New Engineering Makerspace Sparks Manufacturing Innovation, Collaboration, and Research at Widener
Engineers are creators. Across the specialties in Widener’s School of Engineering, future engineers are taught how to create systems, structures and products.
Recent funding has kickstarted the next generation of creation with updates to spark manufacturing innovation, workforce development and collaborative research across Widener’s engineering programs and beyond.
The funding turned an existing lab into a reimagined makerspace and machine shop. According to Babak Eslami, associate professor and chair of mechanical engineering, the enhancements deliver more than lab upgrades—they create a launchpad for innovation, creativity and professional level engineering experience.
My dream is that a student can come into the shop with an idea in their head, draw it by hand or on CAD software, and fabricate something to have in hand before they leave, all under the same roof." —Babak Eslami, chair of mechanical engineering and co-principal investigator.
The Kirkbride Hall-based makerspace is the result of more than $550,000 in funding from the prestigious National Science Foundation and the George I. Alden Trust.
Since last fall, a suite of new industry-level technology has been added, including an automated machine tool called a CNC lathe, a high-intensity laser cutter capable of cutting and engraving non-metal materials, and four dedicated workstations, with advanced computers that are connected to seven 3D printers.
“My vision is coming to fruition because of the computer and fabrication capabilities that we now have,” said Eslami, who is principal investigator on both grants alongside Kamran Fouladi, associate dean of engineering.
The foundation award, dispersed under its Experiential Partnerships for Innovation and Collaboration program, will also directly support the launch of the Engineering and Manufacturing Innovation Center at Widener. The developments will position the university as a regional hub for rapid manufacturing, applied research and workforce development in emerging technologies.
On campus, the updates have already enhanced hands-on learning for students like Clauddavid Guerrier ‘27, a junior mechanical engineering major. A self-described 3D printing hobbyist, Guerrier says the updates give him the tools to design, build, and test his creations.
“I've always liked working with my hands and bringing concepts to reality. Now that Widener finally has a realized machine shop and makerspace it feels second nature for me to be there,” said Guerrier.
While in the lab, Guerrier and his peers can access industry level machinery with increased fabrication capacity in an environment that mirrors real engineering workplaces. A dedicated team of lab technicians and engineers guide students through training and projects.
“I didn’t know how to solder, didn’t know much about coding or much about 3D printing starting my junior year. But now as a second-semester junior, I feel very confident in making pretty much anything I need,” Guerrier added.
The upgrades dramatically increased efficiency as well. Production time now takes a day instead of weeks for most jobs, benefiting instructors like Steven Pagano, assistant teaching professor.
Engineering faculty (left to right) Saeed Tiari, Kamran Fouladi, and Babak Eslami are co-principal investigators of the NSF EPIIC grant.
“The new makerspace has improved efficiency and opened a whole new set of tools for us as faculty. We can now prep materials for lab courses in less than a day of work,” said Pagano. “We’re also able to rapidly 3D-print small, simple widgets that demonstrate linkage or gear motion in classes like engineering dynamics or kinematics. Efficiency like this directly impacts our courses and how we prepare for them.”
The new facility isn’t just more efficient; it’s more educational. With more equipment available, students can prototype repeatedly, gaining true engineering experience through trial, error and refinement.
Before, failing was not an option because it would take too long. Now, students are able to fail properly, they're able to fall down but pick themselves up with the help of the techs. We're learning so much more.” —Clauddavid Guerrier '27
That access has deepened both academic and creative exploration. As part of the grant funding, Widener is working alongside partner universities to lead the Building Relationships in Innovation and Development for Growth in Emerging Technologies project, or BRIDGE-TECH, to contribute to and nurture regional and national innovation ecosystems.
“BRIDGE-TECH positions Widener to be a stronger partner to industry and a more effective contributor to regional innovation,” said Saeed Tiari, associate professor, chair of biomedical engineering and a NSF co-principal investigator with Eslami and Fouladi.
The expanded production capabilities and creation of the Engineering and Manufacturing Innovation Center enable Widener to broaden its collaboration by offering hands-on training and workshops and research opportunities to academic partners and rapid manufacturing and prototyping services to local businesses.
Connect with the Makerspace and Machine Shop
Students and interested external partners are invited to contact the lab directly for use and collaboration opportunities.
