Introducing Ryan

 Hi, welcome to ENGR 2192 Intro to Making. I’m Ryan, the CSI MakerSpace supervisor and prototype technician. It feels like an appropriate title, as I dig creating and enjoying helping others get their make on. I crested year 7 at Trinity now and am in awe at what our maker community has grown into. What was once just a room full of old tools is now a legit modern workshop with a vibrant community. My role has evolved from acquirer and organizer of tools to empowerer of the make. Certainly a fun, cup filling type role. It makes me happy that this group has decided to give making a go. Y’all are maker class iteration 7. A lucky number if ever there was one. Great things are expected.

The MakerSpace was busy last year. On top of the usual maker class, we added an advanced making class and hosted a Summer of Lathing About. Both projects focused on designing and building geared metal mechanical assemblies from scratch. A challenge that the participants proved up for. In September, I had the incredible


opportunity to travel with five student workers to Sheffield, England, to attend the International Symposium on Academic Making. Our students contributed through poster presentations, and, as expected, faired quite well. I sensed that they enjoyed the opportunity to flex a bit. The annual conference is a great opportunity for our community members to learn from other universities' maker cultures and practices. We came back refreshed and full of new ideas to try. 


A couple of those new ideas are forming into new experiential learning opportunities. Establishing an interdisciplinary maker minor, inspired by Berry College’s creative technologies program. And developing an eco materials lab inspired by a design group at Cal Davis. Both hold the potential to open discovery and give back pathways. 

We’ve also acquired some new machines in the space. A couple of sewing machines and a laser welder. I haven’t a clue how to use them but I’m currently into the idea of learning. Hopefully it stays that way. 



So, whether you're designing your first project or you're already a seasoned maker, I’m excited to see what you create. I’m here to help you every step of the way, and I can’t wait to get started on this journey with you.

~Ryan






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