The Warrior Fab Lab is evolving beyond a maker space into a campus hub for innovation, education and collaboration. Now in its second year, the lab recently launched the Pedagogy of Innovation Teaching Certificate and hosted a poster symposium to highlight faculty and student projects that blend creatively with technology.

Participants in the new certificate program include K–12 teachers, administrators, nonprofit leaders and Stanislaus State faculty. The symposium, held in the Vasché Library L-102, showcased class projects developed through the Faculty Learning Program using Fab Lab tools and resources.

Jake Weigel, art professor and the Director of the Warrior Fab Lab, said the program is about reimagining the classroom in creative ways.

“All of the information and artifacts being presented were created by students, student assistants and faculty in the Fab Lab,” Weigel said. “It’s really a showcase of different projects and activities happening in the Fab Lab.”

Weigel said the lab is also building connections with regional schools interested in using the space. He added that similar events will be held annually to celebrate the Fab Lab’s anniversary.

Nickolas Murillo (Senior, Computer Science), has worked in the Fab Lab for two years and encourages students to explore the space.

“Being able to do something by yourself, learn how to put it all together, and have a deeper understanding of what you can do yourself is an amazing skill that is not recognized but is incredibly valued,” Murillo said.

Providing affordable prices, equitable access to technology is a core mission of the Warrior Fab Lab. According to its website, material pricing is “at cost or below” and can be purchased with a credit card.

Murillo used the lab’s machines to create a ‘deej mixer,’ a physical volume mixer for computers, which typically retails for $50 to $70 on Etsy. He was able to make his mixer for less than $10.

Providing affordable, equitable access to technology is a core mission of the Fab Lab. According to its website, material pricing is “at cost or below” and can be purchased with a credit card.

Oscar Trigueros (Senior, Accounting), said the Fab Lab offers more than just technical resources — it also provides a place to unwind and be creative.

“I enjoy the Fab Lab. It’s a cool, chill space to just sit and get away from the craziness on campus,” Trigueros said. “You can make gifts for someone for very little. The best thing I made was an action figure for my nephew. I painted it too for him at home, and he loved it.”

Trigueros added that the lab’s environment makes it easy for students to relax and start new projects.

“Not very many people are in there, and everyone does their own thing,” he said. “So it’s cool to just go in, do homework, and think of something to 3D print. When all my work is done, it’s relaxing.”

He also noted that a student assistant is always available to answer any questions, and users can choose from a variety of colors for 3D-printed objects.

The Fab Lab regularly hosts free events for students of any major or year. Past activities have included tote bag embroidery, credit card decals, crocheting granny squares, laser-cut key chains, and T-shirt sublimation. While events are free to attend, materials used for personal projects may incur a small cost.

For information on upcoming workshops and events, you can follow the Warrior Fab Lab on Instagram.