UNT MindSpark

Hello and welcome to another episode of “Ignite.” This week we will be joined by Jerry, a DIY-er in his own right as he tells us all about his past experiences with working with tools, as well as some of his current projects. He'll also give you the run down of where to use tools and how to use them safely and efficiently.   Host: Jerry Johnson Editor: Jerry Johnson Producer: Jerry Johnson Executive Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez and Steven Sparkman Music : Once In Paris by Pumpupthemind on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-once-in-paris-168895/

Hello and welcome to another “What's your Spark?” This week we are doing a flash from our recent past with Grant. While we have had Grant on the podcast before, definitely not with this great of audio quality. Let's have a chat with our now Team Lead and learn about him all over once again.   Host : Jerry Johnson Editor: Jerry Johnson Producer: Jerry Johnson Executive Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez, and Steven Sparkman Music: Sunset Vibes(Lo-fi/chillhop) By 23843807 on PixaBay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-sunset-vibes-lo-fichillhop-9503/

Welcome back to another episode of maker Life Stories. Joining us will be 3 fantastic members of the Fat Cat Fab Lab over in Greenwich, New York. Today we'll learn what all this space has to offer for those in the New York area as well as get insight from our 3 guests. There are also some tidbits about the history of the location and some of the projects that have been/are being worked on as we speak. We are happy to be able to showcase this makerspace and all the cool things that they have going on. Host : Jerry Johnson Editor: Jerry Johnson Producer: Jerry Johnson Executive Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez, and Steven Sparkman Music : Spirit Blossom by RomanBelov on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-spirit-blossom-15285/

Welcome back to another episode of Ignite. Joining us today, we have Grant, one of our leads and SS3s here at the Spark makerspace. Grant is going to let us into the world of 3d modeling using his favorite software Shaper3D. He's also going to tell us more about some of the projects he's used this software for as well as some advice for those that want to get into 3d modeling like Grant. Host: Grant Guedry Editor: Jerry Johnson Producer: Jerry Johnson Executive Producer: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez, and Steven Sparkman Music: Breeze - Soothing Lo-fi music 78BPM by Migarajay on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-breeze-soothing-lo-fi-music-78bpm-13596/

Welcome back to another episode of what's your Spark! This episode we will be joined by Spencer. One of our newly appointed SS3s here at the spark. We'll learn about Spencer's background in game design as well as what he aspires to do in the future. Also learn with some of Spencer's quite insightful takes and philosophies.   Host: Jerry Johnson Editor: Jerry Johnson Producer: Jerry Johnson Executive Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez, Steven Sparkman Music: Chillhop Beat "Thousand Miles" by Music_Unlimited on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chillhop-beat-quotthousand-milesquot-113254/

For this episode of Maker Life Stories, we will be joined by the fantastic folks over at The Forge. Join us in order to learn more about this fantastic makerspace located in the North Branch Library and all of the services that they offer to all those in the Denton area.   Host - Jerry Johnson Editor - Zane Crider and Jerry Johnson Producer - Jerry Johnson Executive Producers - Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez, and Steven Sparkman Music - Lofi Chill (Medium Version) By BoDleasons on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-lofi-chill-medium-version-159456/

For this episode of Ignite, we are joined by one of our makers, Zane Crider. With his extensive history dealing with not only music, but also music production, Zane will give you some of the advice that he's learned throughout his years. As well as, some recommendations for those that want to get into this field.   Host: Zane Crider Editor - Jerry Johnson Producer - Jerry Johnson Executive Producers - Judy Hunter, Alondra Lopez, Jake Jacobson, and Steven Sparkman Music - Sunset Vibes (Lo-Fi/Chillhop) By 23843807 on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-sunset-vibes-lo-fichillhop-9503/

Description: During this episode of What's your Spark, we are joined by Jason, A computer science major here at UNT. He hopes to get into a master's program focusing on AI. So, join us, and learn all of this and more in this month's episode.   Host: Jerry Johnson Editor: Jerry Johnson Producer: Jerry Johnson Executive Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez, and Steven Sparkman   Music: LoFi Study by FASSounds on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-lofi-study-112191/

This month on Maker Life Stories, we are joined by 3 individuals from CATalyst Studios over from the University of Arizona. It was an absolute pleasure having them on the podcast to tell of how things are run over there along with all of their personal experiences or running a makerspace as well as the unique challenges, they have to overcome. Some of the equipment they offer is 3D printing, crafting supplies, sound equipment, laser cutters, and much much more. They also have access to sound rooms, and a full green screen room as well. Learn more at their website : https://lib.arizona.edu/catalyst   Host: Jerry Johnson Editor: Zane Crider Producer: Jerry Johnson Executive Producers: Judy Hunter, Alondra Lopez, Jake Jacobson, and Steven Sparkman Music: Lost Ambient Lofi 60s by Lesfm on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-lost-ambient-lofi-60s-10821/

This month for Ignite, we have one of our fantastic makers Dax on to tell us all about the creative applications of 3D modeling and how to get into them. Dax specifically has a fair amount of experience in Blender, A free 3d modeling software, that he will tell you all about.   Host : Dax Laber Editor: Zane Crider Producer: Jerry Johnson Executive Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez, and Steven Sparkman Music: Once In Paris, by Pumpupthemind on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-once-in-paris-168895/

