Brooks Crossing iLAB

Volunteership at ODU’s Premier Maker and Learning Space

The iLab run by ODU has been a valued and transformative experience for me as I learned how to connect with young minds who are unsure about their future in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) or who are on their way to (hopefully) going to college (our’s of course, ODU, but others are fine too) in those fields. During my time at the iLab, I had the opportunity to:

  • Help 4th Graders build a VEX IQ robot that could be programmed to achieve a variety of challenges
  • I helped manage attendance to the iLab’s STEM Saturday exhibit, building rubber band racers and code from SCRATCH, and
  • Participated in the CyberCode challenge using the Raspberry Pi Picos, an accessible microcontroller for STEAM education taught by ODU Cybersecurity students (like me!)

STEM Saturday

STEM Saturday Volunteer Group Photo, including iLAB interns/volunteers (myself included), community volunteers, Kaitlyn McCoy (Program Manager), and Karen Sanzo (Program Director) of the iLab

STEM Saturday was a community event (Oct. 14, 2023) showing Hampton Roads the opportunity and potential of a career in the STE(A)M field. Here are all the volunteers (including me) who participated in making the iLab exhibit possible.

It has been an opportunity to learn from people who are of all ages and creed in the community as the iLab is an open space for all. The iLab is wonderfully equipped all forms of makerspace equipment, ranging from 3D printers, laser engravers, t-shirt printing, music making, and style-design spaces and work spaces for makers. The iLab also hosts a variety of field trips and makerspace events showcasing the iLab and engaging students in STEAM-based activities.