Students Learn to See (and Share) Science in New Ways at the Laflotte Innovation Lab

Nashua, NH – [October 29,2025] – The Academy for Science and Design (ASD) has unveiled the Laflotte Innovation Lab, an immersive learning and community outreach space where students use cutting-edge virtual reality and artificial intelligence tools to explore science, build communication skills, and inspire others to do the same.

At the heart of the lab is syGlass virtual reality technology, developed by IstosVisio, Inc. (www.syglass.io) The platform allows users to explore complex 3D and 4D data in a fully immersive environment, giving students in grades five through twelve a chance to experience science from the inside out. They can visualize the microscopic structure of a leaf, examine the human body in layers of 3D detail, or collaborate virtually with mentors from premier STEM institutions-- all while learning how to communicate their discoveries clearly and confidently.

“The Laflotte Innovation Lab represents more than new technology,” said ASD Director Jenn Cava. “It’s a space where students learn not only to explore science but to share it-- to take what they’ve discovered and make it meaningful to others.”

The lab’s first visitors were two community based First LEGO League teams, Max Recursion Depth and Sea Serpents, who explored its virtual environments alongside ASD’s own STEM Ambassadors. These student ambassadors will play a key role in the lab’s mission, guiding local youth through immersive experiences and helping them connect with STEM in exciting, approachable ways.

“This space isn’t just for ASD students,” said Duane Laflotte, who, along with his wife Melissa, made a $50,000 lead donation to launch the lab. “We’re so excited to see this space come to life and give our community a hands-on way to explore and connect with this incredible technology.”

The Laflotte Innovation Lab was made possible through collaboration and generosity across the ASD community. In addition to the Laflotte family’s donation, ASD families raised $75,000 to support the project, and a federal Charter School Program (CSP) grant provided additional funding to expand the school’s STEM Ambassador Program-- an initiative that empowers students to become more effective communicators and lead outreach programs in the broader community.

Equipped with high-performance computing systems capable of supporting artificial intelligence and 3D modeling, the lab allows students to explore how technology can be used to analyze data, build models, and share their findings in engaging, understandable ways.

The Laflotte Innovation Lab brings ASD’s mission to life: to inspire the next generation of innovators, communicators, and community leaders. Through immersive technology paired with student-led mentorship, ASD is building a generation that doesn't just understand science, but knows how to make it accessible to everyone.

[ASD invites local community groups to experience the Laflotte Innovation Lab; to schedule a visit, reach out to Jennifer Cava at Jennifer.Cava@asdnh.org or (603) 595-4705.