In a move to encourage interdisciplinary research and multidisciplinary collaboration across SMU, two prominent faculty researchers have been named to lead the SMU Technology Enhanced Immersive Learning (TEIL) cluster and oversee the new TEIL Center.
Dr. Tony Cuevas, Simmons Assistant Dean of Technology and Innovation, has been appointed by Dean Stephanie Knight as Co-Director of the Technology Enhanced Immersive Learning (TEIL) Center at SMU. Dr. Eric G. Bing, Dedman Department of Anthropology and Simmons Department of APSM, has been appointed Co-Director by Dedman Interim Dean, Nathan Balke.
Dean Knight says she is excited about the impact Cuevas and Bing will make. “Dr. Bing and Dr. Cuevas are truly a dynamic duo. Their leadership will guide the cluster as it expands interdisciplinary research and development in immersive learning, emerging educational technologies, and transformative pedagogical approaches.”
The TEIL research cluster was created by SMU leaders to bring together researchers, scholars and practitioners with an interest and expertise in immersive learning and AI in education and society to address large-scale questions that require interdisciplinary approaches.
Bing is a professor of global health with joint appointments at SMU in the Department of Anthropology in Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences and the Department of Applied Physiology and Sport Management in Simmons. He has expertise in global health, interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and innovative education. Bing says, “I’ve had the privilege of leading cross-sector collaborations, research initiatives, and strategic partnerships that advance technology-enhanced learning. I look forward to helping lead this multidisciplinary effort that continues to integrate immersive and experiential learning methodologies to enhance education with real-world application.
Cuevas, Assistant Dean for Learning Technology at Simmons and a clinical professor, expressed his excitement about the work ahead. “The new TEIL Center will formalize and further expand on the work of the TEIL research cluster.” Located in the existing lab space in Harold Simmons Hall, the new center will be dedicated to the work of the cluster. According to Cuevas, “It will also provide a space to promote transformational interdisciplinary research in technology-enhanced immersive learning, including basic and applied research, and engaging policy issues to improve our understanding of the interfaces among educational technology and immersive and intelligent learning systems.”
Cuevas has a deep background in educational technology, immersive learning environments, and applied research, and has been instrumental in integrating emerging technologies into pedagogy. His leadership in program development, faculty engagement, and research initiatives will be vital in advancing the cluster’s mission and ensuring its practical impact.
Bing and Cuevas will oversee strategic planning, research initiatives, and the development of collaborative partnerships, ensuring TEIL’s emergence as a leader in immersive and technology-enhanced learning.
Vision for the Research Cluster
The Technology & Immersive Learning Research Cluster will serve as a hub for multidisciplinary collaboration across SMU and beyond. It will:
- Advance interdisciplinary research at the intersection of immersive learning, technology, and education.
- Support faculty and student initiatives in research, development, and implementation of cutting-edge learning solutions.
- Foster partnerships between academia, industry, and community stakeholders to drive innovation.
- Help secure funding and resources to sustain the long-term impact of the center’s work.