Making the Grade
Pop your head into SCU’s Maker Lab and you might see any number of lively activities: a 3D printer training session; IEEE club members working on their entry for the Micromouse Competition; electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering students at open lab hours supporting classwork; credential students from the School of Education gaining new skills and approaches to learning they can take into the classroom as new teachers; individuals, pairs, and teams working on personal projects that just might be “the next big thing”; or a group of middle schoolers being introduced to a whole new world of Making. During Week Ten of the spring quarter, the lab was open 72 hours to students, faculty, and staff across campus, but still couldn’t keep up with demand. Repeatedly, dozens were turned away when maximum capacity was met. As a popular campus collaboration space, the Maker Lab is definitely making the grade!
Lab Manager Anne Mahacek ’13 M.S., mechanical engineering, loves the collaborative vibe of the Maker Lab. “I like the fact that it’s open to the whole university and creates an environment that encourages discussion, trying new things, and just hanging out,” she said. “People help each other here. One may know nothing about the actual project another is working on but might have a tip about how to use a tool, or input on how they had worked through a particular problem.”
Santa Clara isn’t the only community benefiting from this spirit of collaboration. Recently, Christopher Kitts, lab director and associate professor of mechanical engineering, hosted faculty and administrators from 18 fellow institutions for a University Maker Workshop. Participants brainstormed ways to better use makerspaces to advance innovation and entrepreneurially minded learning. “The creation of physical prototype is critical to communicating ideas, engaging those you are trying to serve, and fostering discovery and innovation,” said Kitts.
Discovery and innovation. The Maker Lab is making it happen!
