Champlain College MakerLab

09/20/2019

Last Monday, several members of the spirited EMC Technical Intern team met to take an exploratory dive into research literacy. All of those big words only mean that they learned how to utilize Champlain’s library database to its fullest extent by using keywords, searching broad terms, and learning which questions to ask.

The interns were led by several of Champlain’s wonderful librarians, including the Interim Library Director, Emily Crist, and the Head of Reference & Instruction, Susan Adkins. The interns learned how to do grounded research projects, with the theme of this exercise centered around “wearable technology,” such as smart watches.

At the end of the event, the interns had learned more about how to utilize vast resources how to do a broad research deep dive into topics to offer a well-rounded review of a topic. And, as you can see by some of those smiling faces and the white board doodles, had some fun.

Thanks to our Senior Technical Project Manager, Adam Walker, for snapping these photos.

10/02/2018

College Magazine named Champlain College the BEST college for video game design.

https://www.collegemagazine.com/10-best-colleges-for-video-game-design

08/06/2018

Another successful workshop! Thank you to our Summer resident artist Sophie Zeman- Hale and our awesome techs Alec and Katrina. Everyone had a blast sewing their stuffed creatures and we couldn't have asked for a better turnout. Thanks everyone!

08/04/2018

Dear friends,
I feel, as the director of the EMC and the MakerLab, I need to address the closing of our Champlain College MakerLab in respect of all the students, staff, faculty and alumni who have made it become a success these last few years. I am proud of the students who are reaching out to be heard. As a fervent believer in the future vision of maker education and its possibilities for craft mastery, critical thinking, creative expression, future employment and entrepreneurship, I am deeply saddened but I am also eternally hopefully towards the College's support of maker education through a Generator partnership.
We sent the following letter Friday after hearing from the college to our student team which should give more insight and hopefully enable all who are committed to work with our administration to make positive change happen:
"We, the EMC Staff, was recently made aware of a difficult decision by the college administration to initiate a merger between the Champlain College MakerLab and Generator. The great work that has been done by all of you to grow the maker community at Champlain and develop the MakerLab into an innovative workspace is undeniable. The administration acknowledged this and pointed out its success as a driving force behind their attempts to find ways to expand a partnership with Generator.
While this news may be unsettling to you as those closest to the MakerLab, we are pleased that the College is committed to maker education, innovation, and supporting opportunities for students. In addition to the resources at Generator, Champlain will be planning introductory programs/classes/etc (yet to be determined) still housed under the Champlain umbrella to serve as a “bridge” to Generator.
Generator is hoping to hire additional work-study students as lab techs to support Champlain users of Generator, much in the same way that the MakerLab techs supported users in the Champlain space. The administration recognizes this is a key part of what has made the MakerLab and the maker community at Champlain successful and the plan is for this to carry on.
In the coming month or so, Champlain will be convening interested groups of faculty, staff, and students to help us envision what the Champlain “bridge” program to Generator could look like. Your voice will be imperative to ensuring a successful and meaningful program that meets student needs. In the spirit of everything we do, we know this will be an iterative process and we hope that you offer your feedback throughout."
—with much love, Ann

07/30/2018

A bunch of photos from French Heritage day in Winooski!

Artist in Residence Sophie Zeman- Hale will be hosting a workshop tomorrow in the MakerLab, the same place where she and the lab techs created this incredible loom! Sign up now for the workshop there are only a few spaces left!

http://bit.ly/sewwrkshp

07/25/2018

Artist in residence Sophie Zeman-Hale is hosting a fiber arts workshop in the MakerLab July 31st from 12:30 to 2pm! Bring your lunch and come enjoy a beginner to intermediate sewing workshop!

Space is limited! Signup below!

bit.ly/sewwrkshp

07/14/2018

Tomorrow Is the French Heritage Day festival in Winooski, Vermont!! Stop but the Heritage Winooski Mill Museum to see Artist Sophie Zeman- Hale and Sarah Jerger's amazing loom project that blends together fiber arts and technology seamlessly. Come check it out!

07/11/2018

Come to the French Heritage Day this Sunday in Winooski to experience Sarah Jerger and Sophie Zeman- Hale's prototype featuring an awesome loom, a cool projector, and lots of local history!

07/11/2018

07/03/2018

Artist in Residence Sophie Zeman-Hale made this awesome loom for a project she is working on with Sarah Jerger!

06/27/2018

Little 3D Printed sculpture of the Emergent Media Center's Lab Technician Connor! Come down the MakerLab to see what you can make!