Join the Makerspace Today!
If you would like to get more involved, fill out https://ter.ps/Vortex2122.
About Us:
Welcome to the UMD Physics Makerspace! We seek to encourage learning, investigation, and collaboration through practical projects in electronics, fabrication, coding, and more. We focus on skills that are useful to a physics major in their career, but are not taught in any courses at UMD. While we are built around UMD physics, the same skills are useful in a range of fields, and all are welcome!
The Vortex is one makerspace among 25+ within the Makerspace Initative (MSI). The MSI is dedicated to providing students, faculty, and staff with the resources to create and innovate. For more information, visit their page.
You can get involved through our frequent hour-long workshops where we teach you a basic skill with no prior knowledge assumed. Or come drop on by any time (as long as we’re open) and chat with a shop manager about a project you are interested in working on in the space, and what resources we can offer you (make sure to check the shop manager schedule to find someone who is interested in the same topics as you!).
The Vortex is also the classroom for PHYS499X. PHYS499X is a laboratory course emphasizing practical skills for Physics experiments. The course covers design, fabrication, hands-on skills, repair, and safety. The course takes place within The Vortex to offer a curriculum focusing on practical skills that are not otherwise covered in the traditional coursework (e.g.: carpentry, electronics disassembly/assembly, soldering). Skills obtained and techniques learned in this course serve as a gateway into the Physics Makerspace community, and prepare students for experimental research experiences in future career trajectories, whether in research or industry.
Past Events
Our Location:
We are located in building 111, tucked between the physics and chemistry buildings. The easiest way to enter the space is to go down the stairs behind Toll 1410 and 1412. Our official address can be found here: maps.umd.edu
When we are open, the door remains unlocked and you can come on in!
Staff Contact Information:
Angel Torres: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Donna Hammer: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.