CEN Makerspace at AUS: Fostering innovation and hands-on learning in engineering education

Empowering students to move beyond mere theories by engaging in practical application and hands-on construction of functional prototypes, the American University of Sharjah (AUS) College of Engineering (CEN) has launched its makerspace this semester for all its students, further cultivating a hands-on approach to learning.

The CEN makerspace is an initiative by Dr. Mohamed Abdelgawad, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering, as part of the CEN Innovation Program launched by Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of CEN, in Fall 2023 to enhance engineering students’ educational experience and strengthen CEN's community engagement. Aligning with the program’s objectives, the CEN makerspace is designed to promote experimentation as an inherent and valuable component of engineering design. 

“The CEN makerspace is a dedicated laboratory equipped with essential tools for students to undertake various projects related to their college studies. Whether they are working on a senior design project or coursework-specific assignments, students have access to an array of manufacturing tools, including 3D printers, hand tools and measurement tools. The makerspace will be accessible to all CEN students after they undergo training on safety and operating procedures,” said Dr. Abdelgawad.

The makerspace is designed to be a “hub for students to meet and work on their projects,” providing them with access to “the tools they need to build their work, a space to keep their prototypes and an opportunity to synergize, share and exchange their experiences. Makerspaces on university campuses worldwide have increased by more than ten-fold in the last decade. Research shows that students who use these spaces achieve significantly higher GPAs compared to those who do not,” said Dr. Abdelgawad.

CEN students are eager to use this new facility.

“This is a great project, as sometimes we have resorted to off-campus firms for equipment, but the makerspace makes everything available in one place and on campus,” said Masa Touqan, a mechanical engineering student.

Mechanical engineering major Kareem Morsi also noted that they can carry out more practical work as part of their education journey. “It is a great initiative because it enables students to develop their technical skills and gain hands-on experience.”

In Fall 2023, the CEN Innovation Program launched its inaugural initiative Technology and Engineering Product Design Program, which serves as an incubator to help students conceptualize, develop prototypes, receive financial planning training, establish start-up trademarks and pitch their ideas to potential UAE and international investors. It also involves a series of workshops, seminars and consultations with business experts ensuring a comprehensive entrepreneurial learning experience. Three student projects were submitted to the program and are ongoing. 

To learn more about what CEN has to offer, visit www.aus.edu/cen.