Makerspaces

The Hive is the student organization that runs the Interdisciplinary Design Commons, Georgia Tech's electrical and computer engineering makerspace. The Hive's community is truly unique, made up of peer instructors and end-users new and old; all hoping to bring to life "whatever's in their crazy brain of theirs". Dane Wrye, the Outreach Officer at The Hive, shares his experience as an officer and peer instructor working at the IDC. He recounts some of the craziest projects he's witnessed in the IDC including a fire breathing dragon float.

The Interdisciplinary Design Commons is the newest Makerspace on Georgia Tech's campus. It is student operated by the organization known as The Hive. The Hive strives to teach students practical skills in electrical and computer engineering while fostering a unique community of inventors, designers, and engineers. Alyson Lam, the Communications Officer for The Hive, tells of her experience joining The Hive community and of the communities importance to the Georgia Tech campus.

The Aero Maker Space is a community that opens its doors wide to any student who wishes to design prototypes, learn new tools, indulge in research, or simply make new friends. Located in Weber on Georgia Tech's campus, the Aero Maker Space is run by specially trained students known as mentors. Dr. Claudio Di Leo, the faculty advisor, tells the story about the origins Aero Maker Space and how it has evolved over time into a bigger, diverse community. Dr. Di Leo delves into the projects, machinery, and experiences he's had at the Aero Maker Space, and discusses how the students and community have impacted his life.

The Invention Studio is a student-run organization full of problem solvers and hands-on thinkers. It is 3,000 square feet within the Flowers Invention Studio and has amassed millions of dollars in machines through industry sponsors and donations. Danielle Newman, the Shop Manager for the Invention Studio, explains the role the Invention Studio has played in her life, specifically its effect on her sense of community within Georgia Tech.

The Invention Studio is home to a great community of problem solvers and din-thinkers. It offers many opportunities for student visitors, users, and for its student leaders, peer instructors. Emaad Shamsi, the Communications Director for the Invention Studio, explains the role the Invention Studio has played in his life, specifically its effect on his professional career.

The Invention Studio community began in 2009 in a mailroom and as since grown to become one of the top Makerspaces in the country. Dr. Amit Jariwala, Faculty Advisor to the Invention Studio, explains the history and creation of the Flowers Invention Studio. He explains the important role of the student peer instructors and the trust maintained between the student leaders and the university.

The Invention Studio at Georgia Tech sets itself apart from other Makerspaces across the country. It matters not your GPA, major, or interests. Anyone has open access to the creative space for their projects. Matthew Dick, a Prototyping Instructor (PI) at the Georgia Tech Invention Studio, talks about the history of the Makerspace and how it is used.