MechSE MakerWorks Club

MechSE MakerWorks consists of the Metal Maker Studio, Wood Maker Studio, and Jackson Innovation Studio, where the latter two are undergraduate-run makerspaces in the MechSE Department by the MechSE MakerWorks Club. The club commenced in operation in Fall 2022, with the complete rollout in Spring 2023. MechSE MakerWorks is fortunate to have the dedicated support of student volunteers to operate the studio. The studio is also guided by a team of six directors, each responsible for key organizational areas: Space Director, Wood Studio Director, Education Director, HR & Wellness Director, Communications Director, and Business Director. These directors are also accompanied by a Club Advisor and subsequent leadership roles to assist the directors and progress the club.

Club Advisor: Kyle Cheek (kcheek@illinois.edu)
Kyle Cheek has over 35 years of machining experience, including more than 15 years in an external machine shop and 19 years at the University of Illinois. He began his time at UIUC in the Civil Engineering department for 2 years before transferring to the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, where he has worked since. In 2017, he became the supervisor of the MechSE machine shop, and in 2022, he also took on the role of the MechSE MakerWorks Club Advisor. Outside of work, Kyle enjoys taking the boat to the lake and fishing with his two boys.

Space Director: Benjamin Tsao (btsao3@illinois.edu)
Hi, I’m Ben. I am a junior in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Electrical Engineering. I participate in robotics research with the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory and I have been a volunteer for FIRST Lego League events. Professionally, I have had work experience at various companies such as NASA and Acutronic Aerospace. My favorite part of volunteering is meeting new people and seeing what people make. Lastly, I am one of the project directors for Makerworks’ new EOH team. 

Education Director: Lilian Abbed (labbe2@illinois.edu)
Hi! My name is Lilian Abbed, and I am a junior studying mechanical engineering. I am pursuing two minors, one in the sustainability, energy and the environment (SEE) fellows program and the other in the Hoeft Technology and Management (T&M) program. Outside of MakerWorks, I am involved in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers as the sustainability director. Professionally, I have interned at Caterpillar as a parallel co-op engineer for the past two summers. At Caterpillar I've been in rotations on the large structures design team, and electrical integration team. I'm looking forward to meeting you all!

HR & Wellness Director: Shreyas Malladi (scm10@illinois.edu)
I'm Shreyas, a sophomore in Mechanical Science & Engineering; I'm also currently pursuing an International Minor in Engineering. I come from Bay Area, CA and my interests encapsulate everything from robotics to geopolitics. If you're interested in joining MechSE MakerWorks–or if you have any general inquiries–please reach out!

Communications Director: Katie Zobus (kzobus2@illinois.edu)
Hi everyone, my name is Katie Zobus! I’m a junior in Bioengineering and Chemistry, and I'm also pursuing a minor in Computer Science. On campus, I'm actively involved in the Biomedical Engineering Journal Club. I’m also apart of the Tissue Engineering & Development Lab in the Bioengineering department. This past summer, I spent time at the University of Michigan evaluating a strategy to provide a neural stem cell transplant in the spinal cord protection to prevent immune rejection. My newest hobby includes “silk” (or artificial) flower arrangements!  

Business Director: Josrich Viernes (jviernes2@illinois.edu)
Hello, my name is Josrich Viernes, and I’m a sophomore in Systems Engineering and Design. Outside of being Business Director for Makerworks, I’m involved in the Social Gaming Club, IISE and a few other clubs. I’m also a Learning Assistant for PHYS100 and PHYS211. My favorite part of the Makerworks Club is being able to see all the projects other students work on in the studio! If you see me around, feel free to say hi!

Wood Studio Director: Greg Kwan (gkwan2@illinois.edu)
Hi, my name is Greg Kwan. I am a senior in Mechanical Engineering. I like doing a bunch of random projects as a way to procrastinate doing homework. You'll find me using the CNC router to carve signs, 3D printing something off Thingiverse, or laser cutting a box. Outside of the Innovation Studio, I like to go camping, kayaking, hiking, and playing tennis. This summer I went camping with my friends at Turkey Run in Indiana. We went on a 20-mile kayaking adventure where I got sunburnt. I've been apart of the Innovation Studio for 3 years and also have been involved with ASME and SEM during my time at UIUC. I am excited to see all the projects that will happen this year in the Innovation Studio. I love talking to everyone about their projects and seeing the progress they make during the year.

All who have an interest in making, understanding how things are made, and how to maintain and troubleshoot our machines may join the club! There are no major restrictions or dues to join, but you must be enrolled as an undergraduate student at UIUC. We are unable to support graduate students as volunteers in the studio at this time, but they are welcome to use the studio. All experience levels are welcome; MakerWorks will teach you everything you need to know! 

To become a volunteer in MechSE MakerWorks Club, please join our Slack to take a short quiz before signing up for a training session with our Education Director in the #new-volunteers channel. 

MechSE MakerWorks Club successfully hosted a semester long Tinkercad-based workshop series at a local middle school this past fall! Any updates regarding our series and how to get involved will reopen on the website and in our Slack in the future. Please reach out to mechse-makerworks@illinois.edu if you have any questions or are interested in MakerWorks becoming involved with your school!