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Lubar Emerging Technology Center

The Lubar Emerging Technology Center (ETC) is a place where MIAD students, staff and faculty engage with technologies as they develop. The purpose of the Lubar ETC is to help students learn how to learn to use technology to support their creative practice. All students have full access to the center, regardless of course of study or discipline. The center supports 3 types of digital making: Rapid Prototyping, Immersive Technology, and Physical Computing.

Visit the Lubar Emerging Technology Center here.

Rapid Prototyping:

Rapid Prototyping is the used of computer controlled machines to make three dimensional objects.

(2) Universal Laser Systems 6.150D laser cutters / etchers
(7) Lulzbot Taz 6 FDM 3D Printers
(4) Formlabs Form 2 SLA 3D Printers with automatic wash stations
(1) Roland CAMM-1 GR-420 42” Digital Cutter
(3) Silhouette Cameo 3 12” Digital Cutters

Immersive Technology:

Immersive Technology uses Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality to create compelling user experiences through digital display.  The Lubar ETC has all three of the major VR platforms present in the lab, as well as Microsoft Hololens, ambisonic microphones and 360 degree video cameras with stitching software.

(1) HTC Vive Virtual Reality Headset
(1) Oculus Rift Virtual Reality Headset
(1) Samsung HMD Odyssey Mixed Reality Headset
(2) Microsoft Hololens Augmented Reality Headsets
(1) GoPro Omni 360 degree video camera
(1) Garmin VIRB 360 degree video camera
(1) Sennheiser Ambeo ambisonic microphone with dedicated TASCAM multitrack audio recorder
(40) Google Cardboard

Physical Computing:

Physical Computing is the discipline of making interactive and dynamic physical objects using small computers.

(8) Raspberry Pi 3 mini computers
(20) Arudino Uno microcontrollers
(12) Adafruit Flora and Gemma wearable microconrtollers
(3) Full circuit prototyping stations with Hakko soldering irons, fume extractors, soldering aids, etc.

News

Meet Kas Cook and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project Calvin Sazerac

Cas Kook ’26 (Animation Track in Illustration) is a Dean’s List student from the Greater Chicago area and a recipient of a 2026 Alumni Thesis Award. “Project Calvin Sazerac” is about Calvin Sazerac, a seasoned barkeep, who creates new cocktails for his favorite regulars. When he is challenged to meet the demands of a picky saloon patron, he creates something life changing.

Meet Mac Bronnson and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project MENd

Mac Bronnson ’26 (Communication Design) is a President’s (Honor) List student from Milwaukee and a recipient of a 2026 Alumni Thesis Award. MENd – No Bro Left Behind is a men’s mental health app that is not designed as a mental health app.

Meet Cyrill Reyes and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project NECROZOIC

Cyrill Reyes ’26 (Illustration) is a President’s (Honor) List student from the Greater Chicago area. My thesis is game concept art and visual development of the world of NECROZOIC, a prehistoric fantasy that retells the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Meet Bailey Staerkel and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project Stitched Together

Bailey Staerkel ’26 (Fashion and Apparel Design) is a Dean’s List student from Vancouver, Wash., and a recipient of a 2026 Alumni Thesis Award. My thesis, Stitched Together, is an exploration of Gothic horror through fashion, taking classic horror archetypes and reinterpreting them into a collection of fully realized couture looks.