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Top 7 Collaborations Between JMU Faculty and The Makery

Posted August 27, 2024 in Educational Technology News, Feature Friday, Featured News, Giving to JMU Libraries News, JMU Libraries News, The Makery News

photo of student and staff member working together at a computer that shows an intricate ribbed shoe sole design

You probably know The Makery—the makerspace in Rose Library that offers workshops and multimedia software and equipment to JMU students, faculty, and staff. Maybe you’ve attended a workshop or stopped by to use the sewing machines, laser cutters, electronics workbench, or crafting supplies.  

But did you know that you can collaborate with The Makery on assignments and other academic projects? 

These 7 stories highlight some of the academic projects that were made possible with help from The Makery over the past few years. These exciting projects range from hands-on learning about ancient printing practices to the creation of 3D videos for a virtual reality environment. 

  1. Students Learn Ancient Buddhist Printing in The Makery  
    In this class project, students learned about the ancient art of Buddhist printing by designing and creating printing blocks by hand-carving linoleum or 3D printing their designs.  
  1. If You Can Dream It, You Can Make It: A Shoe Story 
    Students were tasked with designing shoes during their course. One student sought help from The Makery to 3D print his innovative tread design, which was later featured in a fashion show. 
  1. “Making” a Difference in The Makery 
    A former Makery employee shared highlights from his time working for the Libraries, including aiding a professor in recreating historic spaces in 3D and giving tours in VR (virtual reality) as part of a history class. 
  1. A Self-Driving Golf Cart for Retirement Communities 
    A Libraries employee, working with X-Labs in a previous student capacity, used equipment and expertise in The Makery to wire a self-driving golf cart with the intention of sharing it with retirement communities. 
  1. Video Production for Good – A Student Success Story  
    A former Libraries student employee shared his experience making videos for faculty and receiving support from The Makery to produce a 3D video for a virtual reality environment. 
  1. Fragile Supply Chains and 3D Printing in the Classroom 
    As part of a College of Business class about supply chains, a Makery staff member created a custom engine part for a Porsche. Students learned about the role of 3D printing in meeting the need for automotive parts that are unavailable through regular supply chains.   
  1. The Making of a Podcast 
    Two Justice Studies faculty created a podcast for JMU’s Gandhi Center to share their expertise  on topics like public vs. private prisons, the ethics of true crime, and more 

Contact us: Please get in touch if you have an idea for collaborating with The Makery on an academic project.