Funding for the project, dubbed Advancing Manufacturing and Building Construction Technologies (NSF AMT), comes via an NSF Engines Development award through the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program, setting them up to pursue an NSF Engine award of up to $160 million – the largest award ever offered by the NSF. AMT is led by the , and core partners include UofL, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and trade organizations, such as ASTRO America.

“When Kentucky’s businesses are able to leverage groundbreaking innovations from our leading institutions, like the University of Louisville, our entire economy stands to gain,”��said U.S. Senator Mitch��McConnell, who helped secure the funding for the AMT coalition.

Together, the partners will develop a regional plan to improve use of and innovation in additive manufacturing technology, also known as 3-D printing, which can help manufacturers reduce part lead times, material costs, energy usage and waste. Louisville alone more than 2,400 manufacturing firms in areas ranging from food and beverage to automotive, with a total workforce of more than 82,500.��

“By focusing on advancing sustainable additive manufacturing technologies, this project has the potential to support expansion and attract companies and additional high-wage, high-skilled jobs for our commonwealth,” said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. “These kinds of initiatives add to the remarkable strides being made by Kentucky’s entrepreneurs, companies and colleges and universities toward building our state’s future economy. Congratulations to the AMT team for securing this award and both demonstrating and improving Kentucky’s competitiveness and capacity for research and innovation.”

As part of NSF AMT, UofL will leverage its top-notch degree and technology badging programs to build a qualified workforce and its research and innovation strength to further technological innovation. This includes connection to the UofL-based (KY-MEP) statewide resource center, along with labs, including the multi-disciplinary . Over the next year, UofL also will host a series of events, workshops and demonstrations to engage businesses and showcase the potential of additive manufacturing.

“The innovative research we produce at UofL becomes most meaningful when applied to advancements that improve our community,” said UofL President Kim Schatzel. “We’re proud to continue working with our partners to translate our additive manufacturing knowledge into solutions that revolutionize the way we manufacture everything from medication to computer chips.”

UofL and partners also were recently awarded a $1 million NSF Engines Development grant, dubbed Generate Advanced Manufacturing Excellence for Change (GAME Change), aimed at securing economic competitiveness throughout the Southeastern Commerce Corridor (SCC) of Kentucky and Tennessee, with a focus on next-generation and advanced manufacturing, supply chain and logistics, more durable and sustainable materials and more. NSF Engines Development awards are meant to help applicants prepare for an NSF Engines proposal.��

“UofL is committed to empowering small and medium enterprises in our region with the latest advancements in additive manufacturing,” said Will Metcalf, UofL associate vice president for research and innovation and partner on NSF AMT. “Through our NSF Engines Development award and other efforts, we will engage in training and outreach to help these businesses thrive in an increasingly competitive market.”

Launched by NSF’s new Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships and authorized by the “CHIPS and Science Act of 2022,” the NSF Engines program uniquely harnesses the nation’s science and technology research and development enterprise and regional-level resources. NSF Engines aspire to catalyze robust partnerships to positively impact regional economies, accelerate technology development, address societal challenges, advance national competitiveness and create local, high-wage jobs.

“We are eager to continue the work and build upon the partnerships we developed as part of our initial NSF Engines proposal through this�� award,” said KSTC President Terry Samuel. “It is a testament to the importance and potential of both our region and additive manufacturing technologies.”

To find a solution, the president’s staff approached the about 3D printing a less weighty reproduction of the necklace.

Luis Gustavo Rodriguez, a student ambassador for admissions and outreach with the , took on the challenge, creating a visually nearly indistinguishable reproduction of the iconic piece. The 80-hour project involved multiple steps, from modeling to 3D printing, sanding, painting and assembling the necklace.

“I had to use different techniques and approaches to ensure that the project was successful,” Rodriguez said. “All of it had its different challenges. Every part had different skills added into it.”

First, Rodriguez created 3D models of each piece of the necklace: the Minerva medallion, the plates for each of the 12 schools and colleges and the chain links. Using the 3D printers in the STEM+Hub, he printed each piece of the necklace in resin, layer by layer. He then sanded, painted and coated them in polyurethane for durability.

