3-D Printing: My Scholars End-of-Year Project

I started this project with the intention of learning how to use the technology services available to me at Ohio State. There are so many incredible resources available through Knowlton and the College of Engineering and I wanted to make sure I didn’t allow for opportunities to go to waste. However, I don’t consider myself great with technology; therefore, I hoped this project would also help me improve this important skill. Technology is so important in today’s world, and the ability to troubleshoot and learn new programs is essential in most jobs. While COVID-19 prevented me from accessing a lot of this tech at OSU, I was able to gain plenty of knowledge about resources, 3-D modeling, and 3-D printing that I look forward to using over the next three years.

My first step was to determine what resources are available to me at Ohio State. I was surprised at how much there is that I did not know about. For example, the TechHub offers access to its Tech Demo space with multiple VR headsets, at least five gaming consoles, Disney +, holographic displays, and more. They also offer plenty of free items for loan that I had never even heard of such as the HoloPlayer One Display (which allows you to interact with a 3-D Hologram) and the ROLI Seaboard and Blocks (which is a small electronic keyboard with a cool, non-traditional sound).

The Holoplayer One Display offered in the TechHub

The Holoplayer One Display offered in the TechHub

 

In addition to many other resources, TechHub offers 3-D printing. According to their website, TechHub accepts files in stl format, and the cost for a small item would be about $10. I have always been interested in 3-D printing. In High School, I took an AutoCAD class, but I was disappointed that we never learned 3-D modeling. However, according to the Knowlton website, all of the computers have AutoCAD Autodesk, so I decided that I would learn about 3-D printing and attempt to make a model for my project.

My first step was to learn about 3-D printing. I learned that 3-D printing is an inexpensive way to make complex items. Although many manufactured items are made by CNC milling, 3-D printing is able to create objects that are too complex for a CNC machine. 3-D printing begins by creating a 3-D model in a AutoCAD-like software. Next, a computer program is used to “slice” the design into printable horizontal layers. Finally, the item is printed by laying down the layers in order to create the item using filament.

 

The 3-D Printing process

 

Since I have never 3-D printed before, I wanted to print something small at TechHub just to get an idea of what it was like. However, before I could get a reservation, COVID-19 shut down the school and its resources for the remainder of the semester. I still wanted to print something, so I researched designs on the website Thingiverse. I found a cool pencil holder and had it printed in gold filament for about $12 . Unfortunately, it still hasn’t arrived, although it will supposedly arrive May 26th.

The pencil holder I ordered, but in blue 

At this point, I still could not use AutoCAD. It was not available in TechHub online to get a license, and because I was at home I did not have access to the computers in the Knowlton Lab. However, I found a software online called TinkerCAD. TinkerCAD is free and intended for beginners to learn about 3-D modeling. After creating an account, the website has many optional lessons to familiarize the user with the software. The lessons taught me to remove, add, and duplicate material.

With TinkerCad, I created a 3-D frog. It took me nearly 45 minutes to make this frog, and it was very difficult. Every time I changed the angle, I would realize parts of the frog weren’t connected the way I thought they were. However, if I wanted to, I could export this frog and pay to have it 3-D printed. I definitely have a lot of room for improvement when it comes to 3-D modeling. Although, despite the difficulty, I genuinely had fun working in this program. It was relaxing just to spend some time being creative.

 

This experience taught me that new computer programs are not as intimidating as I tend to think they are. I need to have more confidence in my ability to learn new things, even if they are hard. I also learned a lot about the resources available at Ohio State. I am glad I took the time to learn something new, and I will continue to spend time exploring the resources at Ohio State for the rest of my academic career.

 

ROLI Seaboard Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUCN4Q3egmw

TechHub Reservable Spaces: https://techhub.osu.edu/reserve-space

TechHub 3-D Printing Info: https://techhub.osu.edu/3d-printing

Knowlton Software Applications List: https://knowlton.osu.edu/sites/default/files/it-web/software-list.pdf

3-D Printing Info: https://interestingengineering.com/how-exactly-does-3d-printing-work

Pencil Holder Design: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:329076

 

End-of-Year Reflection

I remember that my first days at Ohio State were a whirlwind. Moving to a brand new place, living with brand new people, and learning brand new things made for an overwhelming and exciting first few days. However, since beginning freshman year, my goals, aspirations, and outlook have changed. I have decided that I want to pursue a different career path and I am actively taking steps to achieve this.