For this month on What's your Spark, we have Vic interviewing one of our makers, Sierra. Sierra is a Graphic design major here at UNT. You'll learn that and a whole lot more during this week's episode.   Host : Vic Lozano Editor: Zane Crider Producer: Jerry Johnson Executive Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez, and Steven Sparkman Music: Coffee Chillout by RomanBelov on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-coffee-chill-out-15283/

In this episode of Ignite, we have Rae Flores, our illustration specialist. She will go into detail about how she fell in love with art from a young age and how she has grown into the career path. She will also give all of those that are interested in starting in the field a good direction in order to achieve their goals through both software and hardware means.   Host: Rae Flores Editor: Zane Crider Producer: Jerry Johnson Executive Producer: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez, and Steven Sparkman Music: Chill Lofi Song by VirtuoSound on Pixabay Chill Lofi Song | Royalty-free Music - Pixabay

In this episode of Maker Life Stories, we have had the absolute pleasure of meeting with Joey Gottbrath from the Jacobs Institute of Design Innovation, located at UC Berkley. The Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation is UC Berkeley's interdisciplinary hub for learning and making at the intersection of design and technology. They see design and technological innovation as integrally linked: innovation opens possibilities and extends the reach of design, while design links new technologies with human experiences and ensures that innovation truly benefits people and communities. Bringing together technical depth, design methodology, and a focus on societal impact, they aim to educate students who understand both the under-the-hood details that make something work and the big-picture context that makes something matter.   Host: Jerry Johnson Editor: Zane Crider Producer: Jerry Johnson Executive Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez, and Steven Sparkman Music: Empty Mind By Lofi_hour on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-empty-mind-118973/

In this episode of What's your Spark, I had the absolute please of meeting with Noah, one of the fine members of our team.  Noah is a computer science major and has had several opportunities working with highly prestigious companies through a series of internships. Today we'll be able to delve in and see what Noah is all about.   Host: Jerry Johnson Editor: Zane Crider Producer: Jerry Johnson Executive Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez, and Steven Sparkman Music: Sunset Vibes (Lo-fi/chillhop) By 23843807 on Pixabay Sunset Vibes (Lo-Fi/Chillhop) | Royalty-free Music - Pixabay

Makerspaces are unique to their community, grow based on the demands of their audiences, and are always evolving to support the cross section of innovation, education and development. In this series we engage Makers from all areas of the maker movement to share how successful makerspaces' have forged their story. Description: EPIC is an impressive 15,000-square-foot, multi-million dollar engineering, and manufacturing facility located in the heart of BU's Charles River Campus. Some of their main goals are to prepare student to work and design for the industries of the future, to enable students to apply theory to real-word problems, provide a welcoming environment to foster innovation in interdisciplinary teams, among others. Tasker is the laboratory manager for EPIC. Tasker earned his BA from Bates College in studio and performing arts, followed by an Associate of Applied Science degree from Dunwoody College of Technology with a concentration in Machine Tool Technology. A love of design, fabrication and technology led to positions in a variety of industries – including special effects for television, toy design, 3D printing and product design. After serving as the Mechanical Prototyping Lead at Continuum, a global innovation and design consultancy (www.continuuminnovation.com), he turned to the field of education – where he served as a Technical Instructor at MIT for several years, mentoring students in the practical application of new technology and the process of iterative prototype development. He lives in Natick Massachusetts with his wife, two boys, two cats, and a dusty barn full of pinball machines. Host: Jerry Johnson Producer: Jerry Johnson Editor: Jerry Johnson Executive Producers: Alondra Lopez, Jake Jacobson, Judy Hunter Music: Lofi Chill by FASSounds on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-lofi-chill-140858/

Ignite, is a series from the UNTMindSpark Podcast team focused on enlightening the audience with information from pre-career, mid-career, and post-career industry specialists to get a well-rounded idea of how to be success in a given industry. We will explore how to pull together education and experience to be well prepared for a career in the field. Description: Hello and welcome back to Ignite! Today's host Jerry will be telling you all about his expertise in Audio production. This will give you almost all the info you would need to get started in this field. Please enjoy! Host - Jerry Johnson Producer - Jerry Johnson Editor - Jerry Johnson Executive Producers: Alondra Lopez, Jake Jacobson, Judy Hunter, Steven Sparkman Music: Embrace by ItsWatR On PixaBay https://pixabay.com/music/future-bass-embrace-12278/

In this series, we take some time with an team member from the Spark at the University of North Texas and share a bit about them, including how they got into making/creating to find their unique spark. In this episode we met with Zane. Bio: Zane is currently a Music Education major here at UNT, playing saxophone. He specializes in audio visual work here at the Spark, but also has history with hands on woodworking and various other making skills. His favorite album is Glow Pt 2. by the Microphones and favorite movie is La La Land.    Host: Jerry Johnson Editor: Zane Crider Producer: Jerry Johnson Executive Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez, Steven Sparkman

Description: Hello Everyone and Welcome back to the UNT Mindspark podcast. We are very excited to be back with a whole host of fresh new faces and of brand new topics to pursue. We hope that you will join us all very soon. Host: Jerry Johnson Producer: Jerry Johnson Editor: Jerry Johnson Executive Producers : Jake Jacobson, Judy Hunter, Alondra Lopez, Steven Sparkman Music: Coffee Chill Out By RomanBelov on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-coffee-chill-out-15283/

