MechