Located on the basement level of the Communications, Computing and Engineering building on the Mount Carmel Campus, the Makerspace has a variety of equipment accessible to students, including seven 3D printers, multiple heat presses, two embroidery machines, a sewing machine, two laser engravers, a vacuum former, a 3D scanner, hand tools and vinyl cutters.

The space is managed by Lynn Byers, professor of mechanical engineering. With support from faculty in the School of Computing & Engineering, Byers established the space and purchased the equipment. Now, she oversees the space by managing the recruitment of student mentors, organizing capital requests for equipment and administering trainings to new students.

Additionally, technicians Dennis Hanlon and Chad Henebrink are critical to helping the success of the Makerspace through managing the equipment and supporting the student mentors,

Super users, as the student mentors are called, have been thoroughly trained in the use of Makerspace equipment and serve as mentors in the space.

Charlyse LaMantia ’26, MBA ’27, a mechanical engineering major in the 3+1 accelerated dual-degree MBA program is one of the super users for the Makerspace.

“I support students in using equipment, such as 3D printers, laser cutters and other fabrication tools. My role involves troubleshooting, training, mentoring peers on projects and helping create an inclusive, collaborative environment where students feel confident bringing their ideas to life,” said LaMantia.

LaMantia first learned about the Makerspace while touring Quinnipiac as a prospective student and has now made a tremendous impact on the space as a current student. As they prepare for a career in engineering and project management, LaMantia reflects on the impact that their involvement in the Makerspace has had on them.

“The Makerspace has provided me with opportunities to strengthen my technical skills, collaborate across disciplines and support others in turning concepts into tangible outcomes,” said LaMantia. “I’ve been able to design and prototype engineering components, assist classmates with academic and personal projects and contribute to community-focused initiatives. It has also helped me grow as a leader and mentor.”

Additionally, the Makerspace is an inclusive space that is available to student of all majors and abilities, whether for coursework or personal use.

Vin Coglianese ’28, a nursing major and super user, shares how accessible the space is for students outside of the engineering field.

Coglianese spends about 10 hours per week in the space, and has made a variety of creative inventions, including 3D-printed mask straps for hospital staff to prevent irritation on their ears from traditional masks.

While Coglianese’s future career aspirations are in the nursing field, he describes the positive impact the Makerspace has had on his professional development.

“The Makerspace itself does not relate to my career directly, but the skills I have gained in communications, logistics and organization will help me forever,” said Coglianese. “So many students think it is only for engineering majors, but they should use me as an example of the possibilities.”

In addition to individual projects, the Makerspace also cultivates a sense of belonging for students across the university.

Last fall, the Makerspace hosted seasonally themed events for Halloween and winter festivities. For the latter event, more than 30 students, faculty and staff 3D printed snowflakes to celebrate the holiday season before the end of the semester.

Zach Levin ’28, MBA ’29, a mechanical engineering major in the 3+1 accelerated dual-degree MBA program and a super user, expresses how the Makerspace helps to foster community and connection across the university.

“One time I was in the Makerspace with three friends and the Baja team. We all were hanging out and talking about opportunities, classes and projects we were working on either then or in the past,” said Levin. “I found it calming and fun to be a part of the conversation and getting to know more people at the same time. As much as the Makerspace is a place full of hardware, it's a great place to meet different people too.

The Makerspace is available to students across the university, regardless of training level. Each super user has designated office hours; the schedule is posted outside the room — where students can learn about the equipment and start making their ideas and visions come to life.

Whether prototyping a new invention or crafting gifts for loved ones, the possibilities of the space are endless.