The University of Massachusetts Boston is set to have its very own Makerspace Lab this upcoming fall 2016 semester under the collaboration of Apurva Mehta, associate chief information officer of UMass Boston’s information technology department, and HelenMary Hotz, instructor of geography and geographical information systems in the School for the Environment and the College of Science and Mathematics.
The Makerspace Lab will include software used to design 3D objects, 3D printer hardware, and systems that will enable people to set and control printers.
The main aim of the lab is to create a space where faculty, staff, and students from ranging disciplines can come together to create, collaborate, and learn about the different and beneficial ways 3D printing can be used.
The idea came about when Mehta heard about the benefits of having 3D printer labs at different universities.
Ian Roy, the assistant director for research technology and head of Brandeis University’s very own 3D lab, described their lab as a “student-inspired space where [they] are very involved and the driving force in the direction of the lab,” according to Mehta.
The lab will contain two computers—one iMac and one Dell Optiplex—with the software required to create 3D projects. There are also two entry-level 3D printers, one 3D professional printer, and one 3D scanner, all with plans to arrive in the next couple of weeks.
Both Hotz and Mehta have been working on getting the space up and ready since the beginning of the spring 2016 semester.
They have been closely working with the Robotics Club and both engineering and physics departments on campus.
Founding Dean of School of the Environment Robyn Hannigan not only gave her blessing to the project, but also provided the space necessary.
Although it is not officially open until the start of next semester, students, faculty, and staff members are encourange to come and visit the area once it is.
For more questions and information, please visit makerspace.umb.edu.
