About Us

NERD (Niceville Engineering & Research Developmental) Lab is a newly established work-learn STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Math) Lab located in the heart of Niceville, FL in Okaloosa County. We are within walking distance to Niceville High School and Ruckel Middle School, and less than 30 minutes to Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, Duke Field, the Northwest Florida State College and the University of Florida Research Engineering Education Facility (UF REEF).

NERD Lab was founded to help expand local STEM activities and experiences, particularly for students that are typically not involved. We are primarily focused on providing student-led materials characterization services, engineering education research, high school science labs and traditional K-12 STEM outreach.

Our vision is to increase the number  of students with positive STEM identities by lowering the barrier to entry through high value, easily accessible real-world experiences. Our mission is to expand the talent pool by exposing, inspiring, and training students in the field of materials and  science engineering (MSEG) through work-based learning opportunities. 

We are excited to join the local and national STEM communities and are eager to help develop the next generation of technical workers!