What if students could step into a historic battlefield, practice life-saving medical procedures, or master engineering skills without ever leaving campus? Thanks to the launch of Western New England University’s (WNE) XR Lab, these immersive experiences are now a reality.

Housed in the D’Amour Library, the XR Lab is designed to bring Extended Reality (XR)—an umbrella term for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR)—into the classroom. The lab equips students and faculty with innovative tools that are transforming industries worldwide, from healthcare and education to business and engineering.

A Legacy of Visual Storytelling

Link To VR, co-founded by WNE alumnus Edward (Ed) Zemba ’08 and his brother Giuseppe Zemba with the support of Ed’s son, Kyle Zemba ’24, represents the evolution of a family legacy in visual media that spans over half a century and three generations. The story began with Robert Charles Photography, a pioneering analog photography business established by Ed’s father, Robert Charles Zemba. The company earned a reputation for innovation and excellence in capturing visual narratives, transitioning seamlessly into the digital era with award-winning photography and videography.

This heritage of adapting to the newest technology and redefining industry standards has laid the groundwork for Link To VR’s bold leap into spatial computing, VR, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Forging Innovation Together: WNE and Link To VR Unite

Building on its foundational expertise, WNE and Link To VR’s work is directly responding to Governor Maura Healey’s call to establish Massachusetts as a leader in AI. Link To VR’s leadership in immersive media, collaborating with top-tier industry giants like Dell Technologies, NVIDIA, Intel, and Microsoft, fuels the company’s ongoing mission to “Reimagine the Possible,” aligning perfectly with WNE’s commitment to fostering innovation and preparing students for future-forward industries.

This shared vision has culminated in the creation of the XR Lab at the University. The lab serves as a hub for experiential learning and innovation, offering students access to and training with the latest advancements in extended reality technology.

A Competitive Edge in the Digital Era

“Learning through extended reality gives students a competitive edge in a world where these immersive technologies are transforming industries,” said Marcus Davis, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the XR Lab. “Whether it’s healthcare, education, engineering, or business, XR equips students with the tools to innovate, solve real-world problems, and shape the future of digital interaction.”

In its initial phase, the XR Lab will serve two key functions:

• Enhancing Education—Faculty can use XR to create interactive simulations that transport students beyond the classroom, whether it is exploring world-famous museums, analyzing distant planets, or stepping into historical moments.
• Training for Real-World Applications—Students can practice job interviews through soft skills training platforms, fly drones in virtual construction site visits, or develop skills in AI and spatial computing—abilities increasingly in demand across industries.

Expanding Horizons for Future Creators

The XR Lab exemplifies the transformative potential of the University’s partnership with Link To VR, equipping the next generation of creators and innovators with tools to lead in the fields of immersive media and spatial computing. This collaboration bridges WNE’s dedication to academic excellence with Link To VR’s expertise, continuing a legacy of visual storytelling while forging new pathways in technology and education.

“Extended reality is revolutionizing education by immersing students in hands-on, experiential learning,” said Zemba. “With XR, students don’t just study concepts—they live them. This technology turns abstract ideas into interactive, real-world experiences, fostering deeper understanding and engagement. It is a game-changer for how we prepare the next generation for tomorrow’s challenges.” Zemba’s company, founded in 2016, assists organizations in adopting XR solutions for marketing, corporate events, and workforce training. He sees WNE’s XR Lab as a pivotal hub not just for students, but for industries across the region.

“I am beyond excited to partner with my alma mater to establish the XR Lab at WNE,” Zemba added. “But I am even more excited about how the lab will serve as a hub where industries in our region can come together, learn from each other, and position western Massachusetts as a destination for innovation and business growth.”

The Future of XR at WNE

With its launch, the XR Lab marks a major milestone in WNE’s commitment to blending academic excellence with real-world impact. The space will foster new research, hands-on learning, and industry collaborations, ensuring that WNE students are at the forefront of the digital revolution.

Together, Link To VR and Western New England University are not just imagining the future—they are building it.

Alumni and industry partners are invited to visit the XR Lab and explore opportunities for collaboration. Whether you are an entrepreneur, educator, or professional interested in XR’s potential, there is a place for you in this evolving ecosystem.

For more information, visit wne.edu/xr-lab or stop by D’Amour Library, Room 219.