Mentors and volunteers for the 3D Printing Summer School at Los Alamos Makers, from top left, Kathy Fitch and Brett Blackwell; bottom from left, Jacob Yoder and Josh Breidenbach; Not shown: Dusan Kral. Courtesy photo

Students printing designs during 3D Printing Summer School at Los Alamos Makers. Courtesy photo

Los Alamos Makers News:

Seven rising high school students (including homeschooled students) recently completed an intensive four-day 3D Printing Program hosted by Los Alamos Makers, gaining hands-on experience in design, engineering, and rapid prototyping.

The program, supported by volunteers from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), immersed students in a full-cycle design process—creating, 3D printing, testing, and refining structural designs using real-world tools and techniques.

Thanks to generous sponsorship from Los Alamos National Laboratory/Triad LLC, the program was offered free of charge, including a travel stipend, to all participants, removing financial barriers and ensuring broader access to this high-impact STEM experience.

A diverse group of students came from Los Alamos, Española, Santa Fe, and even Moriarty, reflecting the program’s regional appeal. Due to high demand and limited capacity, more students applied than there were spots available, and some applicants had to be placed on a waitlist. This strong interest highlights the critical need for expanded access to hands-on STEM opportunities in Northern New Mexico.

Throughout the program, students used Tinkercad, a beginner-friendly Computer-Aided Design (CAD) platform, to design their own structural models. These models were then 3D printed and tested to failure using a hydraulic press, allowing students to observe how different design and print settings affected performance. Students had the opportunity to rapidly iterate their designs based on real performance feedback, embracing a “fail fast” engineering mindset that is foundational to innovation and research and development.

Students were also introduced to other modern manufacturing tools, including laser cutting, broadening their understanding of today’s digital fabrication landscape and reinforcing the value of precision, design flexibility, and material efficiency.

“By designing, printing, and testing, these students experienced the full engineering cycle at a rapid pace,” said Program Director Prisca Tiasse of Los Alamos Makers. “It’s about testing assumptions early, seeing what works, and learning to adapt—a process that’s vital in both science and innovation.”

The program emphasized how printing settings and design choices influence strength and material efficiency. Through repeated iteration, students developed not only better bridges—but better design instincts, deeper STEM engagement, and stronger critical thinking skills. A design challenge allowed students to collaborate and apply their new knowledge in a creative and competitive format.

“Watching their bridges improve —getting stronger and smarter with each iteration—was rewarding,” Tiasse said. “They’re not just learning to print; they’re learning to think like engineers.”

Los Alamos Makers hopes to bring this transformative opportunity to more students in the future and to the broader community. The organization is currently seeking sponsors to help expand the reach and availability of similar programs.

Those interested in supporting future programs or becoming sponsors are encouraged to contact Los Alamos Makers directly.

Los Alamos Makers member and volunteer Kathy Fitch teaches the principles of laser cutting to students during the 3D Printing Summer School at Los Alamos Makers. Courtesy photo