By Katelyn Schwab
Just inside the entrance to Adelphi University’s library, the Innovation Center, a 2,000-square-foot facility, is making a big impact on campus. The space can hold up to 40 people and serves as a hub for collaboration where students and faculty come together to work on projects, share ideas and explore solutions. Students can stop by to do homework, meet friends or grab a coffee while brainstorming. Others might be working on cutting-edge technology, preparing for a group presentation, or participating in workshops that spark creativity and innovation.
The Innovation Center offers resources like 3D printers, augmented reality exhibits and an idea board where students can propose improvements in exchange for a cup of coffee. Christopher Storm, Adelphi’s provost and executive vice president, said the purpose is to “build internal relationships with faculty and students across programs and foster collaboration.”
Reopened in August 2024, the center is under the leadership of Lee Stemkoski, associate chair and a faculty member in Adelphi’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. The reopening marks a shift from its original “outside-in” approach, which focused on addressing challenges faced by industry partners and nonprofits.
Storm noted that the initial model emphasized connecting external challenges to university classes through experiential learning.
“A big aspect of the programming was these experiential learning classes, and they did touch a number of faculty in different programs and many students actually benefited from those classes,” he said.
Instead, the emphasis is now “inside out,” Storm added, so the Innovation Center has chosen to focus on building connections within Adelphi first.
“We should start with what we have at Adelphi, build internal relationships with faculty and students across programs, and then bring external influences into the academy,” Storm said. “Coming out of COVID, it was just a good time to pause and think about the whole thing.”
This shift to an “inside-out” approach has made the Innovation Center a central resource for fostering collaboration. For many, it is no longer just a space for academic projects but a community space where students and faculty can connect and create ideas together.
“When I got here, I didn’t feel like I belonged,” said Junior Okene, who transferred to Adelphi in 2022 after a three-year break from school. “I didn’t see familiar faces or places. The Innovation Center changed that. It’s like a Grand Central Station for campus resources.”
Okene, a junior, now works at the center, helping students connect with resources and navigate its offerings. “It feels great when I’m able to help someone figure out what they need or how they can use the space to make something happen,” he said.
Okene’s experience reflects what many students have expressed: that the Innovation Center isn’t just a physical space. It’s a welcoming environment that fosters meaningful connections.
“The library is supposed to be quiet, but the Innovation Center is a place where you can talk,” said Tahir Peele, a senior and computer science major. “People feel comfortable walking up to groups and starting conversations. It’s inviting.”
Acting major Alex Gaeta, a sophomore, highlighted how the center stands out on a campus often divided by major. “Adelphi is very segregated by major,” they said. “This is one of the few places where you don’t need to be a certain major to get access.”
The center’s size, while cozy, also contributes to its appeal. “It’s like a café with friends,” Okene said. “You can have one-on-one conversations and it feels personal.”
At the heart of the Innovation Center’s success is the idea board, a simple tool that
allows students to share suggestions in exchange for coffee. Each week, dozens of sticky notes appear, with ideas ranging from small additions like charging stations to larger initiatives like campus scooters.
“I get about 50 new ideas a week,” said Stemkoski, who is affectionately called “Stem” by students. “A lot of the things happening around the center started from ideas on the board. Students asked for 3D printers, so we got them. They asked for a charging station and we made it happen.”
Junior Wallie Moid, a psychology and computer science double major, shared how impactful the idea board has been. “I suggested bringing back 3D printers and now they’re here,” they said. “It’s amazing to see ideas turn into reality.”
Even ideas that aren’t immediately feasible are acknowledged. “We’ve had requests for things like free food and campus-wide scooter systems,” Stemkoski said. “While we can’t fund those right now, I always bring them to the administration to see what’s possible.”
Among its many offerings, the center has introduced students to artificial intelligence through interactive exhibits and workshops.
“We’ve had a couple of presentations on AI,” said Stemkoski. “There have been faculty workshops on AI, and we’ve even brought in external speakers. AI is a very hot topic.”
Interactive displays have included conversational AI chatbots, augmented reality and holograms. “It’s not just about showing off the technology,” Stemkoski said. “It’s about engaging students in meaningful conversations about how these tools can be used.”
Faculty members have also embraced the Innovation Center as a model for collaborative learning. Melanie Bush, a sociology professor at Adelphi, uses the space to teach classes focused on community and justice. “It’s warm and flexible,” she said. “The setup makes it easy for students to share ideas and engage with one another. It’s a model for what classrooms should be.”
Most traditional classrooms, Bush explained, aren’t designed for the kind of group work and experiential learning she emphasizes in her teaching. “The Innovation Center has moving walls and whiteboards in the middle,” she said. “It’s perfect for discussions and collaboration.”
For Storm, the Innovation Center is an example of Adelphi’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges. “There are problems in the world that require input from multiple fields. The Innovation Center activates that kind of collaboration,” he said.
In addition to its physical space, the center has become a key resource for academic growth. It frequently hosts workshops in partnership with the Office of Undergraduate Research, offering sessions on finding mentors and securing funding. These events often attract students who might not have otherwise considered research opportunities.
Despite its growing popularity, the Innovation Center faces challenges. Awareness remains a significant issue, as its location in the library—the first door on your right when you enter Swirbul—makes it easy to overlook. The space is nestled among other smaller areas, like the treadmill and McMillan viewing rooms, and it’s right across from the librarian's desk.
“People walk right past it,” Okene said. “There’s no big sign to grab attention.”
Stemkoski acknowledged the need for better outreach. “We’re applying for grants and fundraising to improve signage and expand what we can offer,” he said.
As the Innovation Center evolves, its impact on campus life is undeniable. For students like Okene, the center is more than just a room. “This place gave me a sense of belonging,” he said. “It’s where I fit in.”
The Innovation Center represents a bright future for Adelphi, where collaboration and community are at the forefront of its culture.
What to Know
Location: Swirbul Library, First Floor, Adelphi University
Reopened: August 2024
Director: Professor Lee Stemkoski
Key Features:
Idea Board: Sharing an idea in exchange for a cup of coffee and voting on others’ suggestions with star stickers. Successful ideas have included 3D printers and charging stations.
Interactive AI Workshops: Explore augmented reality, conversational chatbots, and more.
Collaborative Space: Movable walls and whiteboards create a welcoming environment for group work and brainstorming.
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