Optimizing Open-Source Designs for Research Applications and Workflow Efficiency
Faculty Mentor
Mark Dela Cerna
Location
Savannah Ballroom
Type of Research
Proposed
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Department
BioChem, Chem, Phys
Abstract
The usability of 3D printing, large libraries of open-source designs in the scientific community, allows researchers to expand subskills tailored to their research needs. This allows for customizable solutions to unique challenges in any laboratory. Applications range from small-scale prints to fully programmable automated systems. Researchers would be able to print a simple conical tube holder at their convenience, or pursue larger more complex designs such as more accessible versions of tabletop equipment or even bespoke instrumentation. This has the potential to expand the options and availability of more complex equipment/instrumentation that may traditionally be expensive within a shared group. The open-source scientific community has comprehensible guides for various devices ranging from shakers/tumblers to automated protein purification devices. Plans including but not limited to the programming required to leave it virtually hands free. It is my intent to validate these designs and customize them to meet the various needs of our group to improve workflow. This will also provide another opportunity to build practical skills and add to a well-rounded team’s dynamic. Through the completion of redesigned open-source devices researchers can better equip their individuals’ specific needs to gather more effective data potentially surpassing the need for some high-priced equipment. Optimized prints and designs will be made available to the Georgia Southern community. We also hope to inspire others to support open-source science that we spark collaboration to improve access to these resources at GS.
Program Description
.
Start Date
4-21-2026 1:30 PM
End Date
4-21-2026 3:30 PM
Recommended Citation
Knecht, Matthew J. and Dela Cerna, Mark V., "Optimizing Open-Source Designs for Research Applications and Workflow Efficiency" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 74.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026A/2026A/74
Optimizing Open-Source Designs for Research Applications and Workflow Efficiency
Savannah Ballroom
The usability of 3D printing, large libraries of open-source designs in the scientific community, allows researchers to expand subskills tailored to their research needs. This allows for customizable solutions to unique challenges in any laboratory. Applications range from small-scale prints to fully programmable automated systems. Researchers would be able to print a simple conical tube holder at their convenience, or pursue larger more complex designs such as more accessible versions of tabletop equipment or even bespoke instrumentation. This has the potential to expand the options and availability of more complex equipment/instrumentation that may traditionally be expensive within a shared group. The open-source scientific community has comprehensible guides for various devices ranging from shakers/tumblers to automated protein purification devices. Plans including but not limited to the programming required to leave it virtually hands free. It is my intent to validate these designs and customize them to meet the various needs of our group to improve workflow. This will also provide another opportunity to build practical skills and add to a well-rounded team’s dynamic. Through the completion of redesigned open-source devices researchers can better equip their individuals’ specific needs to gather more effective data potentially surpassing the need for some high-priced equipment. Optimized prints and designs will be made available to the Georgia Southern community. We also hope to inspire others to support open-source science that we spark collaboration to improve access to these resources at GS.