Makers and Innovators Course at UNLV: Master Makerspaces and Drive Innovation

Why Makerspaces Matter in Higher Education

In recent years, universities worldwide have recognized the pivotal role that makerspaces play in fostering practical learning. A makerspace provides students with hands‑on access to advanced equipment—laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC mills, and electronic workstations—allowing them to test ideas and iterate designs quickly. For a fast‑moving field such as engineering and technology, this immediacy translates directly into higher engagement and stronger problem‑solving skills.

UNLV’s unique position in the high‑tech corridor of Las Vegas makes a makerspace an essential asset. Students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) gain access to industry‑standard machines inside the innovative Advanced Engineering Building (AEB) in a setting that mirrors typical professional workplaces. When learning where to place a component in a printed circuit or how to balance a structural model’s geometry, the experience in a makerspace grounds theory in reality.

Course Overview and Learning Outcomes

The Makers and Innovators course is an Honors‑level seminar designed for students who have never worked in a machine shop before. It is open to majors across the spectrum—from accounting to architecture—provided they have a curiosity about how ideas transform into physical objects. The semester‑long class does not impose a single project; instead, each participant selects a personal design challenge, ranging from a functional circuit to a sculptural object.

After the course, students can expect to:

• Navigate a modern makerspace safely and responsibly.
• Translate a concept into CAD and fabricate it using appropriate tools.
• Iterate prototypes through measured feedback.
• Apply engineering fundamentals—mechanics, materials, electronics—in real‑world contexts.
• Document the design process with clear visuals and reflective journal entries.

Why This Course is Differently Valuable

Unlike laboratory‑only classes, the Makers and Innovators course emphasizes production mindset. Students receive “safety training workshops” and guidance on the library’s makerspace, as well as coordinating with the Menhendall Machine Shop—where many senior engineering teams track their prototypes. This alignment ensures that the experience mirrors the production pipeline found in today’s tech industry.

Hands‑On Equipment and Resources

The AEB Maker Space houses a wide variety of equipment: laser cutters for precise material removal, dual‑material resin printers for intricate prototypes, CNC milling machines for subtractive fabrication, soldering stations for electrical boards, and sheet‑metal tools for custom cabinetry. The course also offers exposure to software such as Autodesk Fusion 360 and SolidWorks for CAD design, as well as troubleshooting tools like oscilloscopes and multimeters.

Materials for building prototypes are stocked on a rolling schedule; students receive operational guidance on paying for consumables and selecting the right alloy or polymer for each task. These resources help students move beyond the “maker’s hack” to professional design loops. The tools are also available for future Capstone and Senior Design projects, giving students a head start for the next semester’s project demands.

Project Examples and Student Experiences

Carol Daguer, a sophomore in mechanical engineering and Honors College, used the makerspace to prototype a functional circuit that pulls data from a battery and displays it. The experience highlighted the benefit of a supportive learning environment: “I can fail, try again, and persist—this is exactly what the design world expects.”

Anna Weigand, dual majoring in Entertainment Engineering and Design (EED) and Civil Engineering, combined her audio‑visual experience with engineering knowledge to produce LED circuitry. She noted, “Seeing a math concept come to life makes it tangible—no more abstract.”

Other students tackled projects such as creating a 3D‑printed sculpture, fabricating a custom keychain, and building small robotic mechanisms. The range of projects illustrates the course’s potential to nurture interdisciplinary collaboration—students often form groups spanning different majors to tackle larger, more complex prototypes.

Faculty Insight and Instructional Approach

The course is led by Camren Wakefield, a graduate of UNLV’s EED program and the lab coordinator for the Introduction to Materials Science and Fabrication class. Wakefield’s teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in project‑based learning, encouraging students to “push themselves” while tailoring the difficulty of a project to their individual skill level.

Wakefield’s experience as a non‑traditional student informs his approach. He designs the course to accommodate part‑time students, providing flexible scheduling and clear documentation. He also uses project logs to give students real‑time feedback, mirroring the structure of design reviews in industry.

AI is treated as a tool, not a replacement. While AI can test design potential, the course requires hands‑on verification, ensuring that students develop critical thinking skills that technology cannot replicate.

Preparing for Real‑World Innovation

UNLV’s makerspace environment reflects the fast‑paced nature of tech sectors. The semester-long project cycle mirrors a typical product development sprint—students ideate, prototype, test, and iterate. Those who finish the course often find they are better prepared for senior design competitions, startup accelerators, and graduate programs.

The makerspace also connects students to the broader ecosystem. The library’s makerspace, the Menhendall Machine Shop, and the campus’s startup incubator collaborate, creating a network that encourages cross‑disciplinary exposure and real‑world partnerships. The course positions students at the intersection of engineering, design, and entrepreneurship.

How to Join the Makers and Innovators Course

Students wishing to enroll should contact the Honors College office and verify prerequisites such as safety workshop completion. Application is streamlined:

• Submit a brief statement of purpose—explain why you want to explore a makerspace and what you hope to build.
• Polish your Capstone or senior project timeline if you plan to reference the tools you’ll learn in this class.
• Meet with the instructor for a pre‑course orientation.

Practical steps include reviewing the makerspace access policy and booking a workspace ahead of the semester. Once enrolled, you will receive automated reminders about equipment reservations and safety briefings.

Resources and Further Reading

To deepen your understanding of makerspaces and design thinking, the following resources are useful:

• Hailey’s Hand 3D‑Printed Prototype – a testament to the quality of equipment.
• EED Program Accreditation – showcases the caliber of disciple cross‑teaching.
• 25‑Year Capstone Competition – illustrates industry‑level challenges.

Whether you’re a budding engineer, a design-focused student, or an entrepreneur exploring product development, the Makers and Innovators course offers concrete skills that translate directly to your future career. Envision not only creating a prototype but building the confidence to iterate, collaborate, and innovate.

Ready to experience hands‑on learning that sets you apart? Submit your application today and join UNLV’s pioneering makerspace community. Explore how the classroom can become your workshop, and let the next part of your academic journey start with a prototype.

Thinking about where your design skills could take you? Schedule a free consultation with the Honors College to discuss how this course aligns with your career goals.

Want to learn more about other hands‑on courses available at UNLV? Explore related programs on the university’s website and see what else might spark your interest.

Have questions or a unique project idea? Share your experience in the comments below—your story could inspire peers who are exploring makerspaces for the first time.