By Angelica Martinez
At 12:30 p.m., Nov. 4, the FISTA Innovation Park held an opening ceremony for its newest addition, the STEM Lab and Makerspace. The new facility aims to connect students and educators across the region while investing in the next generation through hands-on STEM education.
The expansion offers youth in southwest Oklahoma access to state-of-the-art resources, including dozens of 3D printers, laser cutters, woodworking and metal fabrication shops, and open labs for interactive learning.
The facility’s resources are expected to make a significant impact on rural communities that often lack access to advanced STEM tools. Students who previously did not have these opportunities can now explore new projects, develop technical skills, and discover potential careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The opening day featured multiple speakers who helped make the STEM Lab and Makerspace possible, including Dr. Krista Ratliff, president and CEO of FISTA Innovation Park. Ratliff emphasized that the creation of the new area would not have been possible without collaboration.
“Every detail, from the layout of the rooms to the equipment inside the facility, was thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, inspire learning and support collaboration,” Ratliff said. “It stands as a testament to what can happen when so many people work together with a shared purpose and a belief in possibility.”
After the presentations, guests were welcomed into the space with a reception. Local elementary and middle schools were invited to attend, and visitors were able to observe students engaging in real-time STEM activities led by the FISTA STEM team.
One member of that team is Cameron University student Russell Simington, a mechanical engineering major who also serves as the Computer Specialist and Makerspace Coordinator.
“I was originally setting up the main groundwork for the maker space, like setting plans for tools, pricing, and tech workshops,” Simington said. “My responsibility on the team now that the STEM Lab is open is to make sure that technology like 3D printers, CNCs, and our industry machines in the maker space are fully operational and safe for customers … I also help with STEM activities for the STEM team and run technology workshops.”
Simington said his work at FISTA has been deeply rewarding.
“My experience at FISTA has been absolutely enlightening for me,” he said. “It definitely put my skills to the test, especially in my first few CAD projects. But those projects made my skills in CAD and 3D modeling even better. And writing documents, organizing the future maker space at the time, helped me be a more organized person overall in my life…And not to mention the wonderful individuals who are in the FISTA team. Especially my fellow members in the STEM team who are basically a second family for me. All those people have helped me turn into the leader that I should be.”
As the STEM Lab and Makerspace officially open their doors, FISTA continues to strengthen connections between education, innovation and community growth. With each project and partnership, the facility aims to inspire the next generation of innovators in southwest Oklahoma and beyond.