Week One Fun!

What a week!

The Henry Ford Innovation Institute is smack in the middle of the Downtown Campus of the hospital.  And the place is beautiful.  Seriously, meticulously planned and restored..... The island where I've chosen as my work space is made out of recycled tail lights!  Walking in to to the building I can't help but smile, knowing all the innovative thinking that takes place inside!  I will say this, it's about as opposite as you can get to the classroom, it's going to take me a while to get used to the quiet!

Maker Faire Meeting at the recycled tail-light counter!

My week started with a Maker Faire meeting that got me even more excited about the event.  Henry Ford will have a booth (for lack of better word?) there to help build awareness about organ donation.  They have a really neat project people can do!  More details later as I get a better understanding of it!

My view from the Fisher Building!
The marble is over a foot thick!

Another highlight of my week was meeting the neatest guy, who is literally a jack-of-all-trades. He works with Dr. Dulchavsky on a variety of projects, including the ultra sound technology that is used in space!  Jack took me on a tour of the Fisher Building, which is where his company has their office.  The richness of the Fisher Building's history, well, let's just say if history was taught through pictures and stories instead of facts? I may very well have become an historian.

Reminded me of an aquarium accessory!

The final highlight of the week was watching the 3D printer work! I know, that may sound boring to some, but to me, it was fascinating!  Even more fascinating is how they have been able to use 3D printing to aid in medical procedures!  Mind boggling!

The rest of my week was spent brainstorming activities for Maker Faire, and building a social media list to use to promote Maker Faire, and encourage people to come to our booth while there.

I had a great conversation with Dr. Dulchavsky on Wednesday afternoon that really helped me understand more of what The Henry Ford Innovation Institute is doing.  The short version? HFII is working toward discovering inventions and innovations to improve the medical community.  They are also working to build interest and enthusiasm in STEM education for grades 6-12.  (That's what I'll be helping with this summer.)

And on that note..... I can't wait to see what next week brings!