New Makerspace at VU Amsterdam: Tana introduces innovative space for students

New Makerspace at VU Amsterdam: Tana introduces the innovative space for students.

Tana introduces innovative space for students

VU's Demonstrator Lab (DLAB) has long been a dynamic environment where students and researchers develop and test innovative ideas. This year, there is a new addition to the lab: the Makerspace, specially designed for VU-UT students. Here, Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Creative Technology (CreaTe) students can follow practicals and gain hands-on experience with technologies such as 3D printing and prototyping. Moreover, under the guidance of Cayetana Antón García, better known as Tana, an experienced technician and the new Lab Manager, students can further develop their own skills and bring their ideas to life.

The Makerspace: innovation and creativity in practice

Together with DLAB's team and community managers, Tana provides extensive support to students, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation from within the Makerspace. In this interview, Tana talks more about the new space, her vision of learning by doing and the impact the Makerspace can have on students' development.

In the Makerspace, students can not only take practicals, but also turn ideas into working prototypes. Here, they can explore different technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting and robotics. Tana is enthusiastic about the role the Makerspace plays. "This space gives students a chance not only to experiment with technology, but also to actually create something with impact," says Tana. "It's great to be able to support students in the process from idea to prototype and give them the tools to bring their ideas to life."

Support for students and entrepreneurship

In her role as Lab Manager, Tana works closely with teachers from ME and CreaTe, the DLAB team and community managers to provide students with the right guidance. "We not only provide technical support, but also help students further develop their projects and encourage entrepreneurship," Tana says. "Our collaboration with the community managers ensures that students have access to wider networks and resources, which is 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 are given the opportunity to experiment," she says. "The space is designed for making mistakes, learning and moving on. This is where real innovation takes place."

It is important that students learn through hands-on experience," Tana adds. "Without that hands-on experience, ideas can never reach their full potential."

Sustainability and innovation

Besides 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," Tana says. "It is important that, besides creating new technologies, we 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 wider 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 am happy to be part of a team that wants to continue developing the space so that we can even better support students in their creative and technical processes," says Tana. "Our focus is on strengthening the collaboration between students, researchers and entrepreneurs, and further stimulating innovation."

Getting to know Tana

Want to meet Tana in person and learn more about the Makerspace? Then be sure to drop by DLAB the Makerspace, where Tana and the team will show you the possibilities of this innovative space!