Burton named next director of Nebraska Innovation Studio
Michael Burton has been named director of Nebraska Innovation Studio, effective August 17. Nebraska Innovation Studio, located on Nebraska Innovation Campus, is a community-oriented makerspace that serves as a hub for innovators, artists and entrepreneurs.
Burton, an artist, filmmaker, educator and creative technologist, succeeds long-time Innovation Studio director David Martin, who retired in July 2026. Burton previously served as an associate professor of art and digital fashion for the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He brings more than 16 years of experience working at the intersection of art, technology and hands-on making to the Innovation Studio team.
Burton’s primary responsibilities include providing strategic leadership, operational oversight and vision for Nebraska Innovation Studio. He will also oversee Frontier Tech Lab (FTL), a design and prototyping service center operated and managed by Nebraska Innovation Studio.
Kate Engel, executive director of Nebraska Innovation Campus, said Burton also brings a unique combination of skills, creative practice, technology, teaching and collaborative project development to the makerspace team.
“Michael has been an engaged member and user of Nebraska Innovation Studio, and he understands the value the makerspace brings to the university and our community,” said Engel. “Michael has the practical skill set and creative energy to advance the studio’s mission of fostering educational opportunities, community building and business development through innovative programming, strong partnerships and fiscal stewardship.”
Burton is excited to lead the Nebraska Innovation Studio team and be part of the studio’s culture of collaboration.
“The amazing staff and members at Nebraska Innovation Studio are what make it such a unique place,” said Burton. “Everyone is willing to jump in, help solve a problem and find a creative solution, no matter what the project is. I am thrilled to be part of that community and help build on what makes Innovation Studio so special.”
Nebraska Innovation Studio is one of the nation’s top makerspaces. It brings together high-tech and traditional tools and equipment, including a full metal shop, woodshop, rapid prototyping room, robotics equipment and programming, art studio, ceramics and textiles equipment, and more. The studio is open to university faculty, students, staff and community members for a monthly membership fee. Makerspace members receive free training on all equipment. To learn more about Nebraska Innovation Studio, please visit innovationstudio.unl.edu.