Workshop: Intro to Arduino — Tue Jun 10, 3PM◆3D Printing Basics — Thu Jun 12, 2PM◆Summer Hours: M–F, 11:00–5:00◆Soldering Workshop — Fri Jun 13, 4PM◆Workshop: Intro to Arduino — Tue Jun 10, 3PM◆Summer Hours: M–F, 11:00–5:00◆3D Printing Basics — Thu Jun 12, 2PM◆Soldering Workshop — Fri Jun 13, 4PM◆Summer Hours: M–F, 11:00–5:00◆ Workshop: Intro to Arduino — Tue Jun 10, 3PM◆3D Printing Basics — Thu Jun 12, 2PM◆Summer Hours: M–F, 11:00–5:00◆Soldering Workshop — Fri Jun 13, 4PM◆Workshop: Intro to Arduino — Tue Jun 10, 3PM◆Summer Hours: M–F, 11:00–5:00◆3D Printing Basics — Thu Jun 12, 2PM◆Soldering Workshop — Fri Jun 13, 4PM◆Summer Hours: M–F, 11:00–5:00◆

Physical Computing
Makerspace

Explore the space Upcoming events

Computing for the Common Good

The Physical Computing Makerspace is a vibrant community of students, faculty, researchers, and innovators committed to exploring computer science in hands-on, experimental, hardware-based contexts. As a hub for this community, the PhysComp space provides a dedicated learning environment that provides tools, workshops, and mentorship for ideation, exploration, prototyping, and innovation. This space and the community it supports aim to inspire a culture of creativity, collaboration, and computing for the common good.

01
3D Printing
02
Laser Cutting
03
Circuit Design
04
Sensors
05
Microcontrollers
06
Power Tools
07
Wood / Metal Fabrication
08
Robotics
Summer
Hours
Mon – Fri
11 AM – 5 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Our Team

Leadership

Thomas Burns
Thomas Burns
Assistant Director of Infrastructure

Thomas oversees the Physical Computing Makerspace, as well as hardware and innovation infrastructure for the college. His research interests include human-robot interaction, vintage display technology, and brutalist architecture. He has been a hackathon judge for both HackUMass and Hack(H)er413, and in his spare time he restores forgotten Soviet tech with his daughter Mariam.

tmburns@umass.edu
Mike Pfeiffer
Mike Pfeiffer
Makerspace Manager

Maker interested in music, light and color, electronics, and human-computer interface. Joined the CICS in March 2020 after nearly two decades as a high school teacher of physics, astronomy, mathematics, and music.

mpfeiffer@umass.edu

Makerspace Student Ambassadors

Come work with us—all UMass CS students eligible to apply! Send us a note to apply for the Fall 2026 cohort.

Upcoming
Events

Full calendar →
Tue · Jun 10 · 3:00 PM
Intro to Arduino
Get hands-on with microcontrollers. No experience needed — we'll cover basics of wiring, code, and your first blinking LED.
Workshop
Thu · Jun 12 · 2:00 PM
3D Printing Basics
Learn the print pipeline from model to object. Includes slicer settings, material choice, and how to book the printers independently.
Certification
Fri · Jun 13 · 4:00 PM
Soldering Workshop
Through-hole and SMD technique, iron care, and desoldering. Bring a project or use our practice boards to earn your certification.
Certification

Made at PhysComp

Project 1
Project Name
Project 2
Project Name
Project 3
Project Name
Project 4
Project Name

UMass Hackathons
that we support

HackUMass
One of the largest hackathons in New England, hosted annually at UMass Amherst. Open to all skill levels — teams of up to 4 build projects over 24 hours and compete across a range of categories including hardware, sustainability, and social good.
hackumass.com →
Hack(H)er413
A hackathon focused on empowering women and non-binary individuals in tech, hosted in the 413 area. A welcoming, community-driven event with mentors, workshops, and project showcases alongside the main competition.
hackher413.com →
Cybersecurity Hackathon
A capture-the-flag style competition focused on cybersecurity challenges including reverse engineering, cryptography, web exploitation, and forensics. Open to students at all experience levels with beginner-friendly tracks available.

Learn at your
own pace

Beginner
How to 3D Print
From STL file to finished part — slicing, supports, bed adhesion, and retrieving your print.
Beginner
Getting Started with Arduino
Install the IDE, wire up your first circuit, and upload your first sketch in under 30 minutes.
Intermediate
Soldering Fundamentals
Temperature, tip care, flux, and technique — everything you need before you sit down at the bench.

Visit us

✉️
Email
PhysicalComputing@umass.edu
📍
Location
CSL Room E302 · 130 Governors Dr · Amherst MA 01003
📞
Phone
(413) 545-8691
Directions to UMass Amherst → Parking → Map of Campus →
Manning College of Information & Computer Sciences
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Computer Science Laboratories, Room E302
130 Governors Drive · Amherst, MA 01003
Summer Hours
Monday – Friday
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed