3-D Printing in Academic Labs

Our project details our ongoing work to implement custom classroom aids in our labs using the Snapmaker A250 3-in-1 3D printer. This project had 3 main aims: increase accessibility, supplement student learning, and establish an in-house production space. Each aim was made to address issues facing student success in our labs. The first sought to even the playing field and give each that came through our course the same access to education no matter their accessibility needs. The second aim focused on building from our current coursework using 3-D printed items. With this, we wanted to generate our own models and displays that were tailor fit to the course content. The third and final aim examined the possibility of generating needed lab items (specific slides for blackworm observation, microscope attachments, and general storage solutions) via the 3-D printer setup. As the project evolved, so did a pipeline of Observe-Design-Implement to get our classroom aids from concept to classroom. The project hit delays due to hardware issues and we are currently exploring options to overcome said issues. As we continue our project into the next year, our main goal is to get full production going with an ever-moving cycle addressing all 3 of our main aims.

Joshua Taylor

Academic Lab Manager, Department of Biology

Hands-on graduate researcher experienced in project formation and data gathering. Promoting an exemplary academic record and extensive knowledge of genetic techniques ranging from DNA to RNA analysis

Crissa Cooey

ACADEMIC LABORATORY MANAGER II, Department of Biology

Crissa is a Graduate research assistant and student at WVU. She is also an Academic Laboratory Manager II for the Department of Biology.