Physics Shop

The Physics Shop is a dedicated workshop space that is open to all students within the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Students are provided with the necessary training to safely and effectively operate the range of metal and wood-working equipment that is offered within the shop. No prior experience is required.

Many students choose to use the shop to build custom equipment that is utilized in their research, improve equipment within the department, or help to plan and build physics demos for the department's educational outreach program. 

Ready to get started? Reach out to our Physics Lab Manager, Kyle Pellegrin, to learn how to get started in the shop today!

Recent Shop Projects

Brachistochrone Marble Run— The brachistochrone curve is a classic physics topic taught during classical mechanics. Students learn that the brachistochrone is the curve of fastest descent for a bead to move from point A to point B in 2D space. Madison Cofer, pictured above, is transferring the brachistochrone curve to a piece of wood that will be used to build a marble run. Once completed, the final demo will be comprised of three marble runs of different curves where students will be able to see the brachistochrone curve in action.

Brachistochrone Marble Run

The brachistochrone curve is a classic physics topic taught during classical mechanics. Students learn that the brachistochrone is the curve of fastest descent for a bead to move from point A to point B in 2D space. Madison Cofer, pictured above, is transferring the brachistochrone curve to a piece of wood that will be used to build a marble run. Once completed, the final demo will be comprised of three marble runs of different curves where students will be able to see the brachistochrone curve in action.
Optical Rail Feet— These custom designed 3D printed feet allow for Thorlabs optical rail to be used on any table top while keeping the rail stable when in use. This design was created by physics major Aestelle Dondero.

Optical Rail Feet

These custom designed 3D printed feet allow for Thorlabs optical rail to be used on any table top while keeping the rail stable when in use. This design was created by physics major Aestelle Dondero.
Sensor Holder— This custom 3D print was designed by physics major Aestelle Dondero to allow for our new PASCO magnetic field sensors to be used with our existing "Magnetic Field of a Solenoid" lab equipment. The final design is in gray while the brown prints showcase the evolution of the design over time.

Sensor Holder

This custom 3D print was designed by physics major Aestelle Dondero to allow for our new PASCO magnetic field sensors to be used with our existing "Magnetic Field of a Solenoid" lab equipment. The final design is in gray while the brown prints showcase the evolution of the design over time.