Northern Virginia Community College
Northern Virginia Community College

NOVA Fab Lab

fab lab tools

Explore the NOVA Fab Lab

Located in the Trailside Building at Northern Virginia Community College’s Manassas campus, the Fab Lab is a world-class, state-of-the-art makerspace open to all NOVA students, faculty, and staff. The Fab Lab’s mission is to provide a holistic experience in Digital Fabrication, offering access to advanced fabrication processes, training in 3D modeling, and a foundation in Design Thinking and creative problem-solving.

Access the Fab Lab by attending one of our workshops, demonstrations, or special events. Faculty can also request a class collaboration or tour. We offer informal opportunities such as free open lab sessions for personal projects, as well as design challenges and competitions for students.

The Fab Lab staff are skilled in a wide range of areas, including electronics and coding, fabrication equipment operation, design software, soft circuits, sewing, woodworking, robotics, and additive manufacturing (3D printing). Whatever you want to create, we’re here to support you.

To schedule a tour or for any questions, please email fablab@nvcc.edu.

NOVA Fab Lab Calendar

Programs

NOVA Makers is a FREE membership program, which opens the NOVA Fab Lab to NOVA Students, Faculty and Staff to work on personal projects during our Open Labs.

How does it work?

NOVA Students, Faculty, and Staff

  1. Enroll in the NOVA Makers Course on Canvas.
  2. On Canvas, pass the online Safety Orientation Certification and fill out the release form, which will make you an official member!
  3. Come-in during open lab hours to use machines and equipment. If it is your first time visiting or you need some help, ask a NOVA Fab Lab staff member for assistance.

Fall 2026 Lab Hours

Days Times
Mondays 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Tuesdays 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Wednesdays 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thursdays CLOSED
Fridays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 
Saturdays, Sundays CLOSED

The Fab Lab works with NOVA classes to support projects, lessons, and relevant activities. Support and activities can be provided in-person in the actual lab, virtually, or as a hybrid approach.

Faculty

Interested in discussing how the lab can support your class? If so, contact the Fab Lab at fablab@nvcc.edu, 703.530.3505, or submit an interest form.

All workshops are free and take place in-person in the Fab Lab. Participants must first join NOVA Makers to register.

Woodshop Certification

Certification* Learned Skill Date(s) & Times
Green Drill Press, Band Saw, & More Friday, September 18, September 25, October 2 & November 9 (1 p.m. - 4 p.m.)
Yellow Miter Saw, Table Saw, & More Friday, October 16, November 13 (1 p.m. - 4 p.m.)
Red CNC Operation Friday, November 20 (1 p.m. - 4 p.m.)

*Please complete the online Blue Certification in the NOVA Maker canvas course before attending Green Certification. Workshops must be taken sequentially (Blue, Green, Yellow, then Red)

Microelectronics Workshops

Workshops* Date(s) & Times
Programming DC Motors with Arduino Wednesday, September 30 (2 p.m. - 4 p.m.)
Friday October 30, November 13 (10 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Programming Sensors with Arduino Wednesday, October 7 (2 p.m. - 4 p.m.)
Friday, November 6, November 20 (10 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Programming LEDs with Arduino Wednesday, October 14 (2 p.m. - 4 p.m.)

*Please complete the online Silver Certification in the NOVA Maker canvas course before attending any Microelectronics Workshops.