It's been a wild year full of new experiences both inside the makerspace and outside. So it is with a great pleasure the we present the 2022-2023 UNT Mindspark wrap up. Join us as we move our way through this past year and experience some of the things that we have talked about with our many guests on the show. This will be the last UNT Mindspark podcast until September of this year (2023), however, we will be coming back better than ever, with a lot of the same but potentially some new stuff. I hope to see you all there. Host: Jerry Johnson Editor: Jerry Johnson Guests: Brett from Catapult Lakeland, Tasker from EPiC, Grant, Liberty, Vic, Vivek, and Jaden. Producer: Jerry Johnson Executive Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez, Steven Sparkman Music: Empty Mind by Lofi Hour on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-empty-mind-118973/

Title - Ignite - Sewing and Textiles Hosted by Tori Perez Description :Welcome to Ignite. The show that will ignite your spark and give you information that you need for this small spark to become the flame of passion for whatever field you want to be a part of. In this episode we have Tori giving you all the details you need for the realm of Sewing and Textiles. She also gives you the information that you would need if you are interested in getting started. Music: Coffee Chillout by RomanBelov on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-coffee-chill-out-15283/ Host: Tori Perez Editor: Jerry Johnson Producers: Vic Lozano, Jerry Johnson Executive Producers: Jake Jacobson, Judy Hunter, Alondra Lopez, Steven Sparkman

Title: Jaden, What's your spark? Description: Hello, my name is Jaden Oldham. I am majoring in a Bachelors of Arts in Music and I play the trumpet. I have been working at the Spark for about 5 months now; it's a great job! One of my favorite things to do at the Spark is 3D printing, designing something then seeing it person is always really cool. Lastly, I really enjoy getting to collaborate with my coworkers and share ideas. Editor: Jerry Johnson Producer: Jerry Johnson Executive Producers: Jake Jacobson, Steven Sparkman, Judy Hunter and Alondra Lopez Music: Chillhop Beat "Thousand Miles" by Music Unlimited on PixaBay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-chillhop-beat-quotthousand-milesquot-113254/

In this series we engage Makers from all areas of the maker movement to share how successful makerspaces' have forged their story. Makerspaces are unique to their community, and grow based on those who use them. Description: Catapult Lakeland is a 40,000 square foot entrepreneurial center located in the heart of Lakeland, Florida. It is a place for all of those that are innovators, learners, visionaries and so much more. Some of the goals of Catapult Lakeland is to increase the viability of startups in lakeland, providing value-added educational opportunities, and much much more. Brett, who was originally brought on board for consulting, is now the head supervisor over the Catapult makerspace. As a child, he has always had a knack for making, from taking his toys apart as a child to working as a welder and diesel mechanic in college while earning his degree in financing. He has always had that spark within him to make. This makes him feel right at home surrounded by all these brilliant minds that are always willing to help. Music: Lofi Chill By FASSounds on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-lofi-chill-140858/ Hosted By Jerry Johnson Audio Production by Jerry Johnson Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez

Description : Ignite, is a new series from the UNTMindSpark Podcast team focused on enlightening the audience with information from pre-career, mid-career, and post-career industry specialists to get a well-rounded idea of how to be success in a given industry. We will explore how to pull together education and experience to be well prepared for a career in the field. Welcome to the first episode of Ignite, a show that will ignite your spark and give you the information you need for this spark to become the flame of passion for whatever field you're interested in. In this episode we have Vic exploring, offering insights and guidance, while giving you an introduction to the dynamic industry of media production. Music : https://pixabay.com/music/future-bass-let-it-go-12279/ Let it go by ItsWatR on PixaBay.com Editor: Jerry Johnson Host : Vic Lozano Executive Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez

In this series, we take some time with an team member from the Spark at the University of North Texas and share a bit about them, including how they got into making/creating to find their unique spark. In this episode we met with Vivek. Bio: Hey there, I am Vivek Kurapati an Electrical Engineering major currently in my junior year at UNT. As a maker at The Spark I train patrons on 3D printing, photography, Cricut, soldering and laser cutting. Music : Lo-fi Chillhop Beat Background Music by Music Unlimited Lo-Fi Chillhop Beat Background Music | Royalty Free Music - Pixabay Editor : Abbi Luton Producer: Jerry Johnson Executive Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez

In this series we engage Makers from all areas of the maker movement to share how successful makerspaces' have forged their story. Makerspaces are unique to their community, and grow based on those who use them. The Texas Tech University Library offers a newly-expanded Makerspace with 3D printing, 3D scanning, laser cutting, textiling, and other maker technology in an area available to all students, faculty, and staff. Their mission is to provide excellent service in helping you develop your ideas and bring them to life. Guest: Ryan Cassidy is the Innovative Technologies Librarian at the Texas Tech Makerspace located in Lubbock, Texas. He was a member of the taskforce that was put together in order to find out what students believed a makerspace is and helped create the makerspace at Texas Tech. Music: Jazzy By MagikSolo on PixaBay https://pixabay.com/music/beats-jazzy-123128/ Hosted By Jerry Johnson and Liberty Walker Audio Production by Jerry Johnson Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez

In this series, we take some time with an team member from the Spark at the University of North Texas and share a bit about them, including how they got into making/creating to find their unique spark. In this episode we met with Vic! Hey! My name is Vic Lozano. I am finishing up my second to last semester at UNT. I am majoring in media arts and minoring in photography. I have been with the Spark for about six months now and have really enjoyed learning all the ins and outs of the Spark, I mainly work on creating graphics and videos for the Spark. Music: Lofi Study by FASSound Lofi Study | Royalty Free Music - Pixabay Hosted by: Jerry Johnson, Spark Knowledgist 2022 Sound Production: Jerry Johnson Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez

SubZero is a heavyweight robot that battles in the Battle Bots league. Team XD runs that but and they join us o this episode to talk about how they got into the sport and making of the bots. https://www.facebook.com/SubZeroBattleBot https://teamxd.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4aV6KxRZz0

In this series we engage Makers from all areas of the maker movement to share how successful makerspaces' have forged their story. Makerspaces are unique to their community, and grow based on those who use them. Hack.RVA is located in Richmond, Virginia. Hack.RVA is a nonprofit makerspace that is entirely run by members of its community. They have a very welcoming community for all that want to learn and use the equipment while also sharing in that comradery as a group of makers. Guest: Peter Warasila is a Virginia Commonwealth University graduate with a degree in computer engineering. He is now an imbedded systems engineer at a company named PCS in Ashland, Virgnia where they make automotive controllers. He was also one of the main creators in the badge for RVAsec (Richmond Virginia Security Conference). Music: Lofi Summer Background by Vladislav Kurnikov on Pixabay Host: Jerry Johnson Sound Production: Jerry Johnson Producer: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez

In this series, we take some time with an team member from the Spark at the University of North Texas and share a bit about them, including how they got into making/creating to find their unique spark. In this episode we met with Jaden! Hello, my name is Jaden Oldham. I am majoring in a Bachelors of Arts in Music and I play the trumpet. I have been working at the Spark for about 5 months now; it's a great job! One of my favorite things to do at the Spark is 3D printing, designing something then seeing it person is always really cool. Lastly, I really enjoy getting to collaborate with my coworkers and share ideas. Music: Sunset Lo-fi style by Davisblicher on pixabay Hosted by: Jerry Johnson, Spark Knowledgist 2022 Sound Production: Jerry Johnson Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez

In this series we engage Makers from all areas of the maker movement to share how successful makerspaces' have forged their story. Makerspaces are unique to their community, and grow based on those who use them. The Workbench is a community space in Denton, Texas. At Workbench, you will find a friendly, approachable, community-based, and socially conscious space. They teach traditional workshops as well as provide one-on-one sessions. They offer gallery and retail space by invite and application. They are members of the Denton Chamber of Commerce, local art collectives, UNT faculty and staff, and Denton Main Street Association. Guest: Caron Dessoye is currently a Denton-based artist. In 2017, Caron moved here from the Philadelphia suburbs to achieve her dream of an MFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry from the University of North Texas. After completing her MFA in 2020, Caron was an adjunct professor in UNT's Metalsmithing and Jewelry Program in addition to continuing her own art practice. In July 2021, she rented an unassuming space at 813 North Locust Street in Denton. One of the first tasks was to hire a mural artist to take her space from unassuming to incredible! And that is just the outside. Currently, the community can take courses, rent studio time, and sell their work in their quirky retail area. Workbench continues to evolve as it works to meet the community's needs. The goal is always to make art accessible and welcoming. It is an incubator for ideas, people, and community development. In a city where art has a strong representation, especially being the home to two Universities with strong art programs, Workbench compliments and engages people in an approachable and friendly way. Host: Jerry Johnson, Liberty Walker Sound Production: Jerry Johnson Producer: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez Music: A jazz piano by Music for Videos on PixaBay Pixabay - A Jazz Piano | Royalty Free Music

In this series, we take some time with an team member from the Spark at the University of North Texas and share a bit about them, including how they got into making/creating to find their unique spark. In this episode we met with Liberty.... Guest Bio: Hello, my name is Grant Guedry and I am one of the makers at The Spark. I'm a junior Biomedical Engineering major with a minor in Biology and Mathematics. At The Spark, I specialize in 3D printing and physical making such as woodworking, etc. I love to design in CAD and print or render the things I have designed. Music: Silver Rain by Gabriel Douglas from Pixabay Hosted by: Jerry Johnson, Spark Knowledgist 2022 Sound Production: Jerry Johnson Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, A

Kristin Dye, The Hive at the Lewisville Public Library In this series we engage Makers from all areas of the maker movement to share how successful makerspaces' have forged their story. Makerspaces are unique to their community, and grow based on those who use them. The Hive, Lewisville Public Library's makerspace, is home to innovation and creativity. The Hive features two 3D printers, a laser cutter, a Carvey CNC milling machine, sewing machines, an embroidery machine, design software, and more. A collaboration space is also included in The Hive, featuring mobile tables, chairs, and whiteboard which allow users to alter the workspace to fit their needs. Kristen Dye is the current Makerspace Librarian for The Hive in the Lewisville Public Library. Kristen is a UNT alum and has other experience teaching special ed for Lewisville ISD and as an Adult Services Librarian for Frisco Public Library. Host: Madan Mohan Sound Production: Jake Jacobson Producer: Judy Hunter Music: 10 How it Is by Kesta: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/nothing-left-behind/10-how-it-is/

In this series, we take some time with an team member from the Spark at the University of North Texas and share a bit about them, including how they got into making/creating to find their unique spark. In this episode we met with Liberty.... Guest Bio: Hi! My name is Abbi Luton. I am a Mechanical Engineering Technology major and am planning to earn a minor in French. I just started working at the Spark Service Desk about a month ago, but I am being trained on equipment in the Spark Makerspace. I am quite the novice, but I am enjoying learning at the makerspace. Music: "Urban" By SergeQuadrado from Pixabay Hosted by: Jerry Johnson, Spark Knowledgist 2022 Sound Production: Jerry Johnson Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, A

