Fimbel Lab is only available by appointment for Mt Holyoke College students, faculty and staff for academic/MHC-work related projects until further notice. Individuals must have already completed training to return to campus, and all MHC safety measures must be followed (face covering, social distancing, etc). Email fimbellab@mtholyoke.edu with inquiries and to make an appointment.
“Making” provides a visceral understanding of both physical and intellectual concepts, and represents a unique mode of inquiry. Modern maker culture encourages collaboration across different disciplines and broad exploration — a hallmark of the liberal arts.
Learn more about the Fimbel Maker & Innovation Lab
Maker Stories
New facility primed for curiosity
The Fimbel Maker & Innovation Lab provides 8,000 square feet where students can implement, adapt and expand diverse concepts of creation.
Calling all makers — and doers
The new Fimbel Maker & Innovation Lab is now open for your projects, inspirations, creativity and persistence.
Optimal claw comfort? Check.
Stella Elwood ’19 turns to the Makerspace to create an effective, affordable tool for use in veterinary medicine.
Core Programs
Academic Coursework
The Fimbel Maker & Innovation Lab staff and equipment support a wide range of classes in specific areas of study. Courses from robotics, costume-making, art studio, art history, theatre arts, architectural studies — even international relations — have all used the Fimbel Lab facilities.
Workshops
Fimbel Maker & Innovation Lab staff and student workers regularly hold workshops from bike repair to Halloween costumes that are open to all students, faculty and staff. They also collaborate with departments and student orgs to help promote activities and events.
Community Outreach
A crucial part of the Fimbel Maker & Innovation Lab mission is working with students beyond the College, especially those from underrepresented groups who are interested in engineering and science. The staff will work with schools and organizations to explore workshops and curricular support.
Maker Culture
- encourages students to seek answers to new questions and answer old questions through a new lens
- sparks interest in STEM disciplines, which helps grow a strong pipeline of women professionals in these fields
- expands learning and professional pathways in digital arts and humanities fields
- challenges preconceived notions of who can access technology to solve real-world problems.