In the latest episode of the Georgia Tech Research Podcast, Alexis Noel, Ph.D., senior research engineer at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), offers an inside look at the SEEDLab, GTRI’s first makerspace. This “small-but-mighty” facility has been a popular addition to GTRI, fostering creativity, collaboration, and hands-on engineering across disciplines.

Opened in September 2021, the SEEDLab (short for “Support for Early Engineering Design”)—is housed in the Baker Building and has quickly become a hub of activity for GTRI researchers, staff, and students. It provides access to cutting-edge tools, including multiple 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines. Despite its compact 400-square-foot space, the lab serves a rapidly growing community. “There are over 300 GTRI employees who have room access to the SEEDLab,” says Alexis. “We have over 660 individuals who sign in during work hours every month.”

Alexis, who co-founded the SEEDLab with retired-but-working GTRI researcher Byron Coker, brings a decade-long passion for makerspaces to her role. She describes the lab as more than just a place to access tools—it’s a thriving learning community where GTRI personnel can develop new skills and bring ideas to life. “A makerspace is a collaborative community workspace where people can build and experiment while sharing tools, ideas, and expertise with other members,” she explains. “Unlike a machine shop, which requires significant training, a makerspace is designed to have a low barrier to entry, making it accessible to people with no prior experience.”

The SEEDLab supports a wide range of projects, from Department of Defense (DoD) initiatives and Independent Research and Development (IRAD) efforts to personal growth endeavors. “The really cool thing about the SEEDLab is it's there to support not just D projects, but also IRADs and even personal development,” says Alexis. “If you wanted to learn how to use a 3D printer for future projects, you can go in and just learn how to use the equipment.”