SUNY New Paltz is the first institution of higher education to be designated a Stratasys-MakerBot Additive Research & Teaching or SMART lab by Stratasys, the largest 3D printer company in the world.
The announcement came during an open house for the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center (HVAMC) on June 22.
“Our designation as a SMART lab is a huge step for the HVAMC,” said Dan Freedman, dean of the School of Science and Engineering and HVAMC director. “The combination of our unique focus on the intersection of art, engineering and science, with this recognition and support from the world’s leading manufacturer of 3D printers, allows us to offer an unparalleled interdisciplinary educational experience, helps us support regional businesses and gives all of our students and faculty the tools to perform cutting-edge work in art, engineering and design.”
The open house also saw the official announcement of a new, 18-credit minor in digital design and fabrication—the result of a unique partnership between the Schools of Fine & Performing Arts and Science & Engineering to prepare a new generation of students to conceptualize and design for 21st century manufacturing.
“The Digital Design & Fabrication minor brings together faculty from art, engineering, design and computer science,” said Jeni Mokren, dean of the School of Fine & Performing Arts. “This gives our students access to a range of expertise that will enable them to understand the technical capabilities and restraints of advanced manufacturing, while making products that function and look good, too. It also means our graduates will be highly sought-after by employers across the region and around the world.”
The minor’s interdisciplinary curriculum combines courses in material studies and other fundamentals of fabrication with courses covering computer-aided design principles, all developed with a keen sense of the importance of aesthetics to the challenges posed by modern manufacturing. It culminates with a capstone course focused on the application of these principles to the manufacture of functional solutions to real-world problems.
“This is a wonderful partnership across disciplines that integrates our strengths in engineering, technology, computer science and the arts,” said President Donald P. Christian. “I’m extremely proud of what Deans Dan Freedman and Jeni Mokren and their faculty and staff have accomplished through a spirit of innovation and cooperation in fostering the continued expansion of this 3D initiative.”
He added that the Schools of Business and Education are engaging with 3D design and printing as well. “Our students receive an unparalleled education and experience that will prepare them for the design challenges of the modern world,” he said. “Regional businesses have a valuable resource for innovation and SUNY New Paltz contributes to the broader workforce and economic development of the Hudson Valley.”
“What started as an HVEDC regional economic development initiative only four years ago has quickly evolved into a leading global technology revolution with its center based in the Hudson Valley,” said Laurence P. Gottlieb, president & CEO of Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation. “This historic announcement by Stratasys and SUNY New Paltz will have positive repercussions for the region for decades to come. Congratulations to the whole HV3D partnership team!”
Andrew Winchell, director of operations for State Senator John Bonacic, attended the HVAMC open house to express continuing support of New Paltz’s 3D initiative on the Senator’s behalf. State funding secured by the Senator, in addition to a $10 million NYSUNY2020 grant and investment of institutional funds, will provide the College with a 22,000-square-foot Engineering Innovation Hub to house our 3D initiative and our mechanical engineering program. The Hub is expected to open in fall 2019.
Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center at SUNY New Paltz
The HVAMC provides expert advice on the 3D printing process, materials and design for additive manufacturing to SUNY New Paltz and the Hudson Valley business community. Our collection of 3D printers constitute some of the most advanced technology at any academic lab in the country and is available for the campus and the wider community. SUNY New Paltz’s interdisciplinary minor in digital design and fabrication encourages research and innovation across fields to provide students with a foundation in design thinking for a modern world.
More information about Digital Design & Fabrication and the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center at SUNY New Paltz is available online.
