Ben Petersen has a strong passion for 3D printing, and just about anything related to science. One of his long-held dreams was to experience high-tech 3D printing up close, meet real scientists, and see their work in action. That dream came true on 28th August, when Australia’s national science agency CSIRO generously invited Ben to visit their Clayton facility.
Exploring 3D Printing and Electron Microscopy at CSIRO
During the visit, Ben had the opportunity to explore both the Electron Microscopy and 3D Printing areas. He was beyond excited — in fact, he spent the entire week before the visit diving into research about 3D printing and electron microscopes to prepare. His enthusiasm was infectious, and the experience was everything he’d hoped for and more.
Ben was warmly welcomed by Dr. Malisja de Vries, Microscopy Manager, and Mr. Mark Greaves, Microscopy Team Leader. They generously spent the morning giving Ben a tour of the site, explaining their work and how it all comes together.
The first stop was the 3D Printing area, where Ben met Dr. Sam Martin, Research Engineer — and now Ben’s new hero! Sam gave Ben an in-depth tour of the polymer 3D printing lab and explained the fascinating work being developed there.
As someone who has already built an impressive collection of creations in his own home 3D mini lab, Ben was inspired by the cutting-edge work at CSIRO. The insights he gained from Sam left a lasting impression and further fueled his passion for 3D printing. This CSIRO experience is part of our broader NDIS community support, designed to connect people with meaningful opportunities.
Disability Inclusion Through NDIS Community Support
Ben then had the opportunity to visit the Electron Microscopy department, where Malisja and Mark showed him powerful electron microscopes in action. He was fascinated by how these advanced tools reveal incredibly tiny details that are invisible to the naked eye. One of the highlights was seeing a fly magnified 1,000 times — an experience that gave Ben a whole new appreciation for the microscopic world.
The morning wrapped up with a debrief over coffee in the on-site café, where Ben sat down with Malisja and Mark, still processing everything he had seen and learned during the visit.
How MAAC Care’s NDIS Support Services in Melbourne Create Opportunities
As a person with a disability, Ben has faced attitudinal barriers when trying to explore his interests and learn more about the world. This visit was truly a milestone for him. He was deeply grateful not only to witness science in action but also for the warm, friendly, and genuine hospitality shown to him throughout the day.
At MAAC Care, our NDIS support services in Melbourne focus on inclusion, independence, and community engagement.
On behalf of Ben, other participants and our staff, MAAC Care also wishes to thank CSIRO for the opportunity to visit the Clayton site and make Ben’s dream come true.
| Sam Martin talking 3D printing with Ben
| Malisja, Mark and Ben at the Metals 3D section
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Below: Ben at Electron Microscopy section with Malisja and Mark.
Magnified Fly
Thanks, Malisja, Mark and CSIRO