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Makerspace

The Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory’s Makerspace offers resources for users to build physical prototypes supporting their biological and environmental user research projects. 

Resources include 3-D printers, laser engravers and cutters, collaborative robotic equipment and liquid handlers, shared collaboration and storage spaces, and dedicated design computers. The Makerspace is staffed by experts in these technologies who can assist you in the ideation phase through the build process. 

Access to Makerspace resources is provided to successfully funded EMSL user projects through open calls for proposals. Those interested in submitting a user proposal to apply Makerspace resources to their project should first contact Kim DeSousa and the related Integrated Research Platform (IRP) leader in your scientific domain to discuss proposals before submitting. 

Users can access the capabilities remotely in collaboration with on-site staff or by visiting EMSL. Staff will provide support and training on the use of Makerspace resources. 

Research application 

Makerspace supports all of EMSL’s IRPs. 

Some examples of use: 

Supporting the Rhizosphere Function Integrated Research Platform, users can work with staff to develop micrometer-resolution, laser-etched 3-D models of soils to study processes using a reduced complexity experimental setup. 

Supporting the Terrestrial-Atmospheric Processes Integrated Research Platform, we develop custom field deployable aerosol capture devices to study rhizosphere processes. 

Supporting the Biogeochemical Transformations Integrated Research Platform, EMSL’s 3-D printers print biologically compatible vessels to study perturbations of microbial growth or interfaces to capture the headspace of a 96-well plate. 

Resources 

  • 3-D printing using filament, resin, or powder-based materials 
  • 3-D scanning 
  • Laser etching (including ultraviolet [UV] laser) 
  • Liquid handler device (OpenTrons OT2) 
  • Collaborative robotic arm (UR5e) 
  • Computer-aided design (CAD) design with CAD software 
  • Mechanical simulations and modeling (thermal, fluid, and liquid flow) 
  • Vacuum ovens 
  • Soldering and electronics workstations 
  • Electroplating  
  • Technologies in the clean room that may also be requested but will be operated by staff include: 
    • Photolithography 
    • Mask alignment 
    • Plasma etching 
    • Sputtering 

Tips for success 

  • Develop a clear concept or idea of what you want to create in Makerspace 
  • Identify the important technical features of what you want to make, including durability, chemical resistance, and resolution 
  • Connect with Kim DeSousa and the related IRP leader 

 

Contacts