---
title: "AmeriCorps volunteers facilitate research in Vis Lab"
description: "The Visualization Laboratory, or “Vis Lab,” at the University of New Mexico Center for Advanced Research Computing, is a hub of resources that allow UNM students and faculty to experiment with art and technology using cutting-edge techniques."
type: News
tags:
  - News
date: "2019"
generated:
  by: "process:scripts/port_legacy_pages.py"
  at: "2026-09-10T00:00:00Z"
sources:
  - id: carc-web
    resource: "https://carc.unm.edu/news--events/News/volunteers-facilitate-research-in-vis-lab.html"
    title: "AmeriCorps volunteers facilitate research in Vis Lab (carc.unm.edu)"
    author: "team:unm-carc"
---

# AmeriCorps volunteers facilitate research in Vis Lab

<p class="carc-byline">2019</p>

The Visualization Laboratory, or “Vis Lab,” at the University of New Mexico
Center for Advanced Research Computing, is a hub of resources that allow UNM
students and faculty to experiment with art and technology using cutting-edge
techniques. The lab offers two 3D printers, a laser cutter, a plot cutter, a
soldering station, and an embroidery machine as a part of the STEAM NM
program, headed by UNM Fine Arts Professor Andrea Polli. These tools have been
used to make a diverse array of objects - computer chips, artwork, and even an
apparatus designed to examine the gas emissions of potted plants.

Maintaining the Vis Lab are two AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers: Betty Bastai and
Rosemary Morgan. AmeriCorps VISTA is a division of AmeriCorps dedicated to
alleviating poverty across the country. As stated on the organization’s
website, “AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as a catalyst for change, living and
working alongside community members to meet our nation’s most pressing
challenges and advance local solutions.” The program lasts one year during
which participants are compensated by only a small living stipend. At the end
of the year, they are rewarded with either a sizeable education award or a
small cash bonus. Volunteers receive benefits like free online professional
training and the opportunity to participate in AmeriCorps events across the
country. As volunteers at UNM, Morgan andBastai are also allowed access to the
same outstanding UNM facilities available to students, like the Student Health
and Counseling Center (SHAC), Zimmerman Library, and Johnson Gym.

![](/assets/americorps-vis-lab-vis-lab-circuit.jpg)

Morgan is a UNM alumna, having earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology
(concentrating in archeology), a minor in geographic information systems, and
a second minor in Asian studies. She recently began her year-long service
commitment with AmeriCorps VISTA after hearing about the program’s benefits
from a friend. When asked why she likes working in the Vis Lab, Morgan
jovially replies “I like to get to play with toys - toys I would otherwise not
be able to access.” But her time in the Vis Lab has been more than just play;
Morgan is learning how to better utilize and improve the performance of Vis
Lab technology. She hopes to someday bring the skills she is learning here at
CARC to the field of archeology. “[My] ultimate goal is to be the tech guru of
a museum,” Morgan says. She believes that 3D printing could be used to make
realistic models of archeological artifacts; these models could be studied and
manipulated by students without risking damage to the delicate originals from
which they were derived.

Bastai, who is ending her year-long AmeriCorps program in August 2019, is an
experienced volunteer with an extensive background in the arts. She received
her master’s degree in fine arts from the Edinburgh College of Art in
Scotland. In 2016, Bastai continued her education by earning a certificate in
graphic design and video production and editing from Washington State
University. Bastai has participated in numerous volunteer programs and speaks
highly of the advantages of working with AmeriCorps VISTA. “[AmeriCorps VISTA]
is an opportunity to make great connections with people throughout the
country,” she remarks. Bastai explains that the program is an excellent option
for recent graduates, professionals hoping to switch career paths, or anyone
going through a transition in their lives.

By facilitating the Vis Lab, Bastai and Morgan are allowing students of
diverse disciplines-from biology to computer science to fine arts-to pursue
their curiosities and to make substantial contributions to their fields of
study. If you are a UNM student or faculty member interested in using the Vis
Lab please visit [the STEAM NM
website](https://finearts.unm.edu/steam-nm/){target=_blank} for more
information or [contact the program via email.](mailto:steamnmunm@gmail.com)