When you produce something yourself instead of purchasing it, that changes your relationship to it," says Chelsea Schelly, assistant professor of social sciences. She's discussing the current popular trend of 3D printing. "You are empowered by it."


That principle might sound simple, but its ramifications can be wide ranging, especially for middle and high school educators. That's where Schelly's research began: studying a teacher workshop coordinated by 3D printing guru Joshua Pearce, an associate professor of materials science and engineering and electrical and computer engineering.