Inside Stan State’s library, the Fab Lab serves as a creative hub where students, faculty and staff can explore new skills and hobbies. From digital design and editing software to 3D printing, the lab provides hands-on resources, equipment and workshops that encourage learning through making.
Currently, the Fab Lab is open to the Stan State campus community. According to the Lab coordinator, Melissa Parga, there are plans to eventually expand access to the wider Stanislaus community.
“We’re working on getting the community in here slowly. We do take K-12 schools for visits, we do offer community members to come in for our sewing circles,” Parga said.
Parga previously worked in the Fab Lab as a student assistant for three years before stepping into her current role after graduating. She said that few universities offer maker spaces open to all majors.
“We need something a little bit more inclusive because some students are really interested in 3D printers, but if it’s only for engineering, how would you expect an art student to get to that, or how do you expect a biology student to get to that?” Parga said. “Yeah, there’s just more inclusive ways to do things. And I think the lab is a great way to start.”
Sergio Parga (Geography, Senior) has been working in the Fab Lab for two and a half years and now works as the Student Coordinator. He said the Lab has given him both practical skills and the confidence to pursue projects independently.
“I’ve built an extruder for recycling plastics in here, that one’s still in the works, but I’ve done a lot of the open source in here,” Parga said. “I’ve gotten enough into it that I do have some like equipment myself, so I have my own 3D printers, and we have a vinyl cutter at home.”
He added that the skills students gain in the Fab Lab can be applied to real-world projects or even career opportunities.
“There’s a ton of different equipment, and there’s a ton of different knowledge you can learn here. And that definitely translates to the real world, and a lot of times I tell people, if you’re coming in and learning a certain type of equipment, that can definitely turn into a side hustle for you as you get your career,” he said.
Throughout the year, the Fab Lab hosts workshops where participants can learn to use equipment and work on creative projects. Updates are regularly posted on the Lab’s Instagram page, and registration is available through Warrior Life.
“I definitely love the idea of workshops becoming bigger,” Parga said. “What ends up happening is they learn to love a type of equipment and come in and keep experimenting and that’s one thing that really gets cut out through the public education system. If we lose a lot of that creativity and a lot of that exploration, and the space is perfect to try to bring it back.”
Jake Weigel, professor of art and director of the Warrior Fab Lab, notes that even though Stan State does not offer an engineering major, the Lab provides a space for students interested in design and technology.
“I think in that sense, the Fab Lab can be a resource for people who are looking for something in that space that they don’t, they’re not gonna get it in their class or in their major,” Weigel said.
“Yeah, so I would say it’s a lot. A lot of possibilities here, probably too much in some ways. I think that’s actually a challenge that we have.”
Sophia Angel (Computer Science, Junior), a student assistant in the Fab Lab, says the Lab strives to create a welcoming environment.
“We really, really, really do try to make it a safe space for students, staff and faculties so that they feel free to come in and be creative and create what they’d like,” Angel said.
Angel explained that while the Lab’s machines are free to use, students are responsible for the cost of materials.
“Our machines are all free to use, but we do charge for the cost of materials. So like you say, you wanted to use our printer. If you bring your own roll of photo paper, it’s free to use,” she said.
According to Stan State’s official pricing website, “Our material pricing is at cost or below for Stan State students. For faculty, staff, university departments and external users, prices can be viewed in our Cashnet Store.”
With equipment ranging from 3D printers and vinyl cutters to sewing machines and 3D pens, the Fab Lab provides opportunities for digital fabrication, crafting and creative exploration.
“I think there’s something for everyone in here,” Angel said. “You don’t need to be of a certain major or know certain stuff to come in here. If you just have a goal in mind, something you want to do, come in, ask some questions and find out. I think we’ll be more helpful than what people would think.”
The Fab Lab offers equipment, workshops and open access to support hands-on learning. Donations help fund new tools, materials and opportunities for students, staff and faculty. To learn more or contribute, visit the Fab Lab donation site.