In this episode, our guest if from the Sears Think[Box] at Case Western University, the largest open-access innovation center and makerspace in the United States. With design and ideation resources, prototyping and fabrication equipment, business and legal expertise and more, Sears think[box] is the ideal place to pursue your passions or even launch a startup. Learn more about Think[Box] here. Guest: Raymond "Ray" Krajci is the Operations Engineer for Sears think[box] at Case Western Reserve University. He worked at think[box] as a student, but he loved his job so much he's still there nearly ten years later. Ray treasures his experiences collaborating on electronic fashion, cardboard furniture, magnetic levitator tracks, tabletop games, Makerspace Podcast, human-centered design workshops, and other projects. Host: Daniel Da Costa, Spark Maker 2020- 2021 and John Paul Abah, Spark Maker 2018-2021 Sound Producer: Steven Sparkman, Spark Maker 2020- Producer- Judy Hunter, Spark Director

In this series, we take some time with an team member from the Spark at the University of North Texas and share a bit about them, including how they got into making/creating to find their unique spark. In this episode we met with Liberty.... Guest Bio: Hey there! My name is Liberty Walker. I am about to start my third year at UNT, majoring in Linguistics and Japanese. I am a somewhat new maker here, starting to learn about machines around the space. I already have the Cricut down, along with the Serger and a sewing machine. I am excited to learn all I can working here. Music: "Cool Jazz Loops" by JuliusH from Pixabay Hosted by: Jerry Johnson, Spark Knowledgist 2022 Sound Production: Jerry Johnson Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez

Brad Trussel, TCU Fab Lab In this series we engage Makers from all areas of the maker movement to share how successful makerspaces' have forged their story. Makerspaces are unique to their community, and grow based on those who use them. The TCU Fab Lab is a digital fabrication laboratory located on the first floor of the TCU Mary Couts Burnett Library. The Fab Lab offers multiple 3D printers, a high definition 3D scanner, a large scale plotter, and a laser cutter/engraver. Additionally, the Fablab provides a number of other pieces of equipment for making including VR equipment, camera checkouts, and more. Brad Trussel works at Texas Christian University where he runs the TCU library Fab Lab as an Innovation Collaborator . He is a University of North Texas alum and received his masters from Learning Technologies at Discovery Park. He works with students and faculty using technology to help complete projects, make prototypes, and generally solve problems. He also has experience with audio visual technologies. Host: Madan Mohan Sound Production: Jake Jacobson Producer: Judy Hunter Music: 10 How it Is by Kesta: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/nothing-left-behind/10-how-it-is/

Guest Bio: Hello! My name is Aiden Pacheco. I just finished my third year here at UNT, majoring in Media Arts and minoring in New Media Arts. I'm currently one of the senior makers at The Spark and I specialize in our 3D printing services and teach multiple workshops on software such as Blender, SketchUp, the Adobe suite, and more. Hosted by: Madan Mohan, Spark Specialist 2022 Sound Production: Jake Jacobson Producers: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson, Alondra Lopez

This part 2 of the sessions with the energized, knowledgeable and maker minded individuals from the UTEP Makerspace. Hosted by: Madan Mohan, Spark Specialist 2022 Guests: George Molina George Molina is a Junior majoring in Computer Science studying at the University of Texas at El Paso with a specialization for video game development. His specialty is creating new experiences for students in game design, this includes Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. He currently works at the University as an Enterprise Mc/Pc Support Specialist where he helps manage the GAIA makerspace, working on student/resource development as well as assist in managing the department's campus wide classroom support operations. Alongside his regular duties he is the President/Founder of Bandit Game Studio, a game development studio organization operating out of the university. The game studio focuses on creating games that are not only fun but challenging for members to develop, this includes developing for Extended Reality platforms. In conjunction with creating games the studio also focuses on providing educational opportunities for members of the community to learn about game development, examples include giving workshops on game development related topics and giving week long trainings to local k-12 educators on gamification in the classroom. But his passion for game development does not end there, he is also a Research Assistant with the Computer Science department at the university, working on developing a game to help encourage bilingual (specifically Spanish - English) middle school students to join STEM related fields. His team working with a local school district to incorporate the game into their curriculum. Alejandra Maciel Alejandra Maciel is a Computer Scientist, currently working on getting her Masters degree. She works as an Instructional Technologist within Learning Environments (LE) at the University of Texas at El Paso. At LE she helps manage the GAIA Makerspace, as well assist faculty enhance and adapt their course curriculums to be innovative and immerse the technologies and resources provided by GAIA. She also works developing new Audio Visual (AV) systems to path the way for a “Connected” education model, which allows all classes, meetings, workshops and events to be hybrid and extends the audience reach. Throughout her time working for LE, she has developed skills in 3D design and 3D printing, as well as in fabrication tools, computerized control machines such as CNC and laser engraving, among others. She is also certified as a Q-SYS Reflect Enterprise Manager Technician, Extron AV Associate, Extron Control Specialist and Apple Teacher. Aside from her work endeavors, Alejandra is a Co-Founder and Administrative Studio Head of Bandit Game Studio. Bandit is a college student-led Game Development student organization with a real industry-based structure that was founded in the middle of the pandemic on 2020. The organization focuses on mentoring members acquire the necessary skills to start developing and providing resources and opportunities to the community, El Paso, Texas. The organization has deployed an Augmented Reality mobile application for the makerspace and is currently working on a Virtual Reality game, both in which Alejandra contributed as an Animator, Web Developer and Programmer. Randy Anaya Randy Anaya is an Instructional Technologist in the Learning Environments Department at the University of Texas at El Paso. He Received a Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis on the use of Art and Technology in Teaching and Learning in UTEP, a BA in Media Advertising at UTEP and a BFA in Graphic Design with a minor in Multimedia design from the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Randy works on research and development of applying the creative process, career exploration, resiliency and skill acquisition to workshops, trainings and student engagement through the GAIA Makerspace. Currently doing extensive research and deployment of emerging technologies to redefine the classroom, mentoring and excellence through student interaction as well as promoting student growth and achievement through the GAIA Makerspace and Personal Learning Experiences which showcase the achievements, research and overall excellence that UTEP students offer to the world. Hector Lugo Hector Lugo works as Senior Instructional Technologist at The University of Texas at El Paso. Mr. Lugo's vision is to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics to students, with easy access and constant immersion with trending technology such as 3D design and print in order to expand their professional potential. Hector strongly agrees on the idea to develop, oversee and assess engaging students in expanding their knowledge, creativity and contributing the community with heavy project based learning assignments; such ideas can be possible with the new expansion space of a unique makerspace that could bring infinite possibilities.   Sound Production: Madan Mohan Producer: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson      

