Scot Ackerman MakerSpace at Tulane University Wiki
A MakerSpace has been described as new amalgam of art, craft, and technology. Our goal is to serve all makers, and potential makers, in the Tulane Community[1]. We do so by providing tools, assistance, and ideas. Commercial use of the MakerSpace is not allowed. We provide 3d printer filament and laser plywood for academic and personal use projects. If in doubt, questions about interpretation should be directed to the Director before a project is started.
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Just Getting Started?
Where are we?
[Google Map] [Aerial view] If you're using Google Maps, just type WVPH+RH in the search box.
When are we open?
Click on "MakerSpace Access" to see our hours of operation.
News and Updates
News
- Prof. Nicole Gasparini's students are helping special needs children experience different forms of topography and soil. The project involves using 3-D printers and laser cutters at the Scot Ackerman Makerspace to create synthetic landscapes that can be used to simulate volcanoes, tsunamis and earthquakes.
- Maker Ninja Meghan Bush, interning in NASA'sPhotovoltaic and Electrochemical Systems Branch, bested 200 other interns to win the first GlennTalks Live competition. Bush won for her project "Characterizing Photovoltaics in a Near-Space Environment."
- In August 2018, four Tulane students represented the University at the Make48 College Challenge. The TV show filmed at that event, in Baltimore, was edited into 10 episodes, broadcast on WYES and WLAE in Fall 2019. Or you can stream it; meet the team from 14:44 to 17:22 of thefirst episode. The team's product pitch starts at 9:41 on the fifth episode and the winners are announced at 23:05 on the same episode. There's also a brief video clip featuring the Tulane students, a Q&A interview and a promo for the entire series.
- Our water jet cutter is in service. David, the factory rep, trained 16 users in two sessions. The machine cuts steel, glass, ceramics, aluminum and any hard non-porous material. Bring your material and a .dxf or .svg file and the Ninjas can help you.
- The 2019 Burton Morgan Foundation Novel Tech Challenge was won by two Biomedical Engineering students who developed and prototyped their project in the MakerSpace, and are now creating the initial clinical testing production run of their invention on our 3d printers.
- Jamie Milstein, a Senior in the Freeman School of Business, came to the MakerSpace a week before a pitch competition asking our Ninjas to teach her how to create a full scale model of her product idea. In three days, she learned how to use the 3D printers and made a great prototype. Then she won $10,000.
- The Maker of the Year Award recipient for 2019 is Lewis Greenstein. Scroll down to the photo of his winning submission.
- Our new Epilog laser cutter, with a 48"x36" bed, is in place and available.
- The MakerSpace is now the Scot Ackerman MakerSpace, after a generous gift from Scot Ackerman, a 1978 graduate in Biomedical Engineering.
Maker of the Year
The 2020 Maker of the Year Award, funded by a generous gift from Lary Walker (G ’76, ’79) is presented to Brigid Bendig '21 (Public Health).
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Shapes 
Tactile Book
Brigid described her work: "I created a tactile book for use by patients at a pediatric occupational, physical, and speech therapy center here in New Orleans. This project required use of many different systems in the MakerSpace including the Epilog Lasers, the 3D printers, and the sewing machine. Using a wide variety of machines allowed me to incorporate a multitude of textures such as wood, foam, and felt into the book. It includes many different pages as well as three additional boxes that allow patients to familiarize themselves with shapes, letters, and numbers. These include a wide range of tasks such as letter puzzles, shape matching, as well as activities similar to touch math. The activities can also be used so patients to practice more advanced skills such as counting and spelling. I was very excited to be able to present such a great project to the therapy center and none of it would have been possible without the MakerSpace."
Architecture Laser Cutter
The School of Architecture's large format laser cutters are available to MakerSpace users. Currently they charge $10/hour ($3 minimum) for machine time; payable with Splash card or check. They have extended operating hours. Go to http://architecture.tulane.edu/dol/reserve-laser to schedule time on one of their three 32"x18" laser cutters. File formats are PDF or Illustrator. As with our Epilog laser cutters, use a line width of 0.001" to vector cut. Be sure to set your document size to their bed size of 32"x18" which is different from the bed size of the Epilogs. Bring your material and files (on a USB drive) to room 104 of Richardson Memorial Hall; student workers are there to help you get set up.
Links on this Wiki
- Hours, location, and contact information.
- Schedules and information on training courses offered in the MakerSpace
- Policy on payment for project fabrication - Tulane clients only
- Links and information concerning the tools we have in the MakerSpace, grouped by category.
- Information on safety procedures and training, plus links to instruction manuals for equipment.
- A list of software programs that are available to students, with notes on their use.
- Supplies on hand at the MakerSpace, and where to find them.
- Information about suppliers and other online resources.
- Samples of projects and instructions for doing them yourself.
- Access the digital library for MakerSpace books and resources
- Examples of projects built in the Tulane MakerSpace.
- Information on those involved in building, managing, and improving the Tulane MakerSpace.
MARS (Makers And Robotics Society)
- Connect with the Tulane Makers and Robotics Society.
- Methods for supporting the Tulane MakerSpace
The New Orleans Maker Community
New Orleans has a long history of artistic creation, and that creativity is now expressed in a vibrant maker community. The Tulane MakerSpace is proud to be a part of this community. Other members include
FabLab NOLA, at Delgado Community College, open to the community
Entrescan, professional advanced manufacturing services.
Real DFM, professional design and production studio
Makers of N.O., local Makers group
The Mystic Krewe of the Silver Ball
