UC offers first-ever Maker Break intensive
Students can participate in maker activities, earn certifications during spring break
Spring break is traditionally a time for relaxing, having fun with friends and making memories.
This year, students opting for a Cincinnati spring break staycation can bring home some unique souvenirs — objects they’ve crafted themselves in the University of Cincinnati Ground Floor Makerspace.
Between March 13 to 17, for the first time, the Makerspace is offering a Maker Break intensive for students. Located inside the 1819 Innovation Hub, the space will host a variety of maker activities and certifications.
“The Maker Break intensive is a fun way to bring students together during spring break to develop skills using tools and equipment that they might not have access to otherwise, and to forge collaborations to address problems that matter,” said Benjamin Jones, manager of the UC Ground Floor Makerspace.
Who can participate
All UC students are eligible to join in on the fun, including:
- Students with some maker interest but who have not had time to explore
- College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) and College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) students who need a certification to complete a capstone project
- Any group that wants to learn a new skill or bring a creation to life
While the maker camp is focused on students, non-students also may participate. All participants may sign up for one, or as many programs as they like.
The Maker Break intensive is a fun way to bring students together during spring break to develop skills using tools and equipment that they might not have access to otherwise and to forge collaborations to address problems that matter.
Benjamin Jones Manager of the UC Ground Floor Makerspace
Why it matters
Combining technology, creativity, and hands-on experiences contributes to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and problem-solving skills.
"It is a great opportunity for students to get up to speed with a wide range of equipment as quickly as possible,” Jones said.
Workshops and certificates
Make-and-take workshop activities during Maker Break will include:
- Flexible molds
- Wood charcuterie boards
A full schedule of the most popular certifications also will be packed into the week, such as:
- Laser cutting
- Woodshop
- 3D scanning
Jones said any student looking for certifications in key areas to complete their capstone should register as soon as possible to reserve their spot.
As certification sessions fill up, Makerspace staff will add more to the schedule. Jones encouraged students to check back if an activity they want to sign up for is closed, in case another date becomes available.
Featured image at top: Students weld in the UC Ground Floor Makerspace. Photo/Lucy Weaver, University of Cincinnati
Get involved at the Makerspace
Check out our full list of certifications and workshops for Maker Break and register today.
Learn more about the UC Ground Floor Makerspace.
Related Stories
UC, Lt. Gov. Husted celebrate success of Ohio IP Promise
November 16, 2022
University of Cincinnati President Neville Pinto, UC Executive Vice President Ryan Hays, Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and entrepreneurs within the Cincinnati Innovation District today celebrated the economic impacts of the Ohio IP Promise — a statewide commercialization initiative launched in 2019 that streamlines the patent and licensing process, enabling inventors to own their intellectual property.
Ohio IP Promise helps researchers commercialize their ideas
November 17, 2022
Researchers at colleges and universities across Ohio used to face a number of obstacles when it came to commercializing their ideas.
UC researcher receives grant to develop new breast cancer treatment
October 7, 2022
A University of Cincinnati Venture Lab-backed startup is developing a breast cancer treatment that may be more effective with fewer side effects thanks to RNA nanotechnology that is similar to what was used to produce COVID-19 vaccines.
UC-backed, alum-founded startup featured in Business Courier
November 23, 2022
From a pool of more than 1,000 applicants nationally, a University of Cincinnati Venture Lab-backed startup was one of just six companies selected for a 12-week accelerator program.
Delivering fresh discoveries
November 21, 2022
A boomerang best describes Dan Whitacre’s career path. No matter where the flight course led, he always returned to Kroger. Five times over the last four decades. As senior director of Kroger Labs and Transformation, a University of Cincinnati alumnus and adjunct professor, Whitacre is the first to tell you that his career journey studying to be an electrical engineer and computer programmer has had many twists and turns.
‘Empowered to drive innovation’
November 22, 2022
For the second year, four students from the University of Cincinnati have been named University Innovation Fellows (UIF), a program run by Stanford University’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design.
UC senior licensing associate paves way for invention success
July 6, 2023
Meet Madison Bourbon, a University of Cincinnati staffer who helps harness the intellectual capital discovered at the university. Bourbon is a senior licensing associate for the Technology Transfer team in the 1819 Innovation Hub and is pursuing her master’s in molecular genetics, biochemistry and microbiology at UC.
University of Cincinnati Esports highlights eventful first year
July 5, 2023
In August 2022, UC opened the esports lab in the 1819 Innovation Hub. Since then, the lab has become a hub of activity, providing a home base for the UC esports club and a tournament venue for statewide esports programs, benefiting gamers and STEM students.
University of Cincinnati physicians and researchers who have revolutionized health care
July 12, 2023
For decades, University of Cincinnati researchers who were also affiliated with UC Health have pioneered medical breakthroughs that have transformed the landscape of health care.
UC startups recognized by Cincy Inno for commitment to innovation
June 7, 2023
The University of Cincinnati's entrepreneurial spirit is once again front and center. In a recent Business Courier article touting the finalists in an awards competition by Cincy Inno, 20% were UC-affiliated startups.