SW New Mexico News

The Learning Games Lab team at New Mexico State University has been honored with the 2024 Intellectual Property Award presented by NMSU’s Arrowhead Center and the Office of Research, Creativity, and Economic Development. During a ceremony held at the Bobby Lee Lawrence Wine Academy at Gerald Thomas Hall, the team was recognized for their outstanding work in developing intellectual property that brings societal, industrial, and commercial benefits.

“Our team was surprised and honored to be recognized by Arrowhead with this award,” said Amy Smith Muise, Innovative Media Research and Extension editor. “Over the years, we have benefited tremendously from Arrowhead’s expertise and guidance on technology licensing."

The Intellectual Property Office at Arrowhead Center plays a crucial role in assisting NMSU faculty and staff in obtaining patents to protect their innovative discoveries. Patricia Knighten, director of Innovation Commercialization at Arrowhead Center, emphasized the importance of commercializing innovations to reach a broad audience and generate revenue for the university. Knighten stated, “The Learning Games Lab team has developed numerous educational products, using their research to make an impact... The significance of this award is that it is a commercial license on a global platform and will be accessed in multiple languages, to a worldwide community."

Barbara Chamberlin, the head of the Innovative Media Research and Extension Department, highlighted the lab's commitment to improving lives through research-based information. Chamberlin expressed pride in the team's extensive portfolio of educational products, stating, “We believe we can do that best through more than 40 games and interactive tools copyrighted New Mexico State University, which are played millions of times each year.”

Dean Rolando Flores Galarza of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences commended the Learning Games Lab team for their efforts in enhancing the learning experience for students nationwide. Galarza stated, “We are extremely proud of the work they are producing. The IP Award is a well-deserved honor.”

In collaboration with Game Learning, LLC, the Learning Games Lab has expanded its reach through commercial licensing agreements facilitated by Arrowhead Center. Chamberlin expressed gratitude for the partnerships that enable the lab to serve diverse audiences and ensure the sustainability of their products. Knighten added, “They are working with their partner to translate them into multiple new languages, to reach users in many countries and communities."

The Learning Games Lab's dedication to research and innovation extends to a wide range of educational topics, including financial literacy, food safety, math education, and various fields of agricultural science. Chamberlin emphasized the importance of staying connected with youth to meet evolving educational needs and preferences.

The Learning Games Lab serves as a valuable research facility and learning space, providing youth programs in digital literacy and media design. The lab's ongoing research informs the development of effective educational tools and contributes to the advancement of knowledge about digital and interactive media.

For more information about NMSU’s Learning Games Lab, visit https://innovativemedia.nmsu.edu/.