“The real trick was getting the artistic skills down in painting the pieces to recreate the medallion coloring,” Rodriguez said. “I applied primer, leaf gold, shading and airbrush shadowing. It’s been quite a while since I’ve used an airbrush.”

The fleur-de-lis pieces posed particular modeling challenges due to their dimensional detail, so for these, Sophie Wegenast, an intern in the added her expertise.

The assembled reproduction medallion necklace weighs 12 ounces, less than 40% of the two-pound original.

“I found the project to be a great learning experience that heightened my engineering skills. It was a fascinating experience that required a lot of patience and attention to detail,” Rodriguez said.

The highlight for Rodriguez was seeing President Schatzel’s smile when he presented the necklace to her.

“This is an amazing reproduction! I am truly grateful to Luis and the creative, innovative student engineers for their incredible work on this project,” Schatzel said. “It will be worn for years to come.”

Rodriguez received his bachelor’s degree on May 11, with a major in bioengineering. Next, he plans to earn an MBA. After that, he hopes to attend medical school to become a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon.

Their proposal, dubbed the Additive Manufacturing Forward Engine (AMFE), was selected as one of 16 finalists for a 10-year type-2 grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation’s inaugural Regional Innovation Engines, or NSF Engines, program. The potential award is the largest NSF has ever offered.��

“UofL is proud to partner on this work to advance use of additive technology in manufacturing through workforce development and research,” said Kevin Gardner, UofL’s executive vice president for research and innovation. “Together, we can put these innovations to work to exponentially grow our nation’s additive manufacturing capabilities.”

AMFE is led by the , and partners include UofL and other universities and trade organizations throughout Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. Together, they will work to improve use of and innovation in additive manufacturing technology, also known as 3-D printing, which can help manufacturers reduce part lead times, material costs, energy usage and waste. Louisville alone more some 2,400 manufacturing firms in areas ranging from food and beverage to automotive, with a total workforce of more than 82,500.

As part of AMFE, UofL will leverage its top-notch degree and technology badging programs to build a qualified workforce and its research and innovation strength to further technological innovation. This includes connection to the UofL-based statewide resource center, along with labs, inlcuding the multi-disciplinary .

“This recognition [being selected as a finalist] speaks to the immense impact additive manufacturing can have both regionally and nationally,” said KSTC President and AMFE project lead Terry Samuel. “This project forges strong partnerships among research institutions, nonprofit organizations and industry leaders to bring innovative, cost-effective and sustainable solutions as well as high-paying manufacturing jobs to our local, regional and national economies.”�� ��

UofL and partners also were recently awarded a $1 million type-1 NSF Engines grant, dubbed Generate Advanced Manufacturing Excellence for Change (GAME Change), aimed at securing economic competitiveness throughout the Southeastern Commerce Corridor (SCC) of Kentucky and Tennessee, with a focus on next-generation and advanced manufacturing, supply chain and logistics, more durable and sustainable materials and more. Type-1 awards are meant to help applicants prepare for a type-2 proposal.��

Launched by NSF’s new Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships and authorized by the “CHIPS and Science Act of 2022,” the NSF Engines program uniquely harnesses the nation’s science and technology research and development enterprise and regional-level resources. NSF Engines aspire to catalyze robust partnerships to positively impact regional economies, accelerate technology development, address societal challenges, advance national competitiveness and create local, high-wage jobs.

Awarded type-2 proposals will receive up to $160 million over 10 years, with each awardee receiving $15 million for the first two years. NSF anticipates the list of awardees will be announced this fall.

The skills needed by nearly all manufacturers soon will be shaped to some degree by the rapidly accelerating robotics and machine learning revolution, including automation, robotics, additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence. RAMPS will allow UofL’s Louisville Automation and Robotics Research Institute (LARRI) and other centers to purchase additional advanced equipment, such as a robotic quadruped, and introduce future workers to these devices.

“We want to make this technology accessible for people or students who don’t necessarily have the advanced technical skills, but they are enthusiastic,” said Dan Popa, director of LARRI and lead for the RAMPS project. “They want to learn about robotics, AI and additive manufacturing, how they are used in industry and what kind of skills you need to operate this type of equipment.”

