STEM Education & Research Building
Basic Building Information
The Texas A&M University System’s STEM Education and Research Center at Texas A&M-RELLIS brings together students, researchers and industry partners in a collaborative environment focused on applied research, innovation and workforce development.
The 53,000-square-foot facility serves as a systemwide hub for hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration across fields including engineering, advanced energy, digital technologies and virtual reality. Students work alongside faculty, researchers and private-sector partners to gain practical experience and develop skills needed in Texas’ growing STEM industries.
The center supports students from the RELLIS Academic Alliance, including Texas A&M University-Texarkana, West Texas A&M University, East Texas A&M University, Tarleton State University and Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
The facility also includes industry and entrepreneurship partners such as The McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship, Last Energy, Terrestrial Energy and Plug and Play, creating opportunities for collaboration that connect education, research and emerging technologies.
Membership & Training
Membership
The STEM Education & Research Building is available to students, faculty, staff, researchers, industry partners, and approved collaborators engaged in education, research, innovation, and workforce development activities. Membership provides access to designated workspaces, laboratories, equipment, and both short- and long-term use of tools and workbenches based on the member’s affiliation, training, and approved activities.
To obtain membership, users must register individually, complete all required safety training, receive approval from their department or business lead, establish an approved billing method (if applicable), and comply with all facility policies and procedures.
Safety Training
All users must complete the required safety training before accessing laboratories, makerspaces, or specialized equipment. Additional equipment-specific training may be required depending on the resources being used. Safety training helps ensure a safe working environment and familiarizes users with facility procedures, emergency response, and the proper operation of equipment. Access is granted only after all required training has been completed.
Service Requests
The STEM Education & Research Building provides fabrication and prototyping services to support education, research, innovation, and workforce development. Services are available to Texas A&M University System faculty, staff, students, research centers, and affiliated programs, as well as industry partners, government agencies, startups, and other external organizations.
Complete the Prototyping Request Form to request design, fabrication, or prototyping assistance. Our staff will review your request and contact you to discuss project scope, schedule, and cost, if applicable.
Exploratorium Makerspace Capabilities & Services
The STEM Education & Research Building Exploratorium is 10,000 square feet and provides comprehensive fabrication and prototyping services to support research, education, workforce development, and industry collaboration. Services are available on either a full-service basis with staff support or as self-service for qualified users.
Available capabilities include:
- Machine Shop Services – Precision machining using CNC and manual equipment, including CNC milling, CNC turning, manual milling and turning, waterjet cutting, CNC routing, laser cutting, drilling, sawing, sheet metal fabrication, and fixturing.
- Additive Manufacturing – Large-format FDM printing, high-resolution resin printing, and desktop 3D printing for rapid prototyping and production parts.
- Electronics Prototyping – Dedicated electronics workbenches for assembly, testing, and development of electrical and embedded systems.
- Virtual Production & Visualization – Green room and virtual reality facilities for digital content creation, visualization, simulation, and immersive technology development.
- Chemical Processing & Testing – Fume hood workspaces for projects requiring chemical handling or material processing.
- Collaborative Workspaces – Indoor and outdoor reservable workspace and workbenches for assembly, integration, testing, and project development.
Major equipment includes:
- OMAX Waterjet Cutting System
- ShopBot CNC Router
- HAAS VF-3 SS-YT CNC Vertical Mill
- HAAS ST-10 CNC Lathe
- Kingston Engine Lathe
- Kingston Knee Mill
- Universal Laser System
- BigRep Large-Format 3D Printer
- Formlabs Form 4L Resin 3D Printer
- Ultimaker S5 3D Printer
- Vertical and Horizontal Band Saws
- Hydraulic Shear
- Box and Pan Brake
- Floor Drill Press
These resources support projects ranging from concept development and proof-of-concept prototypes to custom fabrication, research hardware, and small-batch production.
Tours
Group Tours
The minimum group size is 10, and maximum group size is 60. If your group exceeds 60, please make another reservation. Email education@rellis.tamus.edu with this information:
- Group Name
- Group Type
-
- High School
- Middle School
- Summer Camp
- Church Group
- University Guest
- Prospective
- Transfer Students
Group tours last about an hour, with the option to add a RELLIS Academic Alliance Presentation to learn about the exciting programs and opportunities offered here. Please indicate this addition in your email if interested.