The Student Innovation Idea Labs (SIIL) spaces have reopened and are available this summer for safe, in-person activities.
Students, faculty, and staff are all welcome to utilize the Maker Studio and Innovation Orchard to create and innovate with unique equipment like 3D-printers, sewing machines, vinyl cutters, and wood-working tools. Each space is operated by friendly technicians available to help the CPP community learn how to use the tools safely and brainstorm ideas.
The last time the spaces were open to the public was for the SIIL’s fifth anniversary celebration from March 2-5, 2020, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic limited access to the campus. While the SIIL programs continued remotely during the closure, it has been more than 15 months since the spaces have been occupied in person by the SIIL staff and students.
SIIL Director Kenneth Lamb and Admin Coordinator Jesus Bermudez have been working hard with their student assistants and technicians to prepare the spaces and ensure they’re ready for the campus community to safely utilize the tools and equipment.
Bermudez, who joined the CPP staff in 2019, has been working with the SIIL since he was a student assistant in 2017. He says his work is fueled by his passion for the spaces and the endless possibilities for innovation. He utilizes the SIIL spaces himself in his free time and enjoys talking with the students, faculty, and staff about their ongoing projects at the spaces.
“We’re excited to finally be back in person and help the students’ ideas come to life!” said Bermudez. “It’s been a lot of hard work getting the spaces ready, but it will be worth it seeing the impressive projects the CPP community comes up with. I am always really inspired.”
Michelle Allende, a SIIL student assistant and an English major, has been working with the SIIL since 2019. She leads the marketing efforts and has helped with all of the SIIL’s workshops and events, including the SIIL’s Maker Studio grand opening in September 2019, the fifth anniversary celebration, and the virtual workshop series SIIL hosted in the spring of 2021.
“We are so relived to be open again in person,” added Allende. “It’s been great to work here and be part of the different SIIL spaces and programs. The spaces are always a fun and interesting place to be, and many students, including myself, associate them with some of the happiest places on campus.”
All SIIL spaces follow current campus guidelines for safety. The iLab space (Bld 98C 6-06) is currently still closed for the summer. The spaces’ hours will change come Fall 2021. Updates can be found on the SIIL Instagram, Twitter and in the newsletter. Please email ilab@cpp.edu with any questions.
Information about the Open SIIL Spaces
- Open Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
- Located on the second floor of Library
- Must reserve a space here
The Maker Studio includes a variety of 3D printers, sewing and embroidery machines, and a vinyl cutter. Workspace is also available to create and assemble ideas, and there are technicians available to help when necessary. This space is for smaller-scale projects that students are able to expand in the future. Visitors must reserve a spot at the Maker Studio in advance through the Library.
- Open Monday & Friday, 1 p.m.- 9 p.m., Tuesday – Thursday, 5 p.m.- 9 p.m.
- Located at Ganesha Highschool
- No reservations needed.
The Innovation Orchard houses the larger machines, such as a laser cutter, a resin 3D printer, a plotter cutter, and a number of wood-working tools. Students can work on large-scale projects here, and there is space available to brainstorm and piece full products together. Technicians will be available to teach and assist when needed.