Karlin Science, Technology, and Design Expo

It’s no surprise that the Karlin Science, Technology, and Design Expo is one of Weber’s most anticipated spring events. In a single evening of exploration, experimentation, and student-led discovery, attendees experience the Daniel Zalik Academy (DZA) mission in action, seeing what’s possible when Weber students apply science, technology, engineering, design, and creativity in ways that serve and improve the world around them.

 

This year’s Expo was no exception. Throughout the evening, families and guests explored projects across disciplines. Robots and rockets illustrated the concept of rapid iteration, a process of prototyping, testing, and refining that teaches students to learn through trial and error. In the DZA FabLab, Engineering and Design Studio students worked live on their plywood chair project, which teaches principles of designing for manufacturing and introduces students to digital fabrication tools, including laser cutters and CNC routers. Earlier in the year, students reimagined and repurposed flat-packed IKEA furniture, and those creative redesigns were also on display.

 

In the human-centered design showcase, students presented custom-built lamps, derby cars, and Bluetooth speakers that blended utility with aesthetic intention. Projects from Torah, Toolkits, and Power Tools displayed powerful examples of cross-disciplinary work that brings together Jewish text, tradition, and technical skill. Meanwhile, the ceramics studio and visual arts gallery offered a window into how students explore form, texture, and expression through craftsmanship, reinforcing that design thinking and creative problem-solving extend beyond the lab.

 

The evening concluded with presentations from the Senior Capstone Studio, a year-long course in which students apply design thinking and engineering principles to address fundamental human needs. This year’s challenge: improve the form and function of rollators used by older adults. Students prototyped new grips and braking systems, reimagined storage and stability features, and considered how aesthetics might contribute to user dignity. They also explored how these standard devices might be reimagined as training aids to help prevent long-term injuries resulting from improper use. Their work reflected months of thoughtful research, iteration, and problem-solving, and reminded everyone in attendance what it looks like when learning is driven by empathy, purpose, and action.

 

From rockets to rollators, our students made it a night to remember; click here to view the full gallery of photos.