The 3D printing service provided by Tech Den, serving both Danforth and medical students, has proven to be an invaluable and needed service that enhances and advances the student experience. With the growing demand for inclusive, expanded, and discipline-agnostic student exposure to this resource, it is essential to have a knowledgeable and driven leader in this field.
As a student at Elon University, where he assisted with launching Elon’s The Maker Hub, Zach O’Connor joined McKelvey School of Engineering’s dual degree program, majoring in biomechanical engineering. As a student, O’Connor joined the STS 3D Print team during the early stages of service development, providing expert service and advising for residential students. Today, he is the Lead 3D Technical Support Specialist at Tech Den, and his commitment to exposing the possibilities this technology has to offer has been crucial in gathering needs data and building an action plan to advance this technology as a service for the University.
Within the first year of full-time employment, O’Connor formulated a comprehensive plan to increase output capabilities and expand student training opportunities and consulting services. Requests for 3D print service for students have grown over 700% within the past year.
The team has expanded to meet student demand, including 3D Technology Support Specialist Madison Curry and a dedicated 3D Print support student staff. Recent hires, including Bianca Lang, Peter Nau, and Maya Ghatalia, have ushered in a new era of robust training and support.
With this service coming at no additional cost to all students, Tech Den is leading the charge and plans to add satellite locations to expand access and agency to students by meeting them where they are. The 3D printing service has become integral to the digital learning resources offered to Danforth and medical students. With O’Connor’s knowledge and dedication to providing 3D print technologies access and agency to all students, the service will continue to evolve to meet the demands of even tomorrow’s students.