Angelo State University’s new mobile STEM Innovation Lab has arrived on campus with the mission to bring immersive science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) experiences directly to rural and underserved communities across West Texas.
Funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant, ASU’s STEM Innovation Lab was crafted by Ohio-based Farber Specialty Vehicles. It is outfitted with lab software and equipment developed by the award-winning Groove Jones creative technology company in three cornerstone modules: VR Cybersecurity Experience, AI-Focused Experience and STEM Careers Experience. These modules are designed to create an innovative, hands-on learning space to inspire students’ interest in the STEM fields through interactive technologies, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Virtual Reality (VR)
- Augmented Reality (AR)
- Cybersecurity
- Drone technology
- Robotics
- Holographic technology
As the newest component of the STEM Outreach Program in ASU’s College of Science and Engineering, the ultimate goal of the mobile lab is to ignite curiosity, build workforce skills, and bridge the technology gap for middle and high school students and educators who often have the least access to cutting-edge tools.
“The STEM Innovation Lab at ASU will be our forward-facing STEM initiative, focusing on emerging technology and immersive digital experiences,” said ASU President Ronnie Hawkins. “It will empower our students and the community by exposing participants to activities relevant to high-demand STEM jobs, creating excitement and interest in addressing challenges of tomorrow and better serving our workforce.”
Mobile STEM labs are rising in popularity as efficient and effective mechanisms for delivering high-quality science-learning experiences to a wide range of communities. By improving student access to front-line, hands-on science and technology education, they can open the door to possible career paths in STEM and continued STEM education.
“Our STEM Innovation Lab can inspire students throughout the region, especially in local communities, to apply their talents to the scientific and technological challenges ahead,” said Rigel Rilling, lab manager in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
ASU’s mobile lab will remain local through the fall semester as it undergoes final technology and equipment updates and fine tuning. Plans are in place for the lab to be present for some local events, including ASU Night at the Museum and various Lab Nights – with full deployment of the lab into the West Texas community set for spring 2026.
— From Tom Nurre Jr., ASU Office of Marketing and Communications
