Jason Reynolds

Transforming Ideas Into Reality: The Power of 3D Printing

3D printing has changed the way we design, create, and solve problems. What once required expensive factories, long wait times, and specialized skills can now be done in a single afternoon with a desktop printer. In this talk, Jason “Jinxbot” Reynolds will share his journey from hobbyist tinkerer in a garage to running a community-focused 3D printing shop and nonprofit dedicated to recycling plastic waste. Along the way, he’ll show how technology, creativity, and sustainability come together to transform both objects and opportunities.

Students will see real-world examples of 3D printing in action—from designing custom replacement parts to building a fully interactive VR pinball machine. Jason will also highlight PrintCycle, a program that takes 3D printing scraps and turns them into new, useful products, demonstrating how innovation can also protect the environment.

The session will explore the methods behind rapid prototyping, including how to go from noticing a problem to producing a tangible solution in just a few hours. Jason will share tips on design thinking, iteration, and collaboration, while showing how tools like AI and accessible design software are shaping the future of manufacturing.

Most importantly, students will walk away with practical ideas for how they can start creating now—whether through free design tools, makerspaces, or school clubs. By the end of the talk, they’ll understand that transformation isn’t just about machines and materials; it’s about mindset. With curiosity and persistence, anyone can take an idea, make a first version, and begin building the future they want to see.

Through stories, live demonstrations, and interactive moments, this session will inspire students to view themselves as creators and problem-solvers, ready to transform their world one prototype at a time.