What Happens When High Schoolers Prototype TurboFan Engines? MIX Maker Academy Finals Recap
Rapid Prototyping. Advanced Mentorship. Real Outcomes.
On July 7th, the MIX welcomed 16 high school students of the first MIX Summer Maker Academy.
After just the first day, they were already prototyping—and from there, it was non-stop.
Over 10 full days, 15+ hands-on workshops, and constant mentorship, the high school makers explored a wide range of creative and technical skills through workshops on 3D Printing, 3D Modeling (CAD), Basics of Arduino, Advanced Arduino, Soldering, Laser Cutting, Woodshop, Machining with Mill & Lathe, 3D Scanning, CNC for Wood, Machine Sewing, Vinyl Cutting & Heat Press, Digital Camera, Studio Lighting, Vacuum Forming, Podcasting, Imaging & Video Effects, and VR/AR.
Whether they chose to develop a highly interdisciplinary final project or hone in on one or two specific skill sets, every student brought their ideas to life through a thoughtful, concept-driven final project presented on Friday, July 17, the last day of the academy.
With parents in the audience, students shared their ideation and design processes with a showcase of prototypes made throughout the program. Final and draft prototypes ranged from hands-free bottle openers and object-detecting robotic cars to ergonomic kitchen devices and more.
See highlights and photos of various student projects:
“A rc car made using spare parts and motors, with a custom top (modeled on Fusion360 and 3D printed) and LED lighting.”
“Arduino powered robotic octopus that can go under water.”
“This device is clamped onto a table, creating pressure that prevents the bottle from moving or rotating. This allows the bottle to be opened with one hand, making the process easy.”
“A turbofan engine that you’ll see on commercial airlines.”
🛠️💡A huge thank you to Camp Director Max Kazemzadeh, Camp Operations Coordinator Minjin Batzorig, and Camp Fabrication Coordinator Minh Tan Chau.
This program would not run without the incredible student staff mentors, Osman Quintanilla-Martinez, Hudson Walker, and Yingjie Zhang.
The future of the MIX Maker Academy?
The MIX Maker Academy is coming back next summer 2027! The MIX is already brainstorming how to improve this program and hear what the community has been asking for. Have an idea in mind, or a question about what's coming? The MIX would love to hear from you.
Contact Max Kazemzadeh, MIX Makerspace and Events Manager, at mkazemza@gmu.edu.