CATalyst Studios may be one of the University Libraries' best kept secrets.

Our Oral Historian and Digital Media Producer Aengus Anderson, who's on the Marketing Communications team, collaborated with CATalyst staff and students to make a video showcasing some of the many options offered. Jen Nichols, CATalyst Director said, "We wanted to create a new video because every day we get new users interested in what we are doing here. It's a good way to share that CATalyst is for everyone—we believe everyone is a maker!"

The almost-five-minute video features staff and student interns such as Vanessa Campbell, an undergraduate business major, who is one of about 20 student interns/employees who work at CATalyst every semester. "I never would've touched a laser cutter three years ago," she said. "I see it now...that's actually easy, and everyone should know how to use it."

As a side hustle, Vanessa makes acrylic cell phone charms with the laser cutter in her free time.

Bring your ideas to life

Some people might be intimidated because they don't know how to use a 3D printer or laser cutter or sewing machine. You don't need any previous experience to use the equipment. Staff can give you a tutorial and troubleshoot. You can also sign up for a free workshop or certification. University staff can sign up for workshops and certifications, too.

You also don't need to know all details of your project before coming to CATalyst.

"Even if you have a vague concept of something you may want to try, we like to be the resource on campus for people to bring their ideas to life," said Mona Nakamura, CATalyst Outreach & Creative Programs Specialist.

Also, many people are unaware that all University of Arizona students have a $50 credit per semester to spend at CATalyst.  

A resource for faculty, too

"It's kind of a no-brainer to call it a 'makerspace' because you take ideas and make them real," said Kevin Black, Professor of Practice, College of Fine Arts School of Theatre, Film & Television. "It works well for faculty; it's absolutely the lab you need to take your curriculum further than you can in your classroom."

Black's students use the green screen to see how they would appear on TV or film.

"Libraries have always been a place of knowledge creation, so when we open these spaces, we are still thinking about supporting knowledge production," said Nichols. "The makerspace is also where people connect with each other."

What can you do at CATalyst? 

Located in the Main Library, stop by and:

• Explore and use our equipment, including laser cutters and 3D printers
• Attend our events and workshops to learn new maker skills, such as 3D modeling and sewing 
• Create your own media and projects in our spaces, including podcasts and videos
• Get certified in 3D printing, laser cutting, and embroidery

Spring 2024 workshop schedule

The makerspace introduced several new workshops this semester, including mosaic making, soldering, music production, podcasting/recording, and more. All are student staff-led and open to the public upon registration. 

Events and workshops open for registration at the beginning of each month.

Mondays

• Mending drop-in: 11am-2pm
• Vinyl cutting: 1-2pm
• Screen printing: 2-4pm

Tuesdays

• Soldering: 11am-12pm
• Mosaic making: 12-2pm (monthly)
• Podcasting/recording drop-in: 2-4pm
• Stamp making: 6-7pm (biweekly)
• Movie night: 5-7pm (biweekly)

Wednesdays

• CNC: 2-4pm
• 3D printing: 5-6pm

Thursdays

• 3D printing: 5-6pm
• Laser cutting: 11am-1pm
• Embroidery: 3-5pm

Fridays

• Music production: 1-3pm
• 3D modeling: 1-3pm
• Sewing Level 1: 3-5pm