America Makes selected The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), a Platinum-level member, and the Keck Center as the home of its first Satellite Center because of their superior technical excellence in additive manufacturing, outstanding educational program, and proven ability to have a positive impact on the El Paso region.
Founded in 2001 as part of a $1 million grant by the W.M. Keck Foundation, UTEP’s Keck Center is a unique multidisciplinary research facility focused on the use and development of additive manufacturing technologies. Led by Director and Founder Dr. Ryan Wicker, the Keck Center features a 13,000-square-foot, state-of-the art facility with more than 50 additive manufacturing machines and more than 50 involved faculty, staff, students and researchers with multiple successful national and international collaborations.
Objective
The objective of the America Makes Satellite Center (AM-SC) is to extend the reach of the existing America Makes mission – to complement and expand America Makes’ current regional, industrial, and technological footprint.
The AM-SC engages with local companies and educational institutions to supply education and training in additive manufacturing technologies, and focuses on the transition of additive technology from the research lab to commercialization.
Leveraging the Network
The AM-SC team leverages regional networking opportunities, conferences, and other appropriate events to both grow the America Makes brand and seek out new opportunities for agency- and company-directed projects.
Outreach and Extension
The AM-SC serves as a regional hub of education, training, technology validation, technical assistance, and other outreach.
Additionally, the AM-SC develops and executes a regional strategy for small- and medium-sized business outreach and engagement. The objective of this effort is to harness the speed and flexibility of small business for the purposes of growing the national additive manufacturing value chain and identifying transition opportunities for the results of America Makes projects.
Workforce & Education
The AM-SC team attracts and develops students at all levels, including non-traditional students, K-12, and veterans through additive-related curricula. This also includes programs for educating teachers, faculty, and instructors to integrate additive manufacturing into existing curriculum.