View our exciting upcoming workshops here!
All students, faculty and staff welcome. Drop in 1-4pm on select dates.
Westfield State University Home
Research, Innovation, Design & Entrepreneurial (RIDE) Center
Discover our dynamic learning hub, fostering collaboration, industry partnerships, and hands-on experiences.
Explore the recently renovated Parenzo Hall, where you'll find the Research, Innovation, Design, & Entrepreneurial (RIDE) Center. It's not just a fabrication lab—it's a place for developing innovative ideas and entrepreneurial practices in Western MA. We're dedicated to getting students involved by partnering with external stakeholders and community leaders to address complex problems. We use fabrication and design tools that encourage creativity and innovation, engaging and preparing our students to be thought leaders for jobs of the future.
RIDE Center SPRING 2026 Tool Tuesdays
RIDE Mission Statement
The Research, Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurial (RIDE) Center increases accessibility to technology, innovation, and entrepreneurial practices to accelerate learning and prepare students for leadership and jobs of the future.
Ready to Get Started? Here's What's Next at the RIDE Center.
Whether you're eager to jump into action, meet the team, or explore upcoming events and workshops, you're in the right place. Get ready to start an exciting journey as we guide you through all the opportunities awaiting you at the RIDE Center.
Spring 2026 Tool Tuesdays Are Here!
Join us on select Tuesdays throughout the Spring 2026 Semester and participate in "Tool Tuesdays" workshops designed to introduce users to fabrication tools and creative approaches.
All workshops will be held DROP IN style, 1:00pm-4:00pm, in The RIDE Center Parenzo 110!
February 10th: 3D Printed Valentine's Cookie Cutters (3D printers, CAD design)
February 24th: DIY Laptop Case (sewing machines, textile design equipment)
March 24th: "Spring into Spring" LED Greeting Cards (Cricut Smart cutting machine, circuitry tools)
April 14th: Engraved Wooden Keychains (Epilog laser cutter, CNC router, Canva design suite)
April 28th: "Ready for Summer?" Upcycled Travel Laundry Bags (sewing machines, textile design tools)
Generously Co-Sponsored by: The Glenn W. Bailey Foundation & The Westfield State University Foundation
View the RIDE Center Calendar
Spring 2026 Operating Hours:
Monday-Friday 9am-4pm, or by appointment
*Please contact RIDE Center Coordinator Grace Templeton to ensure someone will be onsite to help you: gtempleton@westfield.ma.edu; (413) 572-8703
Please note: Before you can utilize any equipment in the RIDE Center, you must be trained by a staff member. To learn more information about how to obtain a Skills Badge and schedule time for training, click here.
Virtual Tour of the RIDE Center
Contact Us
Lamis Jarvinen, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Research, Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurial Center
Parenzo 110
Contact Us
Grace S. Templeton
Coordinator, Research, Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurial Center
Parenzo 110
