MakerLab encourages creativity

Hidden in a small quiet hallway at the Main Campus, sits a peculiar classroom. You may find this room in the T-building, in room T-1034. Should you walk inside, you will discover that it’s not just any ordinary classroom, it’s a MakerLab!

JJC welcomed this magical lab in June 2016. What makes this lab so magical is not just the machines themselves, but also the creative minds behind them.

The Makerlab “encourages collaboration and innovation.” With multiple brains working together, there is no limit as to what you can create! You will find all sorts of neat things all created by these magical machines.

MakerLabs have become a national movement. They are growing at an exponential rate. You may start to see them popping up at different schools nowadays, but JJC is the proud owner of one the only MakerLabs in the area that are open to the community.

Departments all around the school have integrated their classwork with the lab. For example, the veterinary department was able to build a prosthetic leg for a puppy using a 3D scanner. Having state-of-the-art digital fabrication equipment, it’s difficult to not take advantage of these wonderful resources.

Some classes as well have included 3D printing into their coursework as well. The MakerLab includes elements from machine shops, workshops, design studios and collaborative spaces.

“It’s a cool place to hang out,” says Nick Sowatzke, JJC student. Sowatzke first found out about the MakerLab through his EGR-101 course and has since become a regular visitor.

“It’s another skill to put on your resume,” says Debra Daun, MakerLab assistant. “If you’re a dental hygienist, for example, and you have 3D printing skills, you’ll make a lot more money than if you didn’t.”

Should you visit the MakerLab, you’ll likely run into Daun and she will welcome you with a smile. She’ll ask you what brings you in and proceed to give you a tour of the lab. The lab includes resources such as 3D printers, a laser cutter, a vinyl cutter, a 3D carving machine, a large format printer, and many more.

Daun will not hesitate to show you all the cool things made in the MakerLab and the stories behind them. Animals, plant holders, even purses are among some of the many things you can build! Not to mention, the 3D printers can build “up to 70% of their own parts.”

You will be informed of all the activities and workshops the lab hosts and encouraged to create whatever your heart desires – with some training of course. “It takes a while to get the hang of it, but once you learn, it’s really not so bad,” Daun assures.

Daun will eventually take you step-by-step on how to make a creation. You may choose to make a keychain, like one visiting student did. Daun took her step by step, helping her choose a design, a color, and the size. What came out was an adorable and beloved Marvel character in a keychain, Baby Groot!

“I love my keychain, and I will definitely be telling all my friends about this. I can’t wait to come back.”

Students, please keep in mind that this is an open community lab. This means you can bring anybody you would like! Don’t be shy and stop in. You never know what you can create!

Obtainment of a membership will give you access to the MakerLab by appointment and during open lab hours. Workshops and tours are also offered throughout the year for children and adults. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Stop by the MakerLab today or visit www.trainingupdate.org/makerlab to learn more!