The University of Wyoming Innovation Network (UWIN) will participate in the Rocky Mountain RepRap Festival on April 18, according to a statement released April 15. The event, which brings together makers, engineers, artists and innovators focused on 3D printing and digital fabrication, will be held at The Ranch Events Complex in Loveland, Colorado.
The festival is described as the largest regional showcase for 3D printing technology. Jane Crayton, Makerspace coordinator at UWIN, said that a small group of select student employees will represent the university at the event. “Students gain exposure to advanced and experimental 3D printing techniques, emerging tools and the broader maker community,” Crayton said. “The experience supports their technical development, creativity and ability to bring new ideas and knowledge back into the makerspaces to support UW patrons.”
Grant funding covers transportation and participation costs for this professional development opportunity. Student employees attending include Doug Bettger (accounting), Chareasa Bettger (elementary education), Iggy Salazar (physics and astronomy/astrophysics), Ben Evers (environmental system sciences; environment and natural resources), and Sara Cortes (mathematics). Zane Scott and Will Gresham, both part-time assistant coordinators for Makerspace operations, will also attend.
In addition to attending sessions at the festival, UW’s team plans to engage with attendees through a mobile makerspace game designed by student employees. This year’s interactive activity was developed by Evers based on coin-drop arcade games; previous years featured custom cornhole-style games. “As part of this experience, we also design and 3D-print custom coins each year, which serve as the top prize at our booth,” Crayton explained. “This project highlights the creativity, design thinking and hands-on fabrication skills our students develop through the makerspace.”
While in Loveland for the festival, UWIN participants also plan to visit a local makerspace facility to learn about its equipment setups and workflows.
For more information about UWIN’s participation or activities related to this event or other Makerspace initiatives at UWYO please contact Jane Crayton.