Made possible by funding secured by U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth from the U.S. Department of ����ֱ��, RAMPS aims to address workforce needs in the advanced manufacturing industry sector and enhance employment opportunities for underrepresented groups. It will allow LARRI, the Additive Manufacturing Institute of Science and Technology (AMIST) and Micro/Nano Technology Center (MNTC), all based in the at UofL, to obtain additional equipment and pilot programs to increase awareness and access to training in robotic and additive manufacturing technology over the next year.

“I’m so proud to have secured $750,000 in federal funding for UofL’s RAMPS program, which will help students excel in the industries of tomorrow,” Yarmuth said. “Manufacturing is a key sector of our local and state economy, and robotics and automation will have a tremendous impact on how businesses and industries operate moving forward. UofL is a national leader in innovative training programs, and through its RAMPS program, students will have access to the state-of-the-art equipment and training that will best position them to succeed in our rapidly changing workforce.”

“The RAMPS program not only will help fulfill today’s workforce needs of our commonwealth, it also will enhance the University of Louisville’s work in advanced research and education in robotics and additive manufacturing,” said UofL Interim President Lori Stewart Gonzalez. “We are extremely grateful to Congressman Yarmuth for his support in helping us obtain this funding.”

Using existing and new equipment and leveraging the knowledge and skills present in the UofL facilities, RAMPS leaders will introduce K-12 students, high school graduates and university students to robotics and additive manufacturing and help train them to use these advanced technologies in the workplace.

“The goal of this program is to help future technicians and engineers prepare for employment in additive manufacturing fields that are both high-paying and growing in need. Whether it is a mid-career person looking to transition professions, a currently enrolled college student or someone with no post-high school education, we will be delivering workforce training tailored to an individual’s starting education and skills level,” said Thomas Berfield, co-director of AMIST.

Berfield anticipates that AMIST will add equipment used in the aerospace, automotive, dental and biomedical industries, among others.

Workers at Kentucky’s multiple manufacturing facilities are expected to be disproportionately affected by the shift toward automation, making programs like RAMPS essential to advance employment opportunities in the commonwealth.

“While it is true that automation is expected to displace workers in manufacturing, the adoption of robot technology actually predicts wage growth as those positions are replaced with higher skilled workers in high-tech positions needed to interface with the robots,” Popa said.

RAMPS leaders expect around 200 students will be exposed to these technologies in the first year as part of pilot projects, followed by more robust and formalized workforce training programs and curricula to be developed in future years.

In addition to training workers, RAMPS will elevate UofL’s programs at LARRI, AMIST and MNTC by further improving the high-quality learning environment within these centers, attracting highly qualified faculty and talented students and increasing opportunities for additional funding.

Since the opening of LARRI’s dedicated robotics lab on the UofL campus in October, it has hosted more than 400 K-12 and college students, industry professionals and researchers to learn about existing and potential uses of robots, drones and other technology.

“The research we do here at UofL has real impact in engineering a future technology-driven economy in Kentucky and beyond,” said Kevin Gardner, UofL’s executive vice president for research and innovation. “We are grateful to Congressman Yarmuth for securing this funding to expand that impact and support our work to build the next generation of robotics technologies and professionals.”

Scott Broughton, UofL’s new director of manufacturing engagement in the , will work closely with UofL researchers and groups focused on 3D-printing, energy, robotics and other cutting-edge areas that could help manufacturers innovate and grow.��

Broughton comes to UofL from the Advantage Kentucky Alliance (AKA), where he previously was director of the state’s manufacturing extension partnership. UofL News recently had the chance to talk to Broughton about what’s new and next in manufacturing, and why he’s excited to connect industry with UofL.��

UofL News: This is a new role – what excites you about connecting manufacturers with UofL?

Broughton: What excites me most is being the conduit itself. What I mean by that is UofL has vast resources, technologies, capabilities, training in operational improvement, etc. that manufacturers simply do not know are available to them. For example, our ) and the .

