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Interior view of the design space with students and Powered by PAST Foundation.

PAST Innovation Fab Lab

A cutting-edge makerspace powered by community, creativity, and the MIT global Fab Lab network.

What Is the Fab Lab?

The PAST Innovation Fab Lab is a fully equipped, MIT-aligned fabrication lab and makerspace designed to turn big ideas into tangible realities. As a certified MIT Fab Academy Node, we offer one of the few opportunities in the U.S. to earn global credentials through the Fab Academy course.
 

From students and educators to entrepreneurs and artists, our lab is a place where learning, design, and innovation converge.

Design lab entrance with students and the word design visible. Fab Lab
Woman opening locker with books, trophies above; white lockers against white wall.

What Makes Us Unique?

MIT Fab Academy Node

We are one of the only U.S. hosts of the world-renowned Fab Academy program—an intensive, project-based course in digital fabrication led by Neil Gershenfeld and the MIT Center for Bits and Atoms.

Full-Spectrum Fab + Maker Tools

Our lab meets MIT’s global standards and includes professional-grade fabrication equipment for digital and industrial prototyping. We support everything from student research to commercial product development.

Open to the Community

We collaborate with schools, creatives, nonprofits, and businesses to support innovation across Central Ohio. If you’ve got a bold idea, we’ve got the tools to help you make it.

Training & Credentialing

We offer teacher training and Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs) aligned to fabrication and advanced manufacturing careers.

Students gather around 3D printers in a maker space, the word maker displayed.

What’s Inside the Lab

Advanced Fabrication Zone

Ideal for large-scale or high-power work

  • CNC Router

  • Industrial Woodworking Tools

  • Plasma Cutter

  • Laser Cutter

Full-Spectrum Fab + Maker Tools

Designed for detail-oriented, small-scale projects

  • 3D Printers (FDM & Resin)

  • Vinyl Cutter

  • Embroidery Machine

  • Direct-to-Garment Printer

Students working on projects in a workshop, using tools and materials together.
Two robotic hands and laptop with the word digital in the background.
Students in a lab, Powered by PAST, working with 3D printers and technology development.
Students with 3D printers at work under the "maker" sign in a Fab Lab setting

See What’s Being Made

From student-designed wearables to laser-cut architectural models, each week brings new projects to life in the lab!

Meet Our Instructors

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Andrew Bruening, Ph.D.

Dr. Andrew Bruening is the Program Innovations Officer at PAST and leads the Maker/Fab Lab at PAST in Columbus, Ohio. Andrew has been working in our Fab/Maker Space for more than 10 years.

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Smiling young woman with long hair and sweater, workshop background.

Kelleigh Huey

Kelleigh Huey is a Student Experience Instructor at the PAST Foundation and known as the Academic Alchemist! Her combined love of kids and learning led her to the PAST Foundation, where she sought to make a difference in STEM education.

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Smiling woman in front of gears, surrounded by background, indoors, smiling.

Nikki Stancampiano

Nikki is enthusiastic about cultural exchange and initiating sustainable change. As the Workforce Development Coordinator at PAST, she aims to use her diverse background to address educational and workplace disparities.

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Modern open space with people, seating, and a large black hanging light source.

Fab Academy: Earn a Global Credential

The Fab Academy is a 5-month course in digital fabrication that blends hands-on skill-building with global mentorship. Students master skills in:

  • 2D/3D design

  • Electronics

  • Programming

  • CNC machining

  • Project development

Interested in enrolling or partnering with us to bring Fab Academy access to your school or community?

Interested in Partnering or Visiting?

Our lab is a place for experimentation, learning, and invention, where users can play, create, mentor, and innovate. Whether you're working on a personal project, a startup idea, or an educational assignment, our Fab Lab provides the tools and support to make almost anything imaginable.

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For more information on accessing our Fab Lab, participating in workshops, or reserving equipment, please reach out!

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