This one of 2 sessions with the energized, knowledgeable and maker minded individuals from the UTEP Makerspace. Hosted by: Madan Mohan, Spark Specialist 2022 Guests: George Molina George Molina is a Junior majoring in Computer Science studying at the University of Texas at El Paso with a specialization for video game development. His specialty is creating new experiences for students in game design, this includes Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. He currently works at the University as an Enterprise Mc/Pc Support Specialist where he helps manage the GAIA makerspace, working on student/resource development as well as assist in managing the department's campus wide classroom support operations. Alongside his regular duties he is the President/Founder of Bandit Game Studio, a game development studio organization operating out of the university. The game studio focuses on creating games that are not only fun but challenging for members to develop, this includes developing for Extended Reality platforms. In conjunction with creating games the studio also focuses on providing educational opportunities for members of the community to learn about game development, examples include giving workshops on game development related topics and giving week long trainings to local k-12 educators on gamification in the classroom. But his passion for game development does not end there, he is also a Research Assistant with the Computer Science department at the university, working on developing a game to help encourage bilingual (specifically Spanish - English) middle school students to join STEM related fields. His team working with a local school district to incorporate the game into their curriculum. Alejandra Maciel Alejandra Maciel is a Computer Scientist, currently working on getting her Masters degree. She works as an Instructional Technologist within Learning Environments (LE) at the University of Texas at El Paso. At LE she helps manage the GAIA Makerspace, as well assist faculty enhance and adapt their course curriculums to be innovative and immerse the technologies and resources provided by GAIA. She also works developing new Audio Visual (AV) systems to path the way for a “Connected” education model, which allows all classes, meetings, workshops and events to be hybrid and extends the audience reach. Throughout her time working for LE, she has developed skills in 3D design and 3D printing, as well as in fabrication tools, computerized control machines such as CNC and laser engraving, among others. She is also certified as a Q-SYS Reflect Enterprise Manager Technician, Extron AV Associate, Extron Control Specialist and Apple Teacher. Aside from her work endeavors, Alejandra is a Co-Founder and Administrative Studio Head of Bandit Game Studio. Bandit is a college student-led Game Development student organization with a real industry-based structure that was founded in the middle of the pandemic on 2020. The organization focuses on mentoring members acquire the necessary skills to start developing and providing resources and opportunities to the community, El Paso, Texas. The organization has deployed an Augmented Reality mobile application for the makerspace and is currently working on a Virtual Reality game, both in which Alejandra contributed as an Animator, Web Developer and Programmer. Randy Anaya Randy Anaya is an Instructional Technologist in the Learning Environments Department at the University of Texas at El Paso. He Received a Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis on the use of Art and Technology in Teaching and Learning in UTEP, a BA in Media Advertising at UTEP and a BFA in Graphic Design with a minor in Multimedia design from the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Randy works on research and development of applying the creative process, career exploration, resiliency and skill acquisition to workshops, trainings and student engagement through the GAIA Makerspace. Currently doing extensive research and deployment of emerging technologies to redefine the classroom, mentoring and excellence through student interaction as well as promoting student growth and achievement through the GAIA Makerspace and Personal Learning Experiences which showcase the achievements, research and overall excellence that UTEP students offer to the world. Hector Lugo Hector Lugo works as Senior Instructional Technologist at The University of Texas at El Paso. Mr. Lugo's vision is to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics to students, with easy access and constant immersion with trending technology such as 3D design and print in order to expand their professional potential. Hector strongly agrees on the idea to develop, oversee and assess engaging students in expanding their knowledge, creativity and contributing the community with heavy project based learning assignments; such ideas can be possible with the new expansion space of a unique makerspace that could bring infinite possibilities.   Sound Production: Madan Mohan Producer: Judy Hunter, Jake Jacobson

In this series we engage Makers from all areas of the maker movement to share how successful makerspaces' have forged their story. Makerspaces are unique to their community, and grow based on those who use them. The Dallas Makerspace is a hugely successful 501(c)(3) non-profit shared community space. The community of artists, tinkerers, makers, and so forth that make up the members of the Dallas makerspace give it a unique fabric of resources and knowledge to attract and maintain membership. In this episode we have one of the lead volunteers that help keep the Dallas Makerspace operating to learn about how they have built the community, support, and facility to meet the needs of their makers.   Guest: James Hennigson- James has more than twenty years of industry experience, with leadership experience as the head of Integer's Ice House retail lab. At The Integer Group James is the Senior Director of Innovation, and leads an innovation lab specifically created to focus on rapid prototyping and strategic innovation for engaging retail experiences that drive commerce. As a board member of the Dallas Makerspace James oversee the daily operations of 16 labs and workshops to provide 24/7 operations for one of the largest makerspaces in the world. Host Team: JP Abah and Danielle Da Costa Sound Production: Steven Sparkman Producer: Judy Hunter