I am excited about connecting manufacturers’ needs to UofL solutions. Manufacturers have a need for embedding new technologies into their processes and bringing in new employees. I am excited to show them how UofL is the perfect fit to be able to do both; the use of new technologies without the investment costs of buying the equipment as well as talented, well-trained UofL graduates looking to start their careers.

UofL News: Can you give a few examples of ways UofL’s helped manufacturers in the past?��

Broughton: Too many to count! One is how we allow manufacturers, startups and others to leverage our research capability as a one-stop shop for product development — from concept drawing through fully manufactured part through hiring your next great innovation engineer. ��

Another one I’m really excited about is our Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU)-backed program, Accelerated Innovative Manufacturing with 3D Printing, or AIM-3DP. That program provides small and medium manufacturers in the automotive and aerospace sectors with training, mentorship, consulting,��research and development. Some of the manufacturers we’re working with would not have been able to do this work in the past without access to UofL expertise and resources in the latest technologies, like 3D printing and additive manufacturing.

UofL News: You mentioned new technologies – how are these changing the landscape for manufacturers?

Broughton:��New technologies are, of course, changing the way manufacturing is done; additive manufacturing/3D-printing can make prototyping and parts manufacturing less expensive and quicker, for example, and robotics and artificial intelligence can make things more efficient and safer. But currently, the No. 1 issue is workforce. The latest change-drivers in manufacturing are focused on trying to resolve that dilemma – both in terms of optimizing workflows by integrating these technologies and hiring employees trained to use these advanced technologies.��

UofL News: How can using these technologies help industry?��

Broughton: In several ways. One is that these smart technologies, like artificial intelligence, can help prevent mistakes. In today’s competitive market, we can not afford quality issues and stay competitive. Another, is that these technologies offer new ways to manufacture. Additive manufacturing and 3D-printing, for example, enable us to create parts not possible to produce any other way, nonetheless as quickly. The benefits of using these technologies are near limitless, from improving safety, to preventing errors, to reducing costs, to a thousand other things. These cutting-edge technologies can help manufacturers to innovate, optimize, build and grow.��

You can contact Scott Broughton at��scott.broughton@louisville.edu.

The grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), will launch the Kentucky MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center, one of only four such programs nationwide.

“There’s huge economic potential in additive manufacturing,” said Sundar Atre, endowed chair of manufacturing and materials at UofL and a lead on the new grant. “I see the pathway to a multibillion-dollar economy built around this in Louisville — it’s not unrealistic. With this new program, we will work to make that ecosystem open to everyone.”

The new center will build on the work of Atre and his team at UofL’s , housed in the . AMIST will use its faculty, staff and 10,000 square feet of dedicated facilities to provide minority-owned manufacturing businesses with product design, technology support, talent pipeline and business development assistance in additive manufacturing.

AMIST has put a strong focus on helping manufacturers adopt these disruptive technologies. The institute already supports training for minority-owned businesses in West Louisville and recently launched a new program to provide small- and medium-sized manufacturers with training, mentorship and UofL-backed research, development and consulting.

“We know Kentucky’s manufacturing industry has a rich and proud history,” said Will Metcalf, associate vice president for research development and strategic partnerships in UofL’s Office of Research and Innovation, who leads the grant with Atre. “This is a chance to leverage UofL’s research strengths to empower manufacturers within our community to use this technology and engineer a future economy that’s built around disruptive, inclusive innovation.”��

The will provide technical and business development assistance to build capacity of minority-owned companies, expand manufacturing ecosystems and facilitate contracts and financing. Miguel��Estién, acting national director��of the MBDA, said efforts to improve equity for minority-owned businesses could add close to $5 trillion per year to U.S. economic output.

“Supporting and promoting this community is a good investment,” he said. “Money spent in the minority business community stays in the community. It is good for the U.S. economy, and it enhances our credibility as a nation because it should be our aspiration to make the economy work for everybody.”��

UofL also recently received a $50,000 pilot grant to fund work to expand access to additive manufacturing technology for minority-owned, innovation-focused startups in Louisville. That grant, from the U.S. Small Business Development Administration’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition to support STEM entrepreneurs, is led by UofL Assistant Professor Kunal Kate, who also will help lead the Kentucky MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center.

Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman said the new center builds on the state’s demonstrated success in manufacturing.

“Through this effort, UofL’s AMIST is opening doors to manufacturing to all our citizens by being��one of only four such programs nationwide recognized by the Minority Business Development Agency for its innovative work,” Coleman said. “We need to be more inclusive in manufacturing and expand opportunities for women and minorities. I applaud AMIST’s efforts in creating an inclusive, innovation ecosystem around new economic opportunities for all Kentuckians.”

Companies can learn more and get involved by visiting the Kentucky MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center .

One week before the JCPS schools shut down due to coronavirus concerns, the teacher had been at AM Watch, a National Science Foundation–supported workshop at UofL’s Additive Manufacturing Institute of Science and Technology (AMIST). There, Travis was learning the latest trends in using 3-D printing for classroom use. As part of the program, 25 teachers were given a 3-D printer for their classrooms.

Now, Travis is filling a small but vital role, along with other teachers, by putting her printer to work, making components for face shields, part of PPE (personal protective equipment) for front line nurses and health professionals.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused the demand for PPE for healthcare workers to skyrocket – a demand supply chains cannot keep up with. UofL engineer and Navy vet Ed Tackett coordinated a response at the AMIST facility at UofL Speed School of Engineering to fill this gap. Speed School student volunteers trained on 3-D printing equipment are volunteering their time, with the AMIST facility production team printing face shields as quickly as possible.��

By April 3, Tackett had orders for 27,000 face shields.

Emily Villescas, who has been spearheading the community engagement effort at AMIST, said when they contacted the teachers who attended the recent workshop to help with printing the PPE for local hospitals, the response was immediate.

“Within hours, I was getting emails from teachers all over wanting to help,” said Villescas. “It was pretty amazing. We sent them files on how to print the face shield frames approved by the state and the CDC, and are coordinating with them to deliver the parts to local drop-off sites. It really shows you their dedication to helping people, both in and out of the classroom. We would not have this kind of movement with this project without the teachers, so we are all so grateful for their support.”

With 25-to-30 teachers already on board, and the word spreading every day, Tackett said the efforts are making a significant impact.

“Every shield they make, that means another healthcare worker is protected in state of Kentucky,” said Tackett. “If you do the math, each printer can print two shields every two hours, and with 25 printers, if they run for six hours, that is 300 face shields a day just from JCPS.”

Travis, who teaches computer technology to all 600 K-5^th��grade students at Lowe Elementary, said her principal, Mr. Allain, was immediately on board with Travis taking her printer home to help with the effort. So far, Travis has printed 17 headbands (or face shield frames) and delivered them to a community drop-off site.

The teacher said she feels an obligation to continue printing the shields until there is no more need, even if she has to buy supplies herself.

“It feels good knowing those pieces I dropped off last week went directly to help fill an order for UofL Hospital. I feel like I’m doing my part to be part of the solution not the problem,” she said.

For the students Travis teaches, she said there will be a real lesson when they return to the classroom, and beyond.

“It’s because of my school administrator letting me go to the AMIST workshop that we are helping with a local solution to this massive worldwide problem,” she said. “The kids might not realize the impact today, but when they’re old enough they’ll be like, ‘Wow we were a part of that.’”

Fourth–grade teacher Heather Kemp said that after she attended the workshop, she was printing 3-D crayfish with her students at Middletown Elementary. Kemp, who teaches all subjects but focuses on math and science, wanted to incorporate STEM learning. But that can wait, because now it is all about printing face shields.

Kemp said she is heartened to observe that “as the virus is growing exponentially, so is the growth of helping hands to combat it. If you look at two teachers, then 35 teachers into one small community, then the designs for the shields being shared and spread to other states, it’s growing every day.”

When the day comes that students return to the classroom, Kemp said there will many lessons to learn.

“When you think about Muhammad Ali’s maxims about giving back, or the Mayor’s Give Back Day, next year, my kiddos will have a great example of how the community gives back. This coronavirus is affecting some of them personally, who have moms and dads who are doctors and nurses. They will have lived through this and it will make that day even more meaningful,” she said.

