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
Lab Technician(s)
Student Staff
Lab Mentors
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
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
Naia
2024 B.S. Mechanical Engineering
- About
Second year Mechanical Engineering student who enjoys working on all sorts of projects. Some of her projects include designing water-sampling UAVs, murals, and manufacturing parts for an electric aircraft. In her free time she enjoys taking care of her growing plant collection and exploring the city.
- Expertise
- Project Management
- Woodworking
- Soldering
- 3D Modeling
- Design
Claire
2023 B.S. Mechanical Engineering M.S. Technological Entrepreneurship
- About
A passionate reducer, reuser, and recycler, Claire loves to care for the environment. She is a part of several student orgs on campus: Intinium, Society of Environmental Engineers and Scientists, AIAA Design, Build, Fly model airplanes, Food Recovery Network, and UFarm. She loves to ride motorcycles, bake new things, and go swimming.
- Expertise
- Project Management
- Woodshop Power Tools
- Laser cutter
- 3D Printing (Netfabb)
- AutoCAD
- Rhino
- Familiar with Solidworks
- Familiar with Toolpathing
- familiar with CNC
- Basic Soldering
Ikupakyala
2024 B.Arch Architecture
- About
Third-year international student from Tanzania. I am currently learning how to use a sewing machine! Always eager to help, feel free to ask questions.
- Expertise
- Adobe CC (Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator)
- Woodworking
- Laser Cutting
- 2D/3D Drawings
- 3D Modeling(Rhino, also familiar with Grasshopper)
- 3D Printing
- Design
Salvador
2023 B.S. Mechanical Engineering
- About
I'm a fourth year Mechanical Engineering student who wants to bring Sci-Fi to life. I have built several movie props and equipment gear including weapons. If you want to build some crazy prop straight out of a film, I'm your guy.
- Expertise
- 3D Printing
- Woodworking
- Soldering
- Basic 3D Modeling
- Design
Daniel
2023 B.S. Electrical Engineering
- About
Third year electrical engineering student that really enjoys making things, specifically music related. Currently building a synthesizer and tending to a garden, when it's not winter.
- Expertise
- Soldering
- Woodworking
- PCB Design
- 3D Modeling
- Arduino & Microcontrollers
Alexandra
2026 Architecture
- About
I'm a first year architecture student here at IIT. Although most of my time is taken up in studio I'm here to help when and with what I can.
- Expertise
- Woodworking
- Rhino
- Photoshop and Illustrator
- Design
Kyle
2023 M.E. Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, B.S. Mechanical Engineering
- About
Fourth year Mechanical Engineering student with experience in product development & design as well as manufacturing. Passionate about personal projects related to music, convenient gadgets, and aesthetics.
- Expertise
- 3D Modeling (Creo, Inventor)
- Project Management
- Woodworking
- 3D Printing
- Lasercutting
- Basic Soldering
Andy
2022 B.S. Computer Science
- About
Always obsessed with some kind of album, movie, or videogame, Andy loves to find ways to combine his favorite creative mediums with his technical background in coding, electronics, and software. You can always find him out on his bike exploring the city or back in his apartment trying out new recipes. Feel free to ask Andy for help with any of the Adobe Creative Cloud software or your 3d printing and laser cutting projects, or just give him a music/movie/game recommendation!
- Expertise
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Coding (Java, JavaScript, Python)
- Laser cutting
- 3d Printing
Jack
2024 B.S. Computer & Cybersecurity Engineering
- About
I'm a second year Computer & Cybersecurity engineering student who dabbles around with 3D printing and laser cutting. I'm passionate about anything DIY and computer related - so if you need help with anything in the realm of tech; I'm your guy!
- Expertise
- 3D Printing
- Laser Cutting
- Coding (Java & Python)
- Raspberry Pi & Arduino Projects
