By Dale M. Kuska

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) summer intern Mollie McGuire gets a bit of instruction from NPS Department of Defense Analysis Lecturer Kristen Tsolis on basic programming code using a do-it-yourself robotics kit in the new Robo Dojo lab in Root Hall, May 29. Tsolis and Systems Engineering Assistant Professor Timothy Chung are leading an effort to bring a whole new capability to the NPS campus, known as a MakerSpace.

"We hope to become a very well utilized and unique resource for the NPS campus," Tsolis said during a tour of the facility. "We think we have a great opportunity to expand the kinds of STEM opportunities NPS is able to provide."

In the first of what will be regular demonstrations and hands-on opportunities, the Robo Dojo opened its doors for an introduction to Arduino, an open source hardware and software company and associated user community for manufacturing digital, interactive objects that are limited only by the maker's creativity and ability. With a relatively simple set of instructions, and no real need for a programming background, the open source prototyping platform allows just about anyone to create an interactive device.

With work continuing on the dojo over the coming weeks, Tsolis and Chung are eyeing a grand opening of sorts within the next several weeks, and have high hopes the lab will generate interest in furthering the university's already successful STEM programs.