Local drop-off sites include:

• Norton Commons at 9418 Norton Commons Blvd. Prospect, KY 40059
• CORE Combat Sports at 13124 Eastpoint Park Blvd, Louisville, KY 40223.

Both of these have labelled boxes in the front dedicated to drop offs, which will be picked up on Friday nights. No face-to-face contact.

• The AMIST Facility on Belknap campus is taking local drop offs at one of the loading docks that will be labelled
• ALL deliveries can be sent to this address as well: 1940 Arthur Street Louisville, KY 40208.

Holly Hinson of the Speed School marketing team contributed to this report.

The , held this year from July 31 through August 1 at the UofL Swain Student Activities Center, will showcase the latest research and advances from in and around Kentucky, including work in 3-D printing and manufacturing at the micro/nano-scale.

“Kentucky has always been a manufacturing state, but we need to innovate and continue to advance,” said Dr. Kevin Walsh, associate dean of research and facilities at the UofL J.B. Speed School of Engineering, who’s leading the event. “This forum provides a way for us to annually get together, discuss new findings, share results, showcase capabilities, generate ideas, debate the future and network with one another.”

The conference also includes hands-on workshops on additive manufacturing, roll-to-roll printing and micro-fluidics. The symposium will feature nationally-known keynote speakers, poster presentations, facility tours, networking, a cocktail reception and an investor forum backed by the .��

The event’s keynote speakers are: Harold Sears, a Ford Motor Company rapid manufacturing technical leader often called a “3-D printing futurist;” Dr. Edward Kinzel, an aerospace and mechanical engineering professor at the University of Notre Dame; Dr. Philip Rack, a professor of materials science at The University of Tennessee, and Dr. Placid Ferreira, an endowed professor of material science and engineering from the University of Illinois.��

The annual conference is a��partnership between UofL and the University of Kentucky. Together, they offer a collection of advanced manufacturing core facilities open to industry and academia, called the Kentucky Multi-Scale Network.��

Attendees can tour UofL’s multi-scale facilities, including the Micro-Nanotechnology Center (MNTC) cleanroom, the Rapid Prototyping Center (RPC) and the Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research. Those facilities work with industry on a variety of projects, from to��saving energy when manufacturing cement.

Kentucky Multi-Scale is part of the , which consists of 16 academic sites across the U.S. with similar advanced core facilities. Some of its other members include Harvard, Stanford and Cornell universities.

You can register to attend the 2019 Nano+AM Symposium ��

And, if you’re Jason Lopes, you can use them to create a working “Iron Man”��suit for actor, Robert Downey Jr., or a life-size replica of soccer superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo.

“It’s called pushing the boundaries,” said Lopes, who worked in film special effects before joining technology company, . “When people tell you no, use that as inspiration to show them how it can be done.”

And to push those boundaries, universities and industry can accomplish more by working together. That was the subject of the 2018��, held Aug. 1-2 at the Speed Art Museum on UofL’s Belknap campus. Lopes was the first keynote speaker.

The inaugural conference, themed “Strengthening Industry Collaborations with Academia,” focused on collaboration in advanced manufacturing fields, including additive manufacturing and micro/nanotechnology.

“Universities play a critical role in the advancement and application of these technologies for industry,” said Dr. Kevin Walsh, associate dean of research at UofL’s J.B. Speed School of Engineering, who led the organizing committee. “Our goal was to bring both sides together, and showcase the innovation generated by that collaboration.”

The event was a��partnership between UofL and the University of Kentucky. Together, they offer a collection of advanced manufacturing core facilities open to industry and academia, called the Kentucky Multi-Scale Network.��

Kentucky Multi-Scale is part of the National Science Foundation’s National Nanotechnology Network, which consists of 16 academic sites across the U.S. with similar advanced core facilities.

At UofL, those facilities include the Micro-Nanotechnology Center (MNTC), the Rapid Prototyping Center (RPC), and the Conn Center for Renewable Research. Those facilities work with industry on a variety of projects, from to��saving energy when manufacturing cement.