When I started at Ohio State, I took mostly city planning classes in the fall. However, I soon realized that while I was interested in the subject, I probably would not be a great fit for the job. Being a planner seemed very political, and a planner would spend much of their time convincing others of their plan. While I do not mind a little public speaking, I do not want a career that is mostly public speaking, so I decided to investigate civil engineering. I was surprised to find that civil engineering was as closely related to city planning as I thought. I reached out to a planner in Cleveland Heights and a civil engineer in Columbus and compared their day-t0-day jobs. After a second semester of engineering classes, I decided that an engineering major would be a better fit for me.

During this past school year, I also worked to improve myself outside the classroom. I volunteered with Students for Diversity in Education and went to City and Regional Planning Student Association meetings first semester. I stepped out of my comfort zone and joined ski team, despite not having done a sport since middle school. However, I was glad I joined these organizations as I got to meet new people are try new things. While this first year was eventful, I am excited for the fall semester and all the excitement and challenges sophomore year will bring.

Spring Semester Project and Future GOALS

For my scholars spring semester project, I would like to learn how to use different machinery both in and out of Knowlton, and then create small crafts with what I learn. For example, learning how to 3D print and then making a small object. I think this is a great project for me as I am very bad with technology and would love to learn those skills. It is important to me to take advantage of the resources available while I am here at Ohio State. Furthermore, I love working with my hands and creating crafty things so I am excited to get the chance to do this project.

This project is mostly related to the A in goals, Academic Enrichment. Academic Enrichment means learning outside of the classroom. The skills I will learn from completing this project will theoretically be more than just how to use the machinery, as I will be learning patience and technology problem-solving skills.

I plan to begin working on this project during winter break. The first step of the project will be learning what equipment and machinery is available for me to use as an inexperienced first-year Knowlton major. Something else important for me to learn is a cost estimate for materials. The second step of this project will be choosing three skills to learn, for example, 3D printing, ArcGIS, and CNC milling. I plan to have this second step completed by the end of February.

Coffee in Columbus: Final Update

So for my first update on the Columbus To Do List, I had gone to One Line Coffee and Kafe Kerouac. I enjoyed the honey latte at One Line and the atmosphere and proximity of Kafe Kerouac. I have actually gone back to Kafe Kerouac a number of times since first going for the To Do List. The coffees are cheap and interesting, the shop is within walking distance, and it is enjoyable to do work in a quiet book shop. 

So as I continued work on the To Do List, I wanted to find places similar to the atmosphere of Kafe Kerouac. The next place I went was Cafe Brioso. To get there, one simply has to take either the 1 or the 2 bus downtown. At Cafe Brioso, I ordered a maple latte with almond milk. Although the latte was a bit overpriced and not very good, I really did enjoy doing schoolwork while looking out the window at downtown. 

The next place I went on the To Do List was Mission Coffee. This coffee shop was a bit closer to campus. It was a bit difficult to find, being on a side street with almost no signage, but we eventually found it. It was kind of crowded and there was not enough seating, however, the interior of the coffee shop was very pretty with wood floors and dark furniture. At Mission, I ordered a vanilla latte. The coffee was okay but it was absurdly expensive. It was pretty loud and difficult to get much work done. 

Mission Coffee and Cafe Brioso were probably the two shops I spent the most time at, as I had a paper to write at each location, but I did enjoy stopping in to the other coffee shops. I liked the atmosphere and proximity of Stauf’s. It is in an old church with beautiful stained glass windows and it is right by south campus. Another coffee shop I enjoyed was Fox and the Snow. It had a homey atmosphere and I liked how the iced drinks were in mason jars. 

However, my favorite experience from the list was Zen Cha Tea Salon. I am a big fan of tea and trying new things so it was a really cool to be able to try different teas from around the world. I definitely will be going back there; my goal is to try one tea from each continent by the end of the year. While there, I tried the lavender mate. I have been wanting to try mate for a while, as I learned about it in Spanish class this year. It was really really strong and kind of hard to finish but I am glad I was able to try it. 

Through this project I was able to learn a lot about Columbus. I improved my COTA navigation skills and went to new parts of the city I had never been before. Something else I found interesting was the way the atmosphere of High Street changes as you go south. In the University District, the drinks are cheap and the atmosphere is more academic. In the short north, it’s a lot of young professionals and the drinks are more expensive. Downtown, the customers tend to be adults and the drinks are in the middle. 

To someone else who endeavors to complete this project, I would recommend going to coffee shops with a specific assignment to do. That way, you are killing two birds with one stone. Furthermore, it lets you experience the coffee/tea shop more than when you just stop in. I found myself to be much more productive when I was off campus in a coffee shop than when I am on campus and distracted.

