Tamuk Dec Makerspace

The DEC Makerspace Studio goals seek to:(1) provide students with free access to hands-on, state-of-the-art prototyping technologies;(2) serve as a cultural hub and collaboration space to bolster design within curricula and as an extra-curricular activity;(3) welcome all types of projects, personal and professional;(4) excite students in careers involving creativity, design, innovation, and invention;(5) enable students to tackle open-ended, real-world challenges; and to (6) serve as an exhibit and tour space to enhance the university’s ability to recruit top students and showcase student work through local and national news outlets. The DEC Makerspace Studio will assist engineering, architecture, science, design, and the Arts with their course projects during and after class hours. It will be available to those courses with a research component that can benefit from tools and technology that will be offered through hands-on experiences. The grant funds will be used to provide infrastructure with the goal of institutionalization in a technology-based design and creative computer component lab using design software otherwise not available to students. As suggested by the TAMUK DEC committee representatives the DEC Makerspace studio could offer equipment and software to include top-of-the-line MAC and HP computers, large format printers, 3D printers, Laser Cutter, Scanners, sewing/embroidery machines, student lounge & workstations along with the required server infrastructure, on-site support, and miscellaneous hardware. D.E.C. Makerspace will provide opportunities for: Hands-on learning, Co-working,Self-directed learning,STEM education, Prototyping, Tinkering, and to provide an Open culture. The D.E.C. makerspace, through our library will provide access to services, materials, and skills that patrons may not be able to obtain on their own.