Academic Blog Posts

Local ChatGPT: A Board Enclosure for Williams’ Micro AI

By John Stepher Sabio | October 10, 2024

Imagine tinkering with a Generative AI. The orthodoxical scenario with Generative AI is that you ask it a question and it gives you an answer. But this time, rather than … Continue reading

Benchys on Benches and Sailors on Shelves

By Danny Hinh | October 10, 2024

The objectives of this project were to 1) build a 3D model and print from scratch to accumulate hands-on CAD and prototyping experience for future modeling and printing projects, and … Continue reading

Alums touring the Makerspace on Alumni Reunion (June 7-8, 2024)

Alumni Reunion Weekend at the Makerspace

By Divine Uwimana | October 2, 2024

During the sunny and pleasant reunion weekend of June 7th and 8th, the Makerspace was bustling, offering tours and hands-on making experiences to over 200 Williams alums and their families. … Continue reading

Spinning Tales : Arduino Turntable Step-by-Step Tutorial (Part 2)

By Tashrique Ahmed | June 26, 2024

Welcome back to my deep dive into the creation of a low-cost DIY Arduino turntable designed for photogrammetry enthusiasts. In this continuation, I will share a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of … Continue reading

Assembling the Polyformer: Oscar Caino ‘27, a Swarthmore College student (left), and Camily Hidalgo Goncalves ‘26, a Williams College student (right).

Sustainable 3D Printing at Williams College (Part 2)

By Camily Hidalgo | May 23, 2024

Polyformer Updates: My name is Camily Hidalgo Goncalves, and I am a sophomore at Williams College majoring in Chemistry with a Neuroscience concentration. As a Makerspace student worker, I have … Continue reading

Lauren Mukavitz ‘27: In the Makerspace taking the supports off my finished models

Reefs Reimagined: 3D Printing the Effects of Tsunamis on Coral

By Lauren Mukavitz | May 21, 2024

When most people think about coral reef degradation, they often think about bleaching and the effects of climate change. However, coral faces another danger that is hardly talked about—tsunamis. Coral … Continue reading

The Lincoln Logs: Printing for the WCMA’s Emancipation Exhibition

By Harris Longfield | May 18, 2024

Introduction:  My most recent Makerspace academic project was assisting Beth Fischer, Assistant Curator of Digital Learning and Research for the Williams College Museum of Art. My task was to 3D … Continue reading

Screenshot: Experimenting with the Reality Scan smartphone app

Lost but Found in the Photogrammetry World

By Milton Vento | May 16, 2024

The Quandary: Have you ever broken or lost a small part of an important object you value? Perhaps the strap of that beautiful watch you got from your grandma or … Continue reading

Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

Truly-Local Internet: The PiBrary Project

By Gerol Petruzella | May 6, 2024

If a local organization has important information for its neighbors, is there a way it can broadcast directly to them without bouncing the data to Toronto and back? I grew … Continue reading

Simulating Spaces with AR

By Valeria Lopez | May 3, 2024

At age nine, I had a bicycle accident (and yes, for those who know me, I can’t swim, but I can pretty much ride a bike, thank you!). It was … Continue reading

TIDE Grant: Sustainable and Reusable STEM Learning Kits for Students in Under-Resourced 5th and 6th Grade Classrooms

By Elena Sore | April 20, 2024

Written by Divine Uwimana ’27 and Elena Sore ’27 Introduction In an ideal world, students would have equal access to education, but that isn’t the case. While some schools have … Continue reading

Beyond Board Games: Exploring a 3D Printed Catan Boards’ Role in Creativity, Connection, and Vulnerability

By Cara Sturdevant | April 11, 2024

Introduction Few technologies capture the imagination like 3D printing. The ability to bring digital designs to life and hold them in our hands ignites a creative spark within us–or maybe … Continue reading

Architecture in Slices: 3D Printing for the Big Art Show.

By Harris Longfield | April 11, 2024

In my first Makerspace academic project, I jumped into the deep end. My role was to support Giuseppina Forte, the Assistant Professor of Architecture and Environmental Studies, and her students … Continue reading

Pixels or Petals? Comparing Physical vs. Digital Learning Experiences

By Valeria Lopez | April 11, 2024

Learning has not been the same since COVID. Just like the vast majority of students around the world, my classes were interrupted by the COVID pandemic back in 2020. After … Continue reading

Sam Samuel '26 creating a temporary sled guide to saw logs into planks with bandsaw

Whittle by Whittle: Zilkha Center Garden Signs 

By Sam Samuel | April 2, 2024

When I was a prospective student, I recall my host bringing me near the Class of 1966 Environmental Center (“Envi Center”) to meet some of their friends. While passing through, … Continue reading