 

The pictures below from left to right:

Top row- Mission Coffee, Cafe Brioso

Bottom row- Kafe Kerouac, Fox and the Snow

 

Columbus To-Do List: Part 1

For my Columbus To-Do list assignment, I chose the coffee and tea theme. I chose this theme because coffee shops are a great place to study, and I could explore Columbus while still being productive. From this experience, I am hoping to learn about the city in which I now live so it can feel a little bit more like home. Also, because of the coffee shops on campus I have not gone to any other Columbus coffee shops. I am looking forward to trying new drinks (I love every type of caffeinated drink) and finding new places to study outside of campus.

So far, I have gone to One Line Coffee and Cafe Kerouac. While One Line Coffee was nice (and I absolutely loved the honey latte), it was a little too far down High Street to travel more than every once in a while. However, I really enjoyed the closeness of Kafe Kerouac. I liked how it had interesting drinks named after famous authors and doubled as a book/record store. Also, the drinks were relatively inexpensive (especially compared to the cafes on campus). While at the cafe, I tried the J. R. R. Tolkien drink which had mint, cinnamon, and hazelnut flavors.

For someone else who endeavors to try the coffee and tea to-do list, I would recommend bringing a friend and some homework with you and staying for at least an hour. I would also recommend going in the morning so you are not up all night!

The Mentor Interview

I met with my mentor Julie Dombroski on Friday September 20th. We met on the top floor of Knowlton near the library for about an hour and a half. Initially, I was worried that that would be too long of a time to be able to maintain a conversation with someone I did not know very well; however, we talked so long that we were almost late to our next class! I had reached out to her a few weeks prior to learn about what she does in transportation planning but this was the first time we had actually gotten to meet. I genuinely learned a lot during this interview. I learned about Julie’s internship working for the Ohio Department of Transportation in Columbus to study traffic. She also gave me advice about getting internships as she has had one every year of college thus far. For example, she told me that sometimes it paid to apply to internships that one does not have every qualification for. It was reassuring to know that internships were attainable with some hard work.

In addition to discussing internships, we discussed classes to take in the spring semester. She provided me a list of transportation planning electives as well as GIS courses. She also taught me how to run a degree audit to learn about the amount of hours I have toward my degree thus far. Furthermore, we talked about the AICP Certification process. She taught me a way that I could register early and start the process as a student.

I ended the interview with contact information for both her favorite professor and her coworker at the Ohio Department of Transportation who has experience in civil engineering, in addition to a list of classes I am interested in taking in the coming semester. My mentor is very helpful and I will be comfortable reaching out to her in the future. Thanks Julie!

Journal #1: The College Transition

My first impression of Ohio State was that it was well-organized. It was easy to move in, easy to start to learn what was going on around campus that first week. I enjoyed welcome week, and thought the various events on campus made it a little easier to get acclimated. My classes were a little bit different than expected. I had not expected classes to take attendance and each of them do. I had also expected classes to be unlike High School. As of now, they seem similar in difficulty and workload (although that will probably change as I head further into the semester).

It was a little difficult to make this adjustment from summer vacation to college. I struggled with switching from little to no obligations to many obligations. It is also hard for me to make my own schedule and stick to it; however, as the weeks progress it becomes easier to think of the school as my home, rather than it just feeling like a really long vacation. I am enjoying my schedule because of the free time between my classes, but I am not enjoying the lateness of my evening class.

I had initially been confused about what the scholars program entailed. My first impression was that the honors and scholars students were frequently grouped together which I had not expected. I also had not expected the volunteer requirement. However, I am glad I joined the scholars program as it allowed me to meet people with similar interests and have access to a mentorship opportunity.

Artifacts

[Artifacts are the items you consider to be representative of your academic interests and achievements. For each entry, include both an artifact and a detailed annotation.  An annotation includes both a description of the artifact and a reflection on why it is important to you, what you learned, and what it means for your next steps.  For more guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

About Me

 

Welcome to my ePortfolio! My name is Alex Summers and I am from Mentor, Ohio which is an east-side Cleveland suburb. Currently, I am a City and Regional Planning major at the Ohio State University. During my time at OSU, I hope to pursue my interests in foreign language, civil engineering, geography, and music. I have always wanted to become fluent in a language, and hope that I get the chance to study abroad. After I graduate, I want to join the Peace Corp or do some other service abroad.

Currently, I am interested in a career in transportation planning or engineering. I have always been interested in maps and cities. When I was younger, I used to get motion sick, and I spent a lot of time looking out the window of the car or plane at passing cities and streetscapes. I like the city planning major because it is multidisciplinary and involves problem-solving.

My hobbies include skiing, gardening, and playing in bands and orchestras. At OSU, I race in Ski Team and play in Collegiate Winds. During my sophomore year, I hope to get more involved in music and academic organizations.