5 Ways to Use the UNH College of Engineering Makerspace
What is a makerspace? UNH’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) has its own makerspace, located in Kingsbury Hall. Any student at UNH can use this space for projects. As a student-run facility, the CEPS Makerspace strives to create an inclusive, welcoming environment and includes opportunities to receive training and mentorship from student staff.
Pedro Doukas ’26, a mechanical engineering major and co-manager of the CEPS Makerspace, walks you through five ways you can use the CEPS Makerspace as a UNH student. A makerspace is a collaborative place aimed at fostering creativity and problem-solving while allowing access to machines and equipment. These spaces reduce the barrier of entry that can come from limited access to specialized equipment. Here are five ways UNH students can use the CEPS Makerspace.
Pedro working with a student in the CEPS Makerspace
1. 3D printing
The most common way to use the CEPS Makerspace is through our 3D printers, as they are our most popular machines and run almost constantly. The 3D printers are mostly used by students for class and research projects, but professors also use them to create hands-on models to teach their students. The CEPS Makerspace offers many different types of filaments suited for any type of project, such as flexible, carbon fiber, glow in the dark, and more. We also offer a variety of resins available for our top-of-the-line resin printers.
UNH student sewing a beanie in the CEPS Makerspace
2. Personal projects
The CEPS Makerspace is the perfect place to work on your personal projects, including 3D-printed models, electronic repairs, and textile projects. We have a sewing machine that students use to make and repair items for sailboats, theatrical productions, and clothing. The photo above shows a student learning how to use a sewing machine to make custom fleece beanies. He left not only with custom clothing, but also with a skill he can use at any time in the future.
UNH Magic Wheelchair club
3. Student club projects
The CEPS Makerspace is also used by student clubs for larger-scale projects. From building rockets to cars to airplanes and more, the makerspace provides easy access to professional tools that anyone in the community can use. One of my favorite projects that utilized the space was from the Magic Wheelchair club. Students from the club were trained on the electronics table, 3D printer, large format plotter, sewing machine, and hand tools to create Halloween costumes for children with disabilities.
Pedro working with a student in the CEPS Makerspace
4. Laser cutting
Another one of our most used machines and a favorite of the staff is the laser cutter. It is one of the most capable machines with a very small learning curve. Students use the laser cutter to make parts for airplanes, cast molds for concrete canoes, create lumberjack competition awards, and more.
UNH students in the CEPS Makerspace
5. Making new friends
The CEPS Makerspace is not all about making, at least in the physical sense. It is also a great spot to spend time with friends and provides a space to make new friends. The makerspace is the perfect place for study groups, homework with friends, and generally hanging out. The student staff are always happy to help with any topics they are familiar with, such as technical software, part design, and UNH resources.
