Editor’s note: A previous version of this article stated that OSH was slated for demolition, which is inaccurate. This article has been changed to reflect this inaccuracy. We regret the error.
The Spark initiative has developed a new lab in hopes of better voicing student opinions on different aspects of the U.
The new lab, called the Spark Education Lab, has begun a new project that will give different groups of interns the opportunity to speak on what is necessary for upcoming building construction.
The new project will be to evaluate OSH and will look over the building itself to see where they can make improvements.
Elpitha Tsoutsounakis, the director of the lab, said she teaches students about different techniques to make the U better.
“The lab uses the design thinking process. We use specific problem solving technology. We take undergraduates and teach problem solving methods. By doing research, brainstorming and prototyping,” Tsoutsounakis said.
The mold of the lab is to generate opinions from students and implement that into what the building will need in the future when it is rebuilt.
“They want to tear it down because it is old. They want to know if they tear it down what they will be losing and what they can gain. Also, what kind of classroom space the U needs,” Tsoutsounakis said.
Tsoutsounakis believes the entire Spark initiative is creating a better experience for everyone at the U. She pointed to the health lab Spark has going as an example.
“Overall Spark is solving problems in the university. If you look at the health lab, they’ve made improvements this whole year. They’ve got 12-15 projects going right now,” Tsoutsounakis said.
The funding for the lab comes from Martha Bradley, who is the head of undergraduate studies. Other labs have found funding from a variety of different sources at the U including the honors college as well as the hospital.
Jim Agutter, the creator of the Spark Initiative, believes with this new lab, students can make a difference more easily at the U.
“The goal is to really give students a voice. Empower them so they feel that they’re making a change so they can contribute. Also to make sure the higher education is what they want to get out of it,” Agutter said. “Having students from a variety of backgrounds come together to do a project. The goal is to bring diverse students together.”
This lab gives students a way to interact rather than just submit their ideas on the Internet.
“This is an actual work group rather than just people giving us ideas,” said Agutter.