The Lab
The Lab is designated for creativity and discovery and supports invention, research, and JMU X-Labs courses.
- Prototype Development - Do you have an idea but are unsure how to build or implement? Schedule an appointment with our Lab Manager, William Domonoske. William's background is in discovery and product development, so he will guide you through opportunities, challenges, next steps, and how JMU X-Labs can support your work throughout the prototyping process. Email William to schedule a time to discuss your idea.
- Research - Looking for an inspiring environment to conduct your research? Consider JMU X-Labs as a base of operations. The Loft, located in The Lab, has reservable whiteboard space for brainstorming group research projects. Email us at jmuxlabs@jmu.edu to discuss reservations outside Drop-In Lab Hours.
- Courses & Workshops - Complete with three new Interactive Touch Dell monitors, microphones, and speakers installed in January 2025, The Lab allows for easy connection with virtual partners. This hands-on Design Thinking Studio is where JMU X-Labs courses are held.
Drop-In Lab Fridays - Fridays, 1:00-3:00PM, beginning February 20, 2026
Drop-In Lab Fridays will be held Fridays beginning February 20, 2026, through April 17, 2026 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.* to support prototyping or design for faculty or student research. Please let us know you're planning to drop in by emailing us at jmuxlabs@jmu.edu.
During Drop-In Lab Fridays, faculty and students will be able to:
- Engage in conversations with JMU X-Labs Innovation & Impact Student Fellows of interdisciplinary skill sets to assist with brainstorming and developing ideas.
- Access groupthink areas such as The Loft, Lab, and Tank to collaborate in teams (no sign-up required).
- Access low fidelity model making equipment to make physical and digital models.
- Use the advanced Lab equipment, under the supervision of the Lab Manager, to further their prototypes and models.
*There will be no Drop-In Lab Hours on Friday, March 20, 2026. Special JMU X-Labs events may be happening in conjunction with Drop-in Lab Fridays and will be shared here.
Equipment
The Lab has equipment to make any idea testable. Whether physical or digital, you can prototype the first version of your solution here.
- 2 Full Spectrum Pro Series Laser Cutter (PS48 & PS36)
- Roland GS-24 Vinyl Cutter
- Handheld 3D Scanner
- 44" Large Format Printer
- 3 Powerful Desktop PCs for Game Development, 3D modeling, Audio/Video Editing, and more
- VR Headsets, Development Kits, and Sensors
- Laptops and Phones for Experimenting and Testing
- Woodworking Tools (Table Saw, Benchtop Sander, Drill Press, Battery Powered Hand Tool Set)
- Fully Equipped Tools Closet
- Sewing Machines
- Irons
- Telepresence / Videoconferencing
- Low-Fidelity Brainstorming and Ideation Tools
The Lab equipment can only be used with the supervision of the Lab Manager.
The Tank is the ultimate collaborative space for JMU X-Labs courses, workshops, and supported research work. All tables and chairs are mobile, making reconfiguration for classes, workshops, or events easier than ever before. Mobile whiteboard tables flip upright for better visibility as teams brainstorm and design. Innovators are empowered to bring their ideas to life with access to low-fidelity ideation and prototyping tools.
As the primary training ground for JMU Esports, The Arena is a high-end space designed to provide the ultimate gaming experience. The Arena is equipped with 12 highly customized Dell stations, ergonomic Corsair gaming chairs, three large display screens for anything from streaming to presentations, and a workspace for practices and student development.
