The Student Projects and Research Committee (SPARC) is a student-led organization at Auburn University that creates and fosters an environment of creativity and innovation through collaborative projects. No matter their major, students should only need a willingness to learn and grow to participate in an experience that will allow them to test out ideas, integrate concepts learned in class, and learn skills that will be instrumental when working in the workforce. SPARC each semester selects a few projects to work on and dedicates the space and tools of the “makerspace” style SPARC lab to develop those projects.
SPARC has one general non-mandatory meeting a week this semester, Spring 2019. The meeting takes place in Broun Hall 235 on Tuesdays from 6pm to 7pm. The meeting has three different parts. The first part consists of an introduction to the organization and announcements of upcoming events. The second part is a discussion of the status of all the active projects. The third is a 20 to 30 minute special presentation or maker training session. A special presentation is usually centered around a topic about engineering, technology, or making such as blockchain, neural networks, virtual reality, additive manufacturing, etc. Maker training sessions are short introductory lessons on a useful skill for SPARC projects such as 3D CAD, 3D printing, electrical prototyping, microcontrollers, Linux and microcomputer development, etc.
Becoming a member of SPARC is really easy since membership is free. All you have to do is log 5 constructive hours in the lab in order to familiarize yourself with the organization. After that, you will be given 24-7 code access to the lab Broun 367. If you would like more information or are interested in joining please email us at: sparc.auburn@gmail.com.
In our lab we have a Lulzbot Taz 3 and a Creality CR10-S 3D printer that are open to any member of SPARC. By joining SPARC you get the opportunity to learn how to operate a 3D printer. You can provide your own filament as long as it is compatible with the printer or use some of SPARC's filament.
In our lab we also have an extensive collection of electronics parts. These include everything from discrete components such as resistors and capacitors to more advanced components such as motor controllers and sensors. These parts are free to any SPARC member to use for their projects.
We have a full set up solder station with a soldering iron and all the tools and materials needed for electronics work. Those include safety glasses, solder, flux, wire, tape, heatshrink, probes, pliars, wire strippers, etc.
We have a large set of mechanical and electrical tools that can be used for any of the projects. These tools include all of the basics such as screwdrivers, wrenches, pliars, clamps, saws, a drill, Dremel, analog oscilloscope, power supply, function generator, and much more. If we do not have a tool that you would need for a project, we can purchase a new one. The advantage of SPARC is that it provides the tools that students would not have in their dorm or apartment.
Auburn University College of Engineering- Website for Auburn's Samuel Ginn College of Engineering
Auburn University- Website for Auburn University
AUinvolve- SPARC's organization page
Thingiverse- 3D Printable Models.
GitHub- Technical file sharing of SPARC
YouTube- Videos of SPARC projects
We are glad to accept sponsorship and suggestions for our projects. Please contact us at sparc.auburn@gmail.com
Email us at sparc.auburn@gmail.com
