton “worlds” have been created with the opportunity for faculty members to try out meeting in real time with their students virtually. Existing virtual reality experiences available through the Radlab have already been used in business courses and for visiting students.

Another ongoing virtual reality project is to create an educational empathy and immersive special care experience for dental students treating vulnerable populations. This virtual education platform will allow the student to better understand the lived experiences of patients with varying needs.

More information about the Radlab is available in the 2019-2020 Annual Report and from the Radlab website.