MIX Partnerships &
Badges in For-Credit Courses
Current Badges
Micro-Credential Opportunities with the MIX
The MIX partners with existing credit-bearing academic courses to offer an integrated micro-credential. George Mason University utilizes a third-party badgng service that develops badges for different short courses and skills. Successful participants receive that credential and can use them as references for future careers, resumes, and more.
A designated portion of the curriculum is dedicated to required contact hours at the MIX, enabling students to earn an additional micro-credential badge alongside their academic credit.
Faculty members interested in enhancing their courses with a micro-credential badge are encouraged to contact the MIX management team to explore collaboration opportunities.
Larry Mullins used the MIX to 3D print skulls from MRI scans for his Foreinsic Sculpture course as a way to teach elements of their identity.
Michael McDermott, Graphic Design faculty member, uses the MIX for his own research and integrates MIX technologies into his package design course and other design courses requiring students integrate MIX equipment in the implementing their projects.
Sue Wrbican is using the MIX to challenge students to translate elements of digital photography into different forms using a range of automation tools and materials.
Lisa Bauman uses the MIX to examine how architecture has developed and interacted with culture, religion, and politics in her Intro to Architecture course.
Patrick Sargent offers a Creative Entrepreneurship course in the MIX to understand product design, the market, development and exposure.
Ted Prawat offers two sections of his Intro to Game Design course where students explore game development using cutting edge methodologies.
Missy Cummings is teaching Human Robot Interaction in the MIX and in her Integrative Art & Tech course, they plan to use MIX resources to create a series of tech-enhanced paintings that highlight the cutting-edge technology at the Mason Autonomy and Robotics Center (MARC).
Daigo Shishika has his Mechanical Engineering students using the new MIX Bambu Labs Multifilament X1 Carbon Printers to print parts for his course.
Nathalia Peixoto has her students using the MIX Fabrication Lab to innovate in their Bio-Engineering labs.
Pelin Kurtay is using the MIX for her ECE 350 students to develop their innovative hardware interface projects. Professor Kurtay collaborated with the MIX to establish the new MIX Integrated Embedded Systems Badge in her ECE 350 course (see above).
Brian Davis is teaching a Sculpture and Electronics course during the second half of the semester,
Quentin Saunders works with his Bio-Engineering graduate students to develop parts for his grant funded rehabilitative and assistive technologies.
Edgar Endress is using the MIX to develop products for his creative media installation projects and support his teaching efforts.
Alessandra Luchini used the MIX to explore solutions for her mailable Lyme disease research tests.
Brian Eckenrode, Chemistry Professor, used the MIX to assist with retrofitting/customizing a part on one of his chemical testing equipment items in his lab.
Zelalem Eshete, Mechanical Engineering faculty member, regularly schedules custom training and tours within the MIX for his ME 151 and ME 447 engineering students every semester.
Leigh McCue, Mechanical Engineering faculty member and Chairperson, makes every effort to support and encourage Mechanical Engineering faculty and students to use the MIX.
Eileen Rosler, Assistant Professor in Human Factors/Applied Cognition, has used the MIX for custom 3D printing and Podcasting workshop training from the MIX.
Matthew Scherer, associate professor of government and politics in GMU’s Schar School, worked at the MIX in an effort to build an aluminum chassis for a group of young robotics students that he was mentoring. Professor Scherer visits the MIX regularly to implement innovative projects.
Dr. Craig Yu, Computer Science faculty member, worked with HCI faculty and the MIX to submit an NSF Broadening participation grant to leverage the MIX as a research space to explore the benefits and pitfalls of using AI to engage underrepresented communities at Mason. The MIX VR Badge above is also something established in collaboration with Dr. Yu.
Kamaljeet Sanghera and Nirup Menon with the help of Tolga Soyata and a group of 9 engineering bachelors and 3 business masters students used the MIX to implement interdisciplinary swarm drone research funded by a DoD grant.
Kinetic Sculpture with
Arduino and Sensors
Earners of this badge demonstrate the ability to create kinetic sculptures by integrating microcontrollers, programming, sensors, actuators, and electronic components with hands-on sculpture practices. They have experience fabricating with both traditional and experimental materials, blending technical and artistic skills to design dynamic, interactive works that explore motion and interactivity. The badge is open to students enrolled in AVT 363 - Sculpture II course.
Read more about Kinetic Sculpture with Arduino and Sensors at the MIX here.
See more on the Credly platform here.
Mastering 2D-to-3D Multi-Material
Fabrication
This badge emphasizes the hands-on use of advanced makerspace tools—laser cutters, sublimation printers, CNC embroidery machines, and more—to transform 2D photographs into innovative, 3D multi-material fabricated objects. It highlights the integration of digital photography with diverse fabrication processes, fostering creative and technical proficiency.The badge is open to students enrolled in AVT 354 - Digital Photography II.
Read more about 2D-3D Material Fabrication at the MIX here.
See more on the Credly platform here.
Innovative Package Design
with Digital Fabrication
This microcredential recognizes students proficient in package design and fabrication using digital tools, material exploration, and professional documentation. Through MIX workshops, they master advanced techniques to design, create, and refine projects. Students integrate MIX equipment—laser cutting, 3D printing, and prototyping tools—into their work, demonstrating adaptability and innovation in sustainable packaging solutions.
Read more about Package Design at the MIX here.
See more on the Credly platform here.
Virtual Reality Creation
In partnership with GMU’s CS 452, this hands-on micro-credential teaches participants to design Virtual Reality (VR) experiences using display tech, 3D interaction, sound, and haptics. It covers best practices to reduce motion sickness and explores mixed reality, with applications in training, serious games, design, exhibitions, and education.
Read more about Virtual Reality Creation at the MIX here.
See more on the Credly platform here.
Interactive Embedded
Systems Design
In partnership with GMU’s ECE 350, attendees will develop a prototype embedded system that integrates a single-board computer to manage the transmission, reception, and control of signals between sensors and other components. The system supports interaction between hardware and software, enabling processing and control. Potential applications include home automation and smart living solutions, security and surveillance systems, robotics and navigation platforms, as well as interactive games.
Read more about Interactive Emdedded Systems Design at the MIX here.
See more on the Credly platform here.
Explore Faculty Projects with the MIX
-
![]()
Biology Professor Printed New Tool for Research Project
Our 3D Printer created these cases to help track bats and other wildlife. We printed cases for a Biology Research Project to protect electronic listening devices that needed waterproof enclosures.
-
![]()
Engineering 107 Projects
Engineering 107 students worked on building prototypes at the MIX. This included testing out wheels and axles for class.
-
![]()
Thymio Robots & Computer Design Courses
Professor Ted Prawat recently received a grant and has launched an exciting partnership with a leading robot designer from Switzerland, Thymio Mobsya, to provide cutting-edge robotic equipment to be incorporated into Prof. Prawat’s courses.
-
![]()
Book Making Project
Students attended the MIX for guidance and training how to design and execute producing a book for their class.
Engage Students with Hands-On Projects
Reserve time in our space with a hands-on workshop led by the MIX team
One on One support for students in the Makespace, Media Lab, or Incubator
Brainstorm how to enhance curriculum given our suite of tools and technology
The MIX Collaborates with GMU Biology Professor to 3D Print New Tool for Wildlife Tracking Research Project