News

Makerspace Student Success Showcased

May 8, 2023

Students presenting on their project. Photo by Ashley Guernsey.
Brianna Bates is one of ten small business owners participating in the first Alaska Interior Business Accelerator. Photo by Jeff Fisher.

Makerspace Students in the Engineering 101 lab class have been hard at work on their student-led projects this semester under the tutelage of Dr. Dustin Ray, mechanical engineering professor, and Tate Barhaug, Makerspace Manager and Teaching Assistant. The class takes place in the Makerspace with the intention of  inspiring students to find creative and practical solutions to challenges. The student teams are first-year undergraduate students who are interested in problem solving, some of whom have declared a major in engineering. 

Projects ranged from a robotic cat toy, partially autonomous ice fishing, an autonomous plant watering system, container greenhouses, and more. 

These projects allowed students to learn skills relating to communication and project management, as well as technical skills in coding, building, and utilizing 3D printers and other specialized equipment in the Makerspace. 

This class is unique because it requires students to write a proposal for their projects’ budget, design, and deliverables. Students whose projects are accepted receive a mini-grant from the Center ICE Seed Fund for up to $300 in supplies to make their project a reality.