91��Ƭ

Since it opened in fall 2016, the new home of the has fostered a culture of experimentation and creativity.

That’s especially true on the building’s , the entry-level space created as an interdisciplinary project-based, co-working zone. It includes an incubator, innovation lab and event space.

Serving 91��Ƭ faculty, students, staff, alumni and the surrounding community, the open-access Innovation Floor is managed by Mike Caston. Previously an assistant professor of industrial design at Metropolitan State University in Denver, Caston holds a master’s degree in industrial design from North Carolina State University. He has operated a product and graphic design firm for the past decade.

Since January, the Innovation Floor has offered more than 25 free workshops covering everything from laser engraving and 3-D printing to industrial sewing. Caston also has collaborated with roughly 10 91��Ƭ and 10 community organizations, with additional partnerships in development. What’s more, the Innovation Floor has played a critical role in helping launch or develop five student businesses.

In the weeks and months ahead, Caston says he plans to “continue reaching out to all 91��Ƭ students, faculty and staff to bring awareness around and provide resources for creative projects, STEM-based learning opportunities, collaborative co-working and entrepreneurial ventures.”

He also aims to extend existing Innovation Floor offerings to 91��Ƭ alumni and the surrounding community, form a student-run “Maker Club,” and develop a 91��Ƭ Innovation Center offering interdisciplinary services to facilitate entrepreneurial ventures.