Students Join the Innovation Hub Support Team

As the Innovation Hub opens its doors, students are stepping into roles that will shape its impact across campus. On Tuesday, January 13, approximately 30 Student Technology Assistants (STAs) participated in a full-day training inside the Innovation Hub, gaining hands-on experience with the studios and technologies they will support. The training positioned these students as ambassadors of innovation, service and practical problem-solving. 

Through hands-on sessions, students gained familiarity with the Innovation Hub while learning the importance of creating a welcoming environment that encourages curiosity and experimentation. For students like Paul Belasic, a STA and secondary education and history major, the training highlighted how the Innovation Hub connects creativity, collaboration and future careers. 

"The most valuable part of the training was working directly with the Innovation Hub’s technologies, including 3D printing and virtual reality," Belasic said. "This space encourages creativity and collaboration and it shows how these tools can be applied across disciplines and into future careers." 

According to Marsha Philemon, assistant director of technology operations management for PC Support Services, the Innovation Hub and the STA program are intentionally connected, creating a hands-on learning environment where students support others while building their own skills through real experience. 

"Our students are at the center of the work we do," Philemon said. "Learning to support this space gives our student leaders a chance to develop professionally and contribute in meaningful ways they can carry into their future careers." 

Training Across Innovation Hub Studios 

Training introduced students to the range of studios and support environments within the Innovation Hub, including maker, exploration and content creation spaces. Sessions focused on how each area supports teaching, learning and creative work across disciplines and how STAs can help users navigate the space effectively. 

Across studios, facilitators emphasized a consistent message: the value of an STA lies not in mastering every tool, but in creating a supportive environment that encourages curiosity and lowers the barrier to trying new technologies. Students were trained to assist when appropriate, guide users to the right space and involve specialized support teams when needed.   

"When students support other students, adoption happens faster," said Michael Soupios, executive director of the Teaching, Learning and Technology Center. "In the Innovation Hub, STAs model practical, low-stakes experimentation and help others move curiosity into creation." 

Interested in the STA Program? 

The STA program reflects Seton Hall University’s long-standing commitment to experiential learning and student development, preparing students to support increasingly complex technologies while building communication, problem-solving and leadership skills that extend beyond the University. With the Innovation Hub now open, STAs serve as part of the core support team, expanding access to creative technologies, immersive experiences and hands-on creation across disciplines. 

"The STA program places students in real support roles where they learn by doing," said John Fernandes, senior director of IT service management. "In the Innovation Hub, students are not observers of innovation. They are actively helping others engage with emerging technologies, which builds the experience and perspective they need to succeed in complex, technology-driven environments." 

Students interested in joining the program can apply for Spring 2026 positions supporting the Innovation Hub through the Student Technology Assistant program. Open to students of all majors and experience levels, the program offers hands-on experience supporting academic technology across campus. More information and application details are available at jobs.shu.edu. 

Categories: Science and Technology