See a glimpse of the RIDE Center throughout the 2025-2026 academic year.
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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 Impact Report 2025-2026
RIDE Center Fall 2026 Mocktail Mixer is back!
Thursday, Sept. 17th, 4-7pm
University Hall, Westfield State University
RSVP now!
RIDE Center FALL 2026 Tool Tuesdays
Get ready for some exciting Fall 2026 workshops!
All students, faculty and staff welcome. Drop in 1-4pm on select dates.
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.
For Students
For Faculty & Staff
Fall 2026 Tool Tuesdays Are Here!
Drop in on select Tuesdays throughout the FALL 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!
September 22nd: DIY Dorm Signage (Canva design suit, Epilog laser cutter)
October 6th: Turtle Coding & Embroidery (Coding, TurtleStich embroidery software, Embroidery machine)
October 20th: 3D Printed "Constellation" (3D printers, CAD)
November 17th: Textiles: Reusable Coffee Sleeves (Sewing machine, Cricut Smart cutting machine)
December 1st: Circuitry: USB Reading Light (Electronics, Circuitry, soldering equipment)
Generously Co-Sponsored by The Westfield State University Foundation
View the RIDE Center Calendar
FALL 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
