Innovation Lab



Our Oakwood Innovation Labs and curriculum allow students in grades K to 12 to explore STEAM and media arts through applied technology and project-based learning. They are fully integrated environments that support hands-on, personalized learning - individualized, differentiated, and relevant to each student's interests and experiences. Students in the lab engage in project-based learning activities covering topics including robotics, coding, circuitry, sustainability, and much, much more. These projects will allow students to master next generation skills like critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration.


The Upper School Oakwood Innovation Lab is located in Clark Hall Upper School. The Lower and Middle School Innovation Lab is located in Agnes Q. Monk Hall. Keep up with our students and their work on our own Facebook page and website. I also welcome visitors to see the lab and learn about all the amazing work our students are doing!

Go Eagles!

Chris Young, Upper School Innovation Lab Facilitator
Patsy Johnson, Lower and Middle School Innovation Lab Facilitator


Meet the Facilitators


Chris Young has been our Upper School Oakwood Innovation Lab Facilitator since 2020. Chris received dual BS degrees in Information Systems & Operations Management and Political Science from UNC Greensboro and an MBA from ECU. He comes to Oakwood from PCS as a Computer Science Teacher for the past 12 years with experience teaching coding; computer science discoveries and fundamentals; keyboarding; computer skills and applications; computer skills education; Go Grow – Technology; exploring business, marketing, and entrepreneurship; exploring career decisions; AIG (academically or intellectually gifted); and core connection. Chris has his NC license to teach grades 6-12. Chris is also Microsoft Office User Specialist Certified and proficient in HTML, Visual Basic, ASP, PL/SQL, SQL, SAS, JavaScript, and Python. You can find Chris and the Oakwood Innovation Lab in Clark Hall Upper School.

Keep up with students and their work on our own Facebook page and website, or come take a look at the lab yourself!

Patsy Johnson is the facilitator for our new Lower and Middle School Oakwood Innovation Lab! Patsy received her undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of North Florida and is currently finishing her Masters degree in Adult Education/Leadership from Kansas State University. Before moving to Greenville, she was the STEAM coordinator for Manhattan Catholic Schools in Kansas, working with students in grades pre-k through 8. While there, the middle school robotics team won the prestigious Vernier Engineering award for their self-watering rain barrel. She also created STEAM-based hands-on exhibits for a local Children’s Museum. In addition, she was the Education and Programs director for a Kansas history museum, where she created STEAM-based curriculum and activities with a history twist for the local school system. She loves to combine STEAM with repurposing and reusing everyday items. She is excited for Oakwood students and families to experience this fantastic new lab.


Thank You!


We would like to acknowledge the generosity of the following supporters for helping launch both of our Oakwood Innovation Labs, one of the state's few grades 2 to 12 personalized, project-based learning experiences and environments that increase a student’s capacity through engaged, active, and social problem-solving.

  • Upper School Innovation Lab Donors: Artie & Patricia Rawls, Max Joyner Sr., Jim & Anne Whitehurst, and Tim Clark & Linda Kuhn
  • Lower and Middle School Innovation Lab Donors: Jeff & Shannon Longshore, Robbie & Kristel McLawhorn, Russell & Anna Norris, Jeffrey Potter & Anna Imhoff, and Jim & Rachel Speicher
  • Interior Design: Hite Associates
  • Lab and Curriculum: Creative Learning Systems