By Dave DeFusco
In a lab on the 11th floor of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»â€™s Belfer Hall, Joshua Rodriguez, an adjunct professor and lab technician, is reshaping how students engage with physics. Blending theory with hands-on practice, his new makerspace course on 3D printing has sparked excitement, challenging students to bridge scientific principles and practical design, all the while cultivating valuable career skills.
Rodriguez, who has degrees in both physics and philosophy from City College of New York, as well as a master’s degree in the philosophical foundations of physics from Columbia University, is fascinated by the philosophical questions that quantum mechanics poses. But in the lab, his focus shifts to making these abstract ideas tangible. Students work directly with cutting-edge tools and software, gaining experience in additive manufacturing—skills that go beyond textbooks.
The course has two primary goals: imparting a solid foundation in 3D printing fundamentals and guiding students through Autodesk Fusion 360, a popular 3D modeling software. After introducing various printing methods, including Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA), which uses light to cure liquid resin into solid shapes, Rodriguez dives into design basics. The emphasis, however, is on experimentation.
“I want them to see what happens when you have failed experiments—not just ones that work,†he said. “Understanding and fixing issues builds resilience and problem-solving skills essential for any engineering or science field.â€
Rodriguez’s approach to teaching extends beyond instruction; he’s invested in giving students the autonomy to create. In the 11th-floor lab, students can access the 3D printers any time during the week, tackling personal and class projects. Materials range from plastic to carbon fiber composites, and the department plans to add a metal printer soon. It’s a maker’s playground, complete with the promise of a new electronic lathe for precision work.
One student benefiting from Rodriguez’s guidance is Yoel Jacobson, a student in the Katz School’s M.A. in Physics through Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»â€™s Pathways program. The Teaneck, N.J., native views this course as a bridge to his career aspirations in engineering.
“This course fills a desire among students for more applied engineering,†said Jacobson. “When Professor Rodriguez floated the idea about it, students were very excited. We’re all looking for skills that will translate into something in our careers.â€
In Rodriguez’s class, students receive detailed introductions on various techniques before they dive into projects. Their work spans simple outline sketches to intricate stress analysis using Fusion 360’s built-in tools.
“We start with the basics, then analyze where a model’s weak points might be,†said Jacobson. "For instance, we recently examined how stress affects different lengths of plastic blocks, testing our findings with math, educated guesses and computer simulations."
One of his standout projects has been a honeycomb-inspired ring. For Rosh Hashanah, Jacobson designed it with a honey dipper shape—a nod to the holiday’s traditions. “Professor Rodriguez gave us creative freedom, so I came up with something that felt personal and relevant to me,†he said. “And we get to print them, which is an incredible opportunity to see our digital ideas brought to life.â€
Dr. Fredy Zypman, physics professor and chair, said that seven years ago, the department began shifting toward applied physics and engineering to meet the market demand for these skills.
“After building the makerspace and developing the software, we realized we had the infrastructure and interest to launch a 3D printing course,†he said. “Students were keen on learning practical skills that would help them land and excel in high-tech jobs.â€
By guiding students in hands-on experimentation, Rodriguez is equipping them to handle real-world challenges. It’s about much more than software proficiency or technical know-how. “Learning 3D CAD and programming isn’t just the next step,†he said. “It’s about giving students a sense of ownership over their learning.â€
In the rapidly advancing field of physics, Rodriguez’s 3D printing course is a testament to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»â€™s commitment to forward-thinking education. By blending tradition with innovation, the department is preparing its students to be the problem solvers, creators and critical thinkers of tomorrow’s workforce.
For Jacobson and many of his classmates, the course has brought physics to life. “Students always ask, ‘When will I use this in my career?’ But you can’t say that about this class,†he said. “It pushes us to think beyond the classroom. Professor Rodriguez has made the subject engaging, combining physics and engineering in a way that feels practical and exciting.â€
