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More than 100 makers, librarians, educators, and students gathered for the 2nd Annual Makerspaces for Innovation and Research in Academics (MIRA) conference held at the University of La Verne in support of creating and sustaining makerspaces in academic organizations.
Makerspaces are creative environments designed for open collaboration among educators and students that include the use of virtual reality tools, 3D printers, laser cutters, robotics, and programmable electronics. The spaces allow for do-it-yourself projects that can be used in health and sciences, engineering, aerospace, and research fields.
The two-day conference included workshops and presentations on how to find the right tools for academic institutions, the opportunities and challenges to a makerspace, and how to partner…