SHREVEPORT, La. — Centenary College of Louisiana’s Department of Biology will host a 3D printing open house Sept. 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Kilpatrick Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
The department has produced thousands of 3D-printed models for use in biology courses, using printers funded through faculty startup and professional development funds, two Center for Teaching and Learning Teaching Innovation grants and Student Government Association funding.
“We are excited to show off the 3D printers’ capabilities,” said Dr. Ellyn Evans, assistant professor of biology. “We will be showcasing all of our current models and having newly printed cell models for attendees to paint and take home.”
The models are intended to expand hands-on learning resources for students in Biology 101 and 202, including non-majors enrolled in Centenary’s introductory biology sequence. Dr. George Tiller, assistant professor of biology, has helped lead the project by sourcing printable files, producing models and painting them with Evans.
“Physical models allow students to achieve better learning outcomes; however, companies charge hundreds to thousands of dollars for one classroom model,” Tiller said. “3D printing enables us to make the same models for a few dollars each allowing us to provide individual models for each student.”
The project has received support from Centenary’s Center for Teaching and Learning through its microgrant program.
“We were excited when Dr. Evans and Dr. Tiller shared their idea for incorporating 3D models into their courses,” said Dr. Rachel Johnson, assistant professor of education and English and director of the Center for Teaching and Learning.
Centenary’s Biology Department offers courses and degrees in biology, biochemistry and neuroscience.