Invited Letter: iLab at St. Petersburg College offers unique opportunity for students to work collaboratively in a technology playground

I am writing this letter to express my gratitude for the opportunity to work with Endrit Ngjelina, an exceptional student from St. Petersburg College (SPC), on his research project titled “The Building, Use, and Importance of Intelligent Cameras in the 21st Century." As a Librarian and Assistant Professor managing the Innovation Lab (iLab) on SPC’s Seminole Campus, I have been privileged to work with Endrit and witness his growth and dedication throughout this research project. The iLab is a collaborative learning environment, often referred to as a "technology playground," where people with similar interests in science, technology, engineering, digital arts, and math can meet, socialize, and collaborate while sharing ideas and learning new skills. SPC offers an 8-week Undergraduate Research Experience (URE) program facilitated by faculty mentors in the student's field of interest. My role is to guide students through the research process, produce a collaborative and comfortable environment where they can contribute their ideas, provide access to resources and opportunities, and help students refine their research questions and methodologies to ensure they are on a clear path to success.