Browsing by Subject "Fabrication"
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Item Expanding Informal Maker-Based Learning Programs for Urban Youth(IEEE, 2020-12-04) Hamidi, Foad; Freeland, Amy; Grimes, Shawn; Grimes, Stephanie; Moulton, Adena; Coy, AndrewThis Research Full Paper contributes to research on creating maker-based learning experiences for youth in diverse informal learning settings. A key research question in this space is how to efficiently and effectively setup maker learning spaces and train educators to deliver high-quality maker curriculum in diverse sites. To study this question, we developed and deployed a multi-phase maker educator training program that included makerspace setup, educator training, and youth program deployment. We deployed three models of the program at three participating sites over roughly nine months. We analyzed data from educator pre- and post- interviews and found that the programs generated considerable interest in the youth and resulted in positive shifts in career aspirations and social and technical skills. Participants emphasized the importance of creating hybrid online and offline resources and training materials. Our participants also identified logistical challenges related to recruiting educators and youth attendance. Finally, participants described possibilities for content localization and the inclusion of participatory approaches to keep youth and educators engaged.Item Kapton Polyimide-Based EEG Microelectrode Array and Interfaces for Mice Brainwave Recordings and Analysis(SPIE, 2018) Gupta, D.; Islam, M.; Nam, H.; Lobo, M. K.; Choa, F. S.There is a rise in the study of functional connectivity among various cortical regions and investigations to uncover causal links between a stimulus and the corresponding neural dynamics through electrophysiological imaging of the human brain. Animal model that exhibit simplistic representations of such networks open a doorway for such investigations and are gaining rapid popularity. In this study, we investigate and compare resting state network and auditory stimulus related activity with minimal invasive technology along computational spectral analysis on a C57/BL6 based mouse model. Somatosensory, motor and visual cortex are observed to be highly active and significantly correlated (p-value<0.05). Moreover, given the spatial limitation due to small size of the mouse head, we also describe a low-cost and effective fabrication process for the mouse EEG Polyimide Based Microelectrodes (PBM) array. The easy-to-implement fabrication process involves transfer of the pattern on a copper layer of the Kapton film followed by gold electroplating and application of insulation paint. Acoustic stimulation is done by using tube extensions for avoiding electrical coupling to EEG signals. Unlike multi-electrode array type of invasive methods that are local to a cortical region, the methods established in this study can be used for examining functional connectivity analysis, neural dynamics and cortical response at a global level.