The Demonstrator Lab (DLAB) at the VU has long been a dynamic environment where students and researchers develop and test innovative ideas. This year, a new addition to the lab has been made: the Makerspace, specifically designed for VU-UT students. Here, students from Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Creative Technology (CreaTe) can attend practical courses and gain hands-on experience with technologies such as 3D printing and prototype development. Under the guidance of Cayetana Antón García, better known as Tana, an experienced technician and the new Lab Manager, students can also further develop their own skills and bring their ideas to life.
Together with the team and community managers at DLAB, Tana provides extensive support to students, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation from the Makerspace. In this interview, Tana shares more about the new space, her vision on learning by doing, and the impact the Makerspace can have on student development.
The Makerspace: Innovation and creativity in practice
In the Makerspace, students not only follow practical courses but can also turn ideas into working prototypes. They can explore various technologies, such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and robotics. Tana is excited about the role the Makerspace plays. “This space gives students the opportunity not only to experiment with technology but also to actually create something impactful,” says Tana. “It’s amazing to be able to support students through the process from idea to prototype and give them the tools to bring their ideas to life.”
Support for students and entrepreneurship
As Lab Manager, Tana works closely with ME and CreaTe lecturers, the DLAB team and the community managers to provide students with the right guidance. “We offer not only technical support but also help students further develop their projects and stimulate entrepreneurship,” says Tana. “Our collaboration with the community managers ensures that students have access to broader networks and resources, which are essential for the success of their projects.”
Learning by doing and experimenting
Tana strongly believes in the principle of learning by doing. “In the Makerspace, students get the chance to experiment,” she says. “The space is designed to make mistakes, learn and keep going. This is where real innovation happens.”
“It’s important that students learn through practical experience,” Tana adds. “Without that hands-on experience, ideas can never reach their full potential.”
Sustainability and innovation
In addition to technological innovation, Tana also hopes to promote sustainability within the Makerspace. “I have a passion for sustainability and want to encourage students to apply sustainable practices in their projects,” says Tana. “It’s important that we not only create new technologies but also think about the impact these technologies have on our planet. Sustainability can and should be an integral part of innovation.”
Tana’s background in the furniture industry, combined with her interest in technology and sustainability, makes her approach to innovation unique. She encourages students to use sustainable materials and think about the environmental impact of their designs, contributing to a broader awareness of sustainability in the tech industry.
The Future of the Makerspace
The DLAB team has ambitious plans for the future of the Makerspace. “I’m happy to be part of a team that wants to continue developing the space so we can better support students in their creative and technical processes,” says Tana. “Our focus is on strengthening collaboration between students, researchers, and entrepreneurs, and further stimulating innovation.”
Meet Tana
Would you like to meet Tana in person and learn more about the Makerspace? Be sure to visit DLAB’s Makerspace, where Tana and the team will show you the possibilities of this innovative space!