Jenny Tai
Jenny is the Makers Lab Engineer. Contact Jenny with questions about the Makers Lab, 3D printing technologies, and designing and acquiring 3D models.

Meet the Maker – Sandra Arriaga

This week’s maker is Sandra Arriaga, academic coordinator for the UCSF Science & Health Education Partnership (SEP). Let’s take a look at Sandra’s project:

Q: What did you make?

We made replicas of Koa Koa’s “Build Animal Vision Glasses” kit.

Q: Why did you want to make it?

The original kit was discontinued, and we needed more copies of the glasses for our science outreach programs. The kit came with extra lens pieces, but not enough frame pieces. We planned for these glasses to be used in San Francisco’s public schools during lessons about camouflage, adaptations, and eyesight.

Configuration of the glasses to replicate an insect's vision

Close-up of lenses that help simulate an insect's "kaleidoscope" vision
In a configuration of the glasses for insect vision, students will be able to “see” from the perspective of insect compound eyes.

Q: What was your process?

My colleague, Jennifer Kaelin, had the idea to reach out to the Makers Lab. We didn’t know where to start, so we asked Dylan Romero for guidance. He connected us with Jenny Tai from the Makers Lab, who made the designs and laser-cut the pieces we needed from flat acrylic sheets. All we needed to do was drop off the original pieces we had.

Q: What was the hardest part of the process?

Making sure that the pieces fit together properly. The pieces are oddly shaped and needed to be precisely cut so they would slide into place and stay together.

Top view of the visor and other glasses components, modeled in CAD software
The components of the glasses frame, laser cut and fully assembled
Side view render of the glasses components in CAD software
Close-up of the assembled laser cut acrylic frame

Visualizing the fit of individually 3D modeled pieces using computer-aided design (CAD) software (left), before laser-cutting and assembling out of acrylic plastic (right).

Q: What was your favorite part of the process?

Working with Jenny and seeing the final product! We really appreciate all the time and effort Jenny put into figuring out how to replicate the glasses. We’re excited to start using these in schools this month!

Configuration of the glasses to replicate a horse's vision, from an aerial view
Viewing the "horse vision" glasses from the back
Glasses configured with mirrors crossing the nose can simulate a horse’s excellent peripheral vision

Q: How did this help make you an academic coordinator?

It’s helpful to know that this resource is also available to UCSF staff because I didn’t know this was out there. It’s exciting to think about how SEP could continue collaborating with the Makers Lab to make other materials for science outreach.

Q: What do you want to make next?

At SEP, we have a free lending library of science materials, called the Daly Ralston Resource Center, that’s open to anyone who works or studies at UCSF. I’m sure we have plenty of items that could use some refreshing!