The VAR Lab has been shaped by the students, researchers, and collaborators who have worked here. Read testimonials from past members about their projects, experiences, and how the lab helped prepare them for future opportunities.
Remington M. Orange
Immersive Administrator : 2022 - 2026Remington M. Orange
“I was involved with the VAR Lab throughout my time at Penn State Behrend and served as an Immersive Administrator, supporting projects in virtual reality, augmented reality, 3D scanning, 3D printing, digital preservation, and interactive media. My time in the lab helped me build technical skills while also teaching me how to manage projects, collaborate across disciplines, and apply emerging technologies to research, education, accessibility, and rehabilitation. I recently graduated with a degree in Digital Media, Arts, and Technology and a minor in Game Development, and I am now preparing for graduate study in rehabilitation sciences, where I plan to continue working with immersive technologies, digital fabrication, and health-focused innovation.”
Marcus A. Jacobs
Project Manager : 2020 - 2023Marcus A. Jacobs
“Hola! Working closely with faculty and fellow students was both fun and fulfilling, and the projects I contributed to connected directly with my business degree and my master’s degree in project management. Today, I serve as the Borough Manager for the Borough of Wesleyville in Erie County, Pennsylvania, and my time at the VAR Lab helped prepare me for this role through experience in organizational administration, grant writing and administration, project management, and stakeholder coordination. A major part of my interview process involved discussing my work at the VAR Lab, and the individuals who interviewed me later referenced that extensive on-campus professional experience as one of the key reasons they felt confident I could succeed in the position from day one.”
Amanda Welsbacher
Clinical Lab Manager and Research Assistant: 2025 -2026Amanda Welsbacher
“Being a clinical lab manager and research assistant I supported Dr. Shelton with student researcher hiring, project oversight, partnerships, lab events, and ongoing research projects. My time in the lab helped me strengthen my communication, organization, mentorship, and project management skills while learning how to balance multiple responsibilities and deadlines. I am now preparing to apply for PhD programs, with the goal of becoming a professor and running my own research lab, and my experience at VAR gave me valuable hands-on insight into how an effective research lab operates.”
