Members of the UNMC Makers Club will be taking part in a workshop on Monday and Tuesday at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Nebraska Innovation Studio, to develop a concept for a network of Nebraska makerspaces.
The goal is to link communities and foster the state’s culture of making using tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) routers and woodworking tools.
Workshop objectives include:
- Discussing the “state of making” and makerspaces in Nebraska;
- Learning about the concept of makerspace networks and how they can become engines for informal STEM learning, innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development; and
- Identifying technological, economic and geographic barriers to developing a makerspace network and how to overcome those challenges.
Monday, the event will feature speakers and breakout discussions on the state of making in Nebraska and the potential for a makerspace network. Tuesday is optional, offering training in establishing a makerspace and using equipment commonly found in makerspaces.
“The opportunity to build a statewide network of 3D printing expertise and support is before us,” said UNMC’s Tyler Scherr, Ph.D., a member of the campus Makers Club, which specializes in 3D printing. “I’d strongly encourage anyone interested in medical 3D printing to attend this workshop to listen, learn, share your expertise, and help build the Nebraska network necessary to make truly innovative breakthroughs.”
UNMC’s makerspace is located on the sixth floor of the McGoogan Library of Medicine. For more information on the UNMC Makers Club, check Facebook or Twitter. The group also can be contacted via email.