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 Founders Hall (Lower School). 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!

Cierra Rogers is the facilitator for our new Lower and Middle School Oakwood Innovation Lab! Cierra has experience in STEM education, project-based learning, and curriculum development across elementary grade levels. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a Science concentration from East Carolina University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and was recognized on the Chancellor’s List. Most recently, Cierra served as a STEM Encore Teacher and Learning Program Lead at Eastern Elementary School in Greenville, where she designed and launched a K-5 STEM learning program focused on hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences. She has also taught 1st Grade, led after-school science remediation programs, and collaborated on school improvement and instructional leadership initiatives. Cierra brings a collaborative and energetic approach to the classroom and looks forward to working with students across the Lower and Middle School divisions.

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 K 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