Her research earned Stichweh the invitation to present to leading global innovators at the prestigious International Symposium on Academic Makerspaces 2024 (ISAM) in Sheffield, England. She gladly accepted, highlighting her findings on innovating hands-on learning environments by equipping K-12 educators with the skills to integrate makerspace tools and methodologies into classrooms.

Fostering creativity and problem-solving in students worldwide, Stichweh believes in the power of making — whether via 3D printing or sophisticated computer numerical control (CNC) routing. She joined the makerspace team in 2021 due to her “passion for making things with her hands” and “desire to learn more about both modern and traditional craft methods.”

The annual ISAM conference gives makerspace technicians and managers a chance to share insights and learn from global thought leaders. Stichweh’s research presentation explored the effectiveness of 10-day makerspace intensives in equipping teachers — many with little prior experience — with the tools to incorporate makerspace learnings into their classrooms.

While Stichweh’s expertise led her to England, the Ground Floor Makerspace at UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub has also received plaudits. The 12,000-square-foot creative lab offers more than 2,000 members access to sophisticated and purpose-built prototyping and fabrication equipment. The Ground Floor Makerspace is Greater Cincinnati’s most advanced facility, leading to its role as a top destination for regional makers.

“Our mission is to enable creative problem-solvers,” said Benjamin Jones, director of the 1819 Ground Floor Makerspace. “We created the Makers in Ed program to focus on cultivating the maker mindset and technical skills of in-service educators while connecting them to a larger community of resources.”

Makers in Education aspires to broaden and diversify Cincinnati’s collection of makers, and it has delivered on its mission. The value of early-age makerspace education is not lost on Stichweh, revealing why she champions introducing children to appropriate makerspace tech.

“There is a lot of recent research showing that science, technology, engineering and math outcomes for students are improved when they are also learning about practical making skills,” Stichweh said. “Learning to work with your hands and operate machines in innovative ways leads to more adventurous, well-rounded kids.”

An introduction for adults

For students to be trained correctly in makerspaces, they need adults to get comfortable with the tools first. The Makers in Education program — and the 1819 Ground Floor Makerspace overall — are proactively addressing this training gap by building a welcoming facility.

“The Ground Floor Makerspace really does feel like a community space,” Stichweh said. “Makerspaces can be intimidating, regardless of your skill level. We try to create a judgment-free, failure-forward culture where you can learn at your own pace and feel comfortable asking for help.”

By training adults in Cincinnati and around the world, Stichweh knows that more kids will be introduced to novel makerspace technologies. And that, to her, makes the hours of research and a long trip to England worthwhile: “I am so happy to see more K-12 schools building makerspaces for their students to use,” she said.

Featured image at top: 2024 Makers in Education class in 1819 Ground Floor Makerspace. Photo/Gregory Glevicky