Jeff Sheldon
Director, Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab
Jeff oversees the Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab, providing spaces and resources for digital skills, prototyping, robotics, sensors, machine learning and data visualization. His work supports digital tools and emerging technologies that advance innovation in agriculture.
What does being an ID3A affiliate mean to you?
When we were developing the Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab, there were conversations about partnering with big-name tech companies to feature their products and branding. It felt very East Coast-West Coast and not very Great Plains. Looking around, I realized the story we need to tell is about how technology advances agriculture and strengthens our communities. That’s the heart of who we are. I feel very fortunate to have been a supporter of ID3A as it came into being and helped define what a next-gen land grant university can be. I’m grateful to contribute to that ongoing story.
What skills, ideas or opportunities do you bring to the program or network?
I grew up taking things apart, learning how things work and finding new ways to repurpose them. That curiosity led me down a long path of creative pursuits, electronics and experimentation. All of that comes together in my work as director of the Innovation Lab, where my team and I help students, faculty, staff and community members develop digital competencies, grow community, support research and curriculum, and explore new technologies. I’m a lifelong learner who loves helping others reach that “a-ha” moment when they discover their own potential in a way they hadn’t seen before. Collaborating with people across K-State has been deeply meaningful, and I’m constantly inspired by the ideas and projects we bring to life together.
What excites you most about being an ID3A affiliate? What are you most looking forward to?
There’s always something new happening within ID3A. Every collaboration is an opportunity to be a part of the challenges and successes happening all around us. I’m energized by the chance to help others reduce barriers, share ideas and strengthen the resources we offer across disciplines. Looking ahead, I’m excited to see how ID3A continues to grow alongside K-State’s strategic plan and land grant mission. The “what ifs” down the road are compelling. Knowing I’m part of a motivated, talented group means none of us has to figure it out alone.
What made you decide to be part of the ID3A affiliate network?
ID3A brings together K-State’s doers, the people who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get a little mud on their boots. I’ve spent many days and nights working alongside ID3A members across Kansas, and I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference this collective effort makes. Being an affiliate is an honor and a way to continue building knowledge, opportunity and resilience within our communities and organizations.
Why do you value working in an interdisciplinary model across focus areas and colleges?
There’s a kind of magic when people from different walks of life and worldviews come together to share their perspectives. Every day I get to see people collaborate, experiment and turn ideas into reality. My daily role with K-State Libraries and the Division of IT is intentionally neutral, which allows me to put all my energy into uplifting both K-State and the broader Kansas community. Helping people tackle those ideas that fall between the cracks and seeing how much can happen when silos come down is incredibly rewarding. Silos are meant for grain, not people.
Why do you feel your background is beneficial to this program?
I enjoy working with teams and sharing both expertise and the journey. I know a little about a lot of things, which helps me connect people and technology in meaningful ways. My academic background is in the humanities, but I’ve always had one foot in technology, so bridging those worlds feels natural. I bring an experimenter’s heart – a curiosity and drive to explore – which fits perfectly with ID3A’s spirit of innovation and collaboration.