This goes to show that the potential applications for nanotechnology and 3-D printing are broad, and can impact diverse industries — from space travel, to manufacturing, to medicine, to movies.

Lopes, for example, has also used 3-D printing to create a giant sneezing monster for Comic-Con and light-up mohawks for Katy Perry. ��Now, he’s working with the dental division at Carbon to make better dentures and embedding tracing technology into .

“This is what excites me,” Lopes said. “Embedding the technology inside all of this.”

And Walsh said combining these technologies, as in Lopes sneakers, could lead to more innovation. For example, he said, future human prosthetics and implants could be both 3-D printed, and contain sensors so they’re smarter, safer and function more effectively.

“But for that to happen, we need the micro/nano community to be fully engaged with the additive manufacturing community,” he said. “This symposium provides that opportunity and we plan to offer it every year.”

Eighteen-year-old incoming freshmen Ryan Shackleford and Katherine Grace Whitaker live close to the Daniel Boone National Forest, some 150 miles away from the University of Louisville’s Belknap Campus. Both will begin studies at UofL this fall, academic journeys inspired by a new type of high school summer camp at the .

Ryan, a graduate of Corbin High School, and Katherine, who graduated from Whitley County High School, live in a high poverty area the federal government has declared a “Promise Zone.” The program is aimed at improving the overall quality of life and, in Kentucky, the targeted area covers 3,071 square miles in Bell, Harlan, Letcher, Perry, Leslie, Clay and Knox counties and part of Whitley County. There are a total of 22 Promise Zone communities nationwide in a mix that includes urban, rural and tribal areas.

This summer marked the third year of the camp, which is designed to broaden interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers.

focused on renewable energy with lessons and labs from researchers at the Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research at Speed. This year, from July 9-13, a group of 23 Promise Zone students learned about 3D printing by designing and manufacturing small products at Speed’s Rapid Prototyping Center. They presented their products in a “Shark Tank”-like competition held on the final day of camp.

“It blew my mind what a 3D printer can do,” said Taylor Hall, 16, a Letcher County Central High School junior, whose team worked on a laser surgical cutting device that would replace the scalpel. “We had the best time ever. … I would love to come here.”��

Taylor and his teammate, 15-year-old Logan Thornton of Somerset High School, said they also enjoyed the extracurricular visits to Shakespeare in the Park and Louisville Mega Cavern, along with living in a college dormitory for a week.��

Ryan and Katherine were among the first group of Kentucky Promise Zone students who attended, also making visits to Louisville attractions while learning what UofL could offer them.

“Before attending the camp, I had not really put too much thought into where I would attend college, but the University of Louisville certainly wasn’t at the top of my list,” said Katherine, who was awarded a Grawemeyer Scholarship and a Vogt Scholarship and is considering majoring in psychology, biology or neuroscience. “I didn’t realize all the resources that were available at UofL, as there are very few people from my hometown who choose to attend there. After the camp, I became aware how much really was happening in Louisville, both at the university and in the surrounding city.”

Ryan, who secured a spot in the Guaranteed Entrance to Medical School (GEMS) program, plans to major in chemical engineering. He is also in the Honors Program and won a Grawemeyer Scholarship. He said the camp gave him his first real experience “working with physics,” and his favorite subjects were solar power and ion lithium batteries, as well as learning how an electron microscope works.

“For the most part, the camp gave me a more in-depth look and hands-on experience with subjects I only knew a little about,” Ryan said. “I had never been on the campus before until this camp. This camp opened up UofL as an option for me. I was surprised by how much I liked both the campus and the city of Louisville. UofL was not intimidating, but friendly and welcoming.”

Both Ryan and Katherine expressed their gratitude to the camp organizers.

“There are many students in this part of the state that are very intelligent and have a lot of potential, but do not get the opportunities that students from larger areas may receive,” Ryan said. “This camp gave students the opportunity to visit a large university outside of our local area.”

Katherine agreed.

“I think this camp is helping to provide unique and meaningful experiences for students in southeastern Kentucky that they otherwise may not be able to have,” she said.��