New Makerspace Opens at NC State
The Battery and Energy Storage Technology Makerspace, commonly referred to as BEST Makerspace, officially launched on September 25 at NC State University. This innovative facility is designed to provide hands-on education in battery technology and energy storage systems, catering to both students and industry professionals in North Carolina.
The grand opening featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by demonstrations showcasing the advanced equipment available in the makerspace. This new hub aims to equip learners with practical skills in battery construction and testing, addressing the increasing demand for expertise in this sector.
Advancing Education and Industry Collaboration
During the opening event, NC State Provost Jim Pfaendtner emphasized the university’s commitment to preparing students for future opportunities. “This makerspace helps put that commitment into practice. It gives students the opportunity to learn by doing,” he stated. Pfaendtner noted that the facility not only benefits students but also provides a collaborative environment for faculty and meets the workforce needs of industry partners.
Assistant Teaching Professor Shelby Pillai, who oversees the makerspace and teaches relevant courses, played a crucial role in its establishment. Pillai, who completed her Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at NC State, helped develop the curriculum and set up the makerspace within ten months of joining the university in December 2022.
Industry Partnerships Highlight Importance of Workforce Development
Don Stewart, President of Toyota North Carolina Manufacturing, spoke about the significance of collaboration between academia and industry. He highlighted Toyota’s recent establishment of its first battery manufacturing site in Liberty, North Carolina, and expressed a keen interest in fostering a partnership with NC State. Stewart remarked on the necessity of developing a skilled battery workforce, stating, “We need battery engineers, we need battery technicians, people that understand and know batteries. We’re going to have to grow that, and we’ll grow that together.”
The BEST Makerspace is a significant component of NC State’s Battery and Energy Storage Initiative, which aims to unify the university’s diverse expertise to promote research, education, and partnerships within this field. This initiative is co-led by Veronica Augustyn, a distinguished professor, and Peter Fedkiw, an alumni distinguished graduate professor.
In addition to supporting student learning, the initiative will also host a battery workshop tailored for faculty and staff from the University of North Carolina System schools.
Source: NC State University
