Students: Discover hands-on creating at OriginLabs this fall

UNIVERSITY PARK – OriginLabs, the prototyping facility located in the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College, is rolling out new student-specific programming this fall. From learning to use a table saw to build a music box, to designing and laser cutting a glowing neon-style sign, the Make & Take event series is designed to give students a chance to learn a skill, make something cool, and take it home. 

Sarah Fasco, who recently stepped into the new role of Student Engagement and Outreach Coordinator at OriginLabs, said these events are meant to be approachable for everyone. No matter their background or experience, any student can attend and leave with something unique they’ve made themselves. 

“Make & Take events are a great opportunity for students who may be new to makerspaces, unsure about using tools, or just don’t know where to start,” Fasco said. “These workshops provide a low-pressure way to do some hands-on creating while getting guided support. Students will walk away with their own handmade item, new skills, confidence in using the tools, and inspiration for future projects they might want to pursue on their own.” 

She added that the Make & Take series is just the beginning for student programming at OriginLabs. On October 6, OriginLabs will also host its first Swag Lab event, which invites Penn State student organizations to come in and learn how to make their own branded club items. 

“We really want to show students what is possible, and that you don’t need to have a background in engineering or design or anything like that to get started,” Fasco said. “Just a desire to create is all you need!” 

Students are encouraged to reserve their spot today. 

 Here is the full fall Make and Take event series schedule: 

• Pumpkin Lantern
  Carve your own Jack-o’-lantern out of metal
  Skills learned: plasma cutting
  When: Oct. 9, 5 – 7 p.m. 

• Acrylic LED Light
  Design in Illustrator, cut with the laser, and leave with your own glowing neon-style sign.
  Skills learned: Illustrator basics, editing images, preparing a laser file, Trotec laser basics
  When: Oct. 23, 5 – 7 p.m. 

• Music Box
  Build a box on the tablesaw, add a light-activated circuit, and make it play a tune every time it opens.
  Skills learned: tablesaw, mitersaw, angled cuts, making slots/slits
  When: Nov. 13, 5 – 7 p.m. 

• Cork Coasters
  Design coasters in Illustrator, cut them with the laser, and personalize a wooden holder to go with them.
  Skills learned: Illustrator basics, image editing, laser file prep, Trotec laser basics
  When: Nov. 20, 5 – 7 p.m. 

• Stratasys Ornaments
  Add textures and paint in Blender, prep your model, and 3D print your custom design to pick up later.
  Skills learned: Blender, UV mapping, texture application, GrabCAD
  When: Dec. 4, 5 – 7 p.m. 

All University Park students are eligible for a free OriginLabs membership. Whether you’re exploring a new hobby, working on a class project, or pursuing your own idea, OriginLabs provides the tools and support to help you bring it to life. Sign up for your free membership today. 

About OriginLabs 

Located at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College, OriginLabs provides access to world-class prototyping facilities to students and faculty from across campus, as well as members of the public from State College and beyond. The OriginLabs facilities enhance the suite of resources available to researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs in the region in the form of sophisticated equipment, free workshops, and expert advice and technical guidance. 

This project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development.