MACH1 Innovation Hub Welcomes Students Back with “MACH”TAIL Mixer at The Space
On August 28, the MACH1 Innovation Hub welcomed students, faculty, and staff to The
Space Makerspace & Innovation Hub for a “MACH”TAIL Mixer, offering the Stony Brook
community an opportunity to explore the makerspace, connect with others, and discover
the possibilities available to them.
Held during the first week of the fall semester, the laid-back mixer featured complimentary mocktails and light refreshments. Attendees were invited to wander through The Space, learn about its equipment and resources, and see some of the projects and updates that have been taking shape over the summer.
The event was designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of experience level or affiliation. Guests could explore the space, meet the staff, and get a firsthand look at the tools and technologies available to students.
“I love hosting the welcome back mixer at The Space to showcase what we are all about and where we are going!” said Leana Grotz, Collaborative Space Technician and The Space Manager for the MACH 1 Innovation Hub in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Stony Brook University. “Our goal is to welcome anyone of any experience level to give the confidence and community that our students deserve.”
Alexandra Chamas, an undergraduate student and a member of the Vertically Integrated Project (VIP) Team for the MACH1 Innovation Hub, has had a front-row seat to the growth of the Innovation Hub and the community taking shape around it.
“As someone who has been part of the MACH1 team since the very beginning, it has been incredible to watch the growth over time,” Chamas said. “The MACHtail Mixer really captured this evolution. The Space felt alive, collaborative, and full of momentum. It was exciting to see new members not only engaging with the space but also asking how they could become part of the team. Seeing people eager to step into something we have all worked so hard to build and improve is genuinely exciting to me. I can’t wait to see where it goes next!”
Adding to the welcoming atmosphere, attendees received MACH1 stickers and temporary tattoos, along with 3D-printed fidget spinners made at The Space. The event also gave students an opportunity to interact with staff and fellow Seawolves in a relaxed setting.
Student Julianna Wehmann, who tended bar at the event and served mocktails, highlighted the community aspect of the mixer and the excitement surrounding the makerspace.
“We look forward to seeing students come down and utilize the Makerspace to let their innovations and design come to life,” Wehmann said. “It was great meeting new Seawolves and I look forward to helping them all in The Space, don’t forget: if you don’t know what to do, find someone in blue.”
Explore The Space
The Space provides students with free access to a growing selection of equipment and resources for hands-on making, prototyping, and design. Current resources include a variety of hand tools, 3D printers, soldering equipment, circuit prototyping tools, a vinyl cutter, and more equipment to come.
Students can complete training through Brightspace before using the available equipment. Whether they are experienced makers or simply curious about trying something new, The Space offers an opportunity to turn ideas into tangible projects and develop practical skills along the way.
For more information about The Space, available resources, and student training, visit The Space Makerspace & Innovation Hub.