The technical expertise of a student helped to bring 3-D printing online.

Print Services hired Marissa Clow, a senior interior design major from Irvine, Calif., to oversee the technical side of its new 3-D printing program.

David Hadenfeldt, director of print, copy, mail and distribution services, said the hire made sense as campus programs already train students how to use related 3-D programs and the specialized printers.

“We bought the machine in August, which is our busiest time of the year. We wanted to get it online as soon as possible, so hiring a student just made sense,” Hadenfeldt said. “It’s a great internship and resume builder for them. Plus, student workers bring a level of energy that always leads to new ideas.”

Clow said she learned the programs to run the machine as part of her freshman year requirements in the College of Architecture.

“For our projects, we model everything in 3-D,” Clow said. “I knew the programs and thought it would be fun. There’s nothing like seeing something go from being on a computer screen to in your hands within minutes.”

Thus far, Clow has used the printer to craft items ranging from a simple five-link chain to a multi-geared machine. She has also used the printer to build a model of a chair she plans to build for a senior-level interior design course.

“Everyone else made their design out of paper or cardboard. Mine was out of plastic and looked the best,” Clow said. “Students and the professor asked me where I had it printed.”

Students within the class have become some of the first customers using the new Print Services machine.

Clow hopes her assistance in launching the 3-D printing program will help land a job with an architecture firm after graduation in May. Her goal is to design interiors within the hospitality industry.

“Coming in at the start and helping getting the whole process up and running has been a great experience,” Clow said.