The maker movement has sparked a need for multidisciplinary centers of creativity across the globe. These creative centers -commonly called makerspaces, come to life with the cumulation of tools and resources that foster making through hands-on learning. In this podcast series, we will take a deep dive into the world of making and explore the inspiration, drawbacks and success stories of makerspaces in higher education and beyond. This episode we talk to the Fabrication Lab Director Brandt Smith with the Oklahoma University Tom Love Innovation HUB. Located in Norman, OK the OU Tom Love Innovation HUB is the second space in our Maker Life Series. The Innovation HUB has a unique approach to including a makerspace, fabrication or fab lab with entrepreneurship.    Guests: Brandt Smith- Brandt Smith oversees the Fabrication Lab and spearheads all Lab initiatives. His leadership has generated several internal and external projects for the Fabrication Lab, most notably the production of modified personal protective equipment during the initial Covid-19 outbreak. Host Team: JP Abah and Danielle Da Costa Sound Production: Steven Sparkman Producer: Judy Hunter  

The University of Texas at Arlington FabLab   The maker movement has sparked a need for multidisciplinary centers of creativity across the globe. These creative centers -commonly called makerspaces, come to life with the cumulation of tools and resources that foster making through hands-on learning. Located in Arlington, Tx the UTA FabLab is a prime example of such creative hubs for students. Here, students can fabricate computer-aided designs (CAD) through 3D printing, cut and etch with CNC machines, work with textiles through sewing and embroidering, and so much more. The UTA FabLab is highlighted as being the first MIT-affiliated Fab Lab in a Texas university and has helped ignite the spread of makerspaces.   In this podcast series, we will take a deep dive into the world of making and explore the inspiration, drawbacks and success stories of makerspaces in higher education and beyond.   Guests: Morgan Chivers graduated from San Jose State University (2011) with four simultaneously conferred degrees: BA History, BA Global Studies, BFA Photography, BFA Spatial Arts (minors: Anthropology, Music, Religious Studies, German, Environmental Studies). Morgan earned an MFA in Glass/Intermedia (2015) at the University of Texas Arlington, where he is now the FabLab librarian and artist-in-residence, collaborating with faculty to integrate making and digital fabrication into curriculum across a beautifully diverse campus. As an author, Morgan has published about his studio practice, pedagogy, and the innovative work of the UTA FabLab, regularly presenting at conferences nationally and internationally.  Jeffrey McCulley is the FabLab Coordinator of the UTA FabLab at the University of Texas at Arlington. He graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. While attending grad school, he worked at the UNT makerspace as a student worker and fell in love how makerspaces are uniquely placed to enable people from all backgrounds to come together to learn new things, collaborate on ideas and projects, and use equipment they normally wouldn’t be able to access. Jeffrey now works in the UTA FabLab to coordinate outreach events for community members and supervise student employees while helping to further develop their skill sets and abilities as student leaders. Katie Musick Peery is the director of the UTA FabLab at the University of Texas at Arlington Libraries. She provides leadership around the development, management, and continuous improvement of the lab.  Katie has published on diversifying makerspace student hiring and best practices for makerspace training to increase the impact and efficacy that makerspaces can have on a college campus.  Her grant work and research are primarily focused on integrating maker literacies into higher education curricula.   Host Team: JP Abah and Danielle Da Costa Sound Production: Steven Sparkman Producer: Judy Hunter

Join the MindSpark Podcast team on a journey to explore maker mindsets across generations. We’ll speak to a multigenerational family who instilled a tinkering, explorative approach to navigating the world and mindset in their home. In this episode our guest will talk about the ways creating and making have influenced them and their family.   Guests: Raul Flores, Pamela Flores, Hanna Flores Raul Flores, Software Engineer, Artist, and Maker Pamela Flores, Travel Specialist University of North Texas, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and Artist Hanna Flores: Hi! My name is Hanna, and I'm graduating this semester with a Computer Science degree. I love working in a makerspace because it allows me to learn skills I would never have been able to learn otherwise. In addition, the flexibility of a makerspace has allowed me to turn my position into a software development role that still benefits the makerspace as a whole. I grew up in a creative home with parents who encouraged my exploration from the very beginning. The garage is a woodshop, and the living room is a seamstress' paradise. My home has always been a makerspace of my own, and working in a makerspace has been the most natural and enjoyable position I can imagine. To live and work in a place that always encourages trying something new just to see if it will work has made me happier than I could have ever hoped for, and I aim to be active in the community of makerspaces for the rest of my life! 

