Our Team

About Us

Here at the Idea Shop, we are a team of makers that pride ourselves on our variety of interests, skill sets, and backgrounds. Together, we create a vibrant quilt of knowledge and expertise that covers all aspects of making, from digital fabrication to machining by hand, from working with textiles to baking the perfect chocolate chip cookie (really - ask us for baking tips)!

Professional Staff

Lab Manager

Patrick Karnia

About

When not at work Patrick is usually developing his home automation setup or doing external consulting work. His favorite part of working for the Idea Shop is the wide variety of projects that come through which allow him to employ mechanical, electrical, and programming skills from his physics background. As a distraction from the technical world he enjoys baking and going hiking / camping with his wife Alexa, a veterinarian in Chicago's south loop, and two dogs Coal, 4.5yr old Border Collie, and Aura, 2.5yr old Pyrenees / Retriever mix (or something like that).

Contact

pkarnia[at]iit[dot]edu
1.312.567.3387

Lab Technician(s)

Alessandra Norman

About

Alessandra is a desert lizard that finds herself living in and enjoying Chicago. When she's not at the Idea Shop, you can find her tending to her greenhouse collection of over 90 cactus and other xerophytic specimens, or in her other woodshop working on her art.
alessandra.lol

Contact

anorman2[at]iit[dot]edu
1.312.567.3095

Student Staff

Lab Mentors

Alex

2022 B.S Electrical Engineering

About

I am a Fourth year Electrical Engineering student pursuing a career in Digital logic design or integrated circuit design. I love exploring the city and spending time outdoors. Besides learning new things, I enjoy running and playing board games. Some of my current projects include custom SoC design using [Chipyard] and learning Java. In the future I intend to get involved in academic research and pursue a Master's degree in Computer Engineering. Check out my [Personal Website]

Expertise

• 3D Modeling
• FPGA Design and HDL Programming
• Laser Cutting
• Soldering

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Hannah

2022 B.S. Aerospace Engineering

About

A Navy Veteran who operated nuclear reactors on aircraft carriers and port-called in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Australia, Singapore, Hawaii, and Bahrain, where she discovered her interests in travel, defense and aviation. A leader for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, she will probably talk your ear off in an attempt to recruit you into the organization. She enjoys overcoming challenges, writing fanfiction, learning new things, and knitting.

Expertise

• Project Management
• Woodshop Power Tools
• 3D Printing (Netfabb)
• Python
• AutoCAD
• Familiar with Solidworks, but still a novice
• Currently learning Toolpathing
• Basic Soldering
• Basic Electrical Theory
• Sewing/Embroidery/Textiles

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Paulina

2022 B.S. Physics

About

Fifth year Physics major, consumer of coffee and tea, likely working on three projects at once. Excited to help you with your project!

Expertise

• Woodworking
• AutoCAD
• Laser Cutting
• Sewing
• Soldering

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Ryan

2021 BAC Information Technology Management, Minor Architecture

About

Third year ITM major with an Archie Minor. Enjoys cooking and nightlife. Recently got a cat, her name is Orca.

Expertise

• Project Management
• Information Systems
• Basic Design Concepts
• Brainstorming Ideas

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Zoe

2022 B.S. Mechanical Engineering

About

Third year Mechanical Engineering student with 19 years of experience in textiles, a passion for locomotive and rolling stock engineering, and approximate knowledge of all things Idea Shop.

Expertise

• Sewing
• Embroidery
• Textiles and fiber
• Wearable Electronics