Traditional disciplinary boundaries are broken in the GCI Makerspace. One team may
be working on a virtual reality game while the team next to them is getting ready
to sequence DNA. Equipment in the space supports in-depth work in biology, chemistry,
electrical engineering, environmental science, manufacturing and software engineering.
We have everything from 3D printers to virtual reality software to professional scientific
equipment. Students in the GCI can even apply for small grants to purchase the materials
that they need to realize their projects. You can learn more about some specific equipment
below:
With Schmid College launching its new 3D printing class, Chapman students have just
begun to explore the possibilities of this exciting technology. GCI students currently
have access to:
- Two Ultimaker S5 3D Printers
- A Pulse XE 3D Printer
- Glowforge Pro 3D Laser Printer
- A Carbide 3D Desktop CNC Mill
- 3D Object Scanners
- Over 700 hand tools
Using our 3D printers, students have built an insulin pump, artificial bones, pieces
for a musical laser harp and much more.
In addition to Alienware Desktop Computers, Flatscreen TVs, and Oculus Rift VR Headsets, the GCI makerspace gives students the opportunity to build interactive electronic
devices using Arduino and Raspberry Pi open source hardware and software.
Students have used this hardware to make everything from video games to realistic
simulations of the surface of Mars.
The GCI makerspace provides unique access to industry-standard fume hoods, microscopes, biological incubators, thermocyclers and standard microbiology equipment, giving GCI teams opportunities to conduct experiments
and fully explore areas they’re curious about. Students use aquaria to study the effects
of ocean acidification on algae and assay different antiseptic treatments to determine
their effectiveness at killing bacteria.
Many schools don’t give their undergraduate students access to such instruments.