Join The Spark Spring 2021 Co-hosts Cameron and Alondra to learn about the field of Electronic Music!   Hosts: C. Driller: Hello! My name is Cameron. I’m a biochemistry and technical writing student at the University of North Texas and I’ve been a maker at the Spark since June of 2018. My expertise in the makerspace is based around 3D printing, sensors, and laser cutting. I enjoy listening to different kinds of music while I work, but most of my work playlists switch between types of electronic music and oldies. This fact is one of the reasons why I decided to work on the electronic music episode of the podcast since I wanted to learn more about the genre I listen to.   A. Lopez: My name is Alondra Lopez, and I'm a Knowledge Specialist at the Spark Makerspace since 2019. At the Spark, I mostly focus on creating blog posts and teaching and training textile-based equipment such as the cricut, embroidery, and sewing machines. I'm a senior Media Arts major and Marketing minor student at UNT. I love music, especially electronic music. I've always had an interest in that specific genre back in 2018, so it was nice to discuss it in this episode.    Guest: Steven Sparkman Hello, I’m Steven Sparkman. I am a media arts major that focuses on audio and 3d graphics. I work at the Spark teaching students about the different tools and software we offer. Also I run the podcast and twitch live streams for the Spark.   Producer: Judy Hunter and Steven Sparkman

In this episode, put together by a team a Makers and Specialists from The Spark makerspace at the University  of North Texas Libraries, our hosts talk about Hackathons. Really delving in to 3 main questions: 1) What is a hackathon? 2) What happens at a hackathon? 3) Why would you want to participate in a hackathon?   Hosts: Hanna Flores, Spark Maker and UNT Senior in Computer Science Tad Weerasignhe, Spark Maker and UNT Senior in Computer Science Arthur Sliter, Spark Specialists and UNT Sophomore in Mechanical Engineering Production Team: Audio Production:  Steven Sparkman, Spark Maker and UNT sophomore in Media Arts and Theatre

Welcome to UNT MindSpark Spring 2021 is an episode to introduce UNT MindSpark, the approach for the Spring 2021 semester, topics our student host teams will be delving in to, as well as our goal for this podcast. We will explore some of the things that have changed in The Spark Makerspace at UNT and how we are approaching making through the pandemic.   Host: JP Abah JP is UNT Student, Lead, Ambassador, and Maker. He has been working in the makerspace at UNT for over three years, with a passion for the maker movement and the impact of experiential learning provided by the hands on learning in a makerspace. JP is a senior at UNT who is set to graduate later this year with a Bachelors of Applied Science in Data Analytics. Producer and Guest: J. Hunter The Operations Manager for The Spark Makerspace at the University of North Texas Libraries.  She received her Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Training and Development and her Master’s degree in Public Administration from UNT, and has more than 20 years as a professional IT manager and has been with the UNT Makerspace since its inception. As the operations manager, Judy is responsible for staff development, project management, the space transitions and technology advancements.   She has been instrumental in the success of the Libraries’ progress in these areas. Producer and Editor: S. Sparkman  

Please join the UNT Spark Makerspace as we bring you up to date with changes that happened between semesters and introduce to you the Fall 2020 team of hosts for UNT MindSpark Podcasts.

  Following from our previous weeks’ episode, we continue exploring the concept of creative play but this time through the prism of escape rooms. An escape room is a time-constrained real life adventure game that requires you to complete a mission and “escape”. Escape rooms can be a great creative outlet for both its makers and explorers. This week we are joined by Amanda and Yancey Yeargan; they are a husband and wife team who own and operate Quandary Escape Adventures with their partner Tim Sonnier. Sit tight because in this episode, we’ll be touching on topics like - why Escape room are a growing creative outlet for many, what escape room creators want you to know and how you can beat any escape room.     Host: JP Abah & Steven Sparkman Guests: Amanda Yeargan, Yancey Yeargan   Bio: Amanda and Yancey Yeargan are a husband and wife team who own and operate Quandary Escape Adventures with their partner Tim Sonnier. Both Alumni of UNT, Yancey has an associate degree in Electronics and a bachelor’s in computer science. He wires and programs most of the electronics involved in their escape room games. Amanda graduated with a bachelor’s in general studies and taught Algebra for seven years before launching into the Escape Room industry. An avid woodworking enthusiast, Amanda designs and builds most of the props in their escape rooms as well as designing story lines and puzzle logistics.

Our Makerspace’s role in Childhood Learning This week we are shifting gears a little bit from creative thinking to talk about our Summer programming class, we also talk about why The Spark Makerspace has embraced the vital work of exposing children to emerging technologies. The recurring topic in this episode is the concept of creative play as an important aspect of childhood development. Through creative play, children can further develop emotionally, socially, intellectually and physically. Our discussion is with UNT’s Makerspace manager- Judy Hunter as well as UNT Alumni/ curriculum developer of The Spark summer programming class- Alicia Maldonado. We hope our audience can take away the value in exposing children as early as possible to these creative opportunities. Sources: The Importance of Creative Play for Kids. (n.d.). Retrieved June 30, 2020, from https://www.thelittlegym.com/blog/2017/9/the-importance-of-creative-play-for-kids/ Host: JP Abah & Steven Sparkman Guests: Alicia Maldonado, Judy Hunter You can reach out to our team at UNTMindSparkpodcast@unt.edu 

In this episode Makerspace employees discuss the impact of virtual reality availability in a number of fields. Bringing design thinking in to the arts, and developing new mediums for art and learning. Host: JP Abah and Steven Sparkman Guest Speakers: Nick Carter, UNT New Media Arts Alum, The Spark (Factory) Makerspace Alum, a current SMU Graduate Game Design Student Cameron Driller, current UNT biochemistry student and Spark Maker  

In this episode we explore game design theory, using creativity to transfer ideas into a game. Host: JP Abah and Steven Sparkman Guest: Jeremy Kincaid Prosper ISD Teacher, Librarian, and Writer.