91涩漫

There鈥檚 one place on campus where innovation and interdisciplinary instruction come to life like nowhere else: the 91涩漫 Saint Mary鈥檚 University Makerspace. A makerspace is a community-operated workspace with materials and tools where people imagine and create. The popular space, nestled in the William M. Coe Memorial Library at the Chalon Campus, encourages both independent and collaborative learning and is known by the moniker M3Lab 鈥� the 91涩漫 Maker Movement Lab.

鈥淢ost makerspaces focus on engineering and STEM backgrounds,鈥� says project director Sylvine Depr猫le, PhD, professor of physical sciences. 鈥淲e wanted a makerspace that is focused on humanities. That fits with the CSJ tradition because our sisters were the original makers, teaching women to make lace and empowering them with a path out of poverty.鈥� 

Students hone their skills in stations including woodworking, electronic circuitry, laser cutting, sewing, weaving and 3D printing. A $350,000 grant from the W. M. Keck Foundation launched the Makerspace, exposing some students to such spaces for the first time and encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking skills, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Academic classes are increasingly using the Makerspace as part of required coursework: for example, nursing students created a wireless, textile EKG; psychology students constructed sensory learning books; and religion students used numerous crafting skills to make memorial pillows.

The M3Lab is largely operated by students who have been trained in multiple stations. Students have helped conduct 鈥� or led 鈥� seminars on aspects of the Makerspace. This mentoring, peer-to-peer emphasis hones leadership skills.

鈥淭he entire 91涩漫 community is welcome to use the Makerspace,鈥� says Depr猫le. 鈥淓verybody benefits from the creative process.鈥