Hands-on Learning: The Makerspace and Machine Shop
March 23, 2022
One of the coolest things hiding in the Libra Complex (a network of tunnels connecting all of the academic buildings on campus and containing a lot of the lab space on campus) is the Makerspace and Machine Shop. Both are open to students, faculty, and staff and are used for everything from coursework to personal projects. The Makerspace has everything from 3D printers to a welding station to sewing machines to an audio-visual studio! Part of it is open 24/7 for Mudders (though you do need to pass safety quizzes to use the machines), and some parts are open when the Makerspace stewards (Mudd upperclassmen) are there. The Machine Shop has larger equipment and is open, under the supervision of student proctors, to all students who pass its safety quiz. It’s especially popular with students in E4 (Introduction to Engineering Design and Manufacturing), but lots of different projects happen in it. I encourage you to check out both the Makerspace website and the Machine Shop website for more information!
I actually haven’t used either for any projects, as building things with my hands is not an area in which I excel. However, I asked a couple of students who had what they made and what the experience was like!
Who: Katheryn Wang ‘23
What: A “bedazzled embroidered hat”
Favorite part of the Makerspace: “I love the Makerspace head stewards! They’re so helpful and encouraging.”
Who: Liza Gull ‘24
What: “A sun catcher made out of acrylic! This was for the beloved Art2 class with Prof. Fandell”
Who: Michelle Lum ‘23
What: “For my Intermediate Digital Art class at Scripps last semester, I learned to use the lasercutter in the Makerspace! Our assignment was to use Adobe Illustrator to design four pictograms representing an oblique strategy (which is something that you tell yourself when you’re blocked creatively), and then to use the lasercutter to engrave that strategy into wood. My oblique strategy was ‘shoot for the moon.’”
Favorite part of the Makerspace: “It was wonderful to see my artwork come to life, and the Makerspace Stewards I interacted with were all incredibly nice and helpful!”
Who: Kaanthi Pandhigunta ‘23
What: “A name plaque for my friend’s cast iron pan”
Who: Rosey Sams ‘22
What: “I made a microscope using the 3D printer for my Intro to Optical Engineering class with Prof. Brake.”
Favorite part of the Makerspace: “I love working in the Makerspace because it has so many useful tools and the stewards are always really friendly and helpful.”
