Noora Nyberg is a subject teacher of mathematics, physics and chemistry and a graduate engineer working on the Juniversity & FabLab team. She coordinates and develops the activities of Mobile Juniversity. Mobile Juniversity is a mobile learning environment for science and technology education and digital fabrication.
The Fab Academy is a fast paced, hands-on learning experience
Students learn rapid-prototyping by planning and executing a new project each week, resulting in a personal portfolio of technical accomplishments. The final project is a project that combines different digital fabrication technologies into one product.
Fab Academy can be completed in Finland at either the University of Oulu or Aalto University. Tuition fee is charged by the lab chosen. Actual weekly assignments can be done at any FabLab that is part of the international FabLab network.
– I did my Fab Academy studies at the University of Oulu and practical work at FabLab Tampere. My own final project was a table lamp; a shade is made of corrugated cardboard using a laser cutter and a stand using 3D printer with wood filament. The lamp has a distance sensor and it is programmed so that the color of the light changes based on the me asured data, Noora describes.
As a part of the studies, students build their own website and portfolio of weekly assignments which they publish on the page. Noora’s portfolio and extensive descriptions of FabAcademy’s weekly assignments can be found on the web pages.
– Fab Academy teaches a more in-depth understanding of digital fabrication processes, which has been necessary for my current job, Noora ponders.
You can find out more about Fab Academy on Fab Academy organization page.
Surprises along the way?
– I experienced many surprises and challenges along the way (the corona being just one of them). Fortunately, with the help of FabLab Tampere staff I was able to complete all the weekly tasks, Noora recalls.
Were you excited about working at FabLab?
– I am still excited! Implementing some interior design element for my new home would be a dream come true.
What would you like to tell those who still consider taking advantage of FabLab?
– FabLab creates great opportunities for both small and large-scale projects that meet your own needs. It’s a good idea to start with some easy project to get the hang of digital fabrication and to start perceiving the opportunities it offers. After that only the sky is the limit of what one can do in FabLab, really.
Text: Noora Nyberg
Photos: Elina Soininen