RANDOLPH, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont State University is piloting a new 3D technology certificate program through a free summer camp for high schoolers.
Wes Barlow is preparing to scale a 16-foot sculpture. He and his seven classmates from all over Vermont are out in the field to make a 3D model of “Whale Dance” by Randolph artist Jim Sardonis.
“For me, personally, getting out to these awesome places and scanning these super cool artifacts is really gratifying. It’s super fun to get out there and do things,” Barlow said.
The Peacham student and his classmates are part of Vermont State University’s Youth Camps. The 3D Technology Camp includes three, two-week residential programs at the Randolph Center campus where students will complete a semester’s worth of work, earning up to nine college credits.
The free program was made possible by $1.5 million allocated by the Legislature to advance the state’s workforce goals.
“It’s kind of amazing. These are skills that basically anywhere you look, 3D is absolutely exploding in terms of application,” said Matthew Moriarty, an assistant professor of archeology at VTSU.
He says 3D technology can be applied in any field. That’s why classes are offered across campuses and disciplines. Faculty come from art, engineering, and anthropology backgrounds.
Barlow plans to apply his skills in aerospace engineering. His classmate, Madisyn Emerald wants to enlist in the Air Force, where they use 3D technology to map terrain. “Basically, you would send a team out and they would take scans — like we’re doing here — of the environment, and I would use VR to design a base,” said the Barre student.
Barlow says the experience has allowed him to meet new people with shared interests. “It’s awesome. It’s like living in a three-story house with seven of your best friends,” he said.
There are still two more two-week sessions of the 3D camp and the students we spoke to said they’ll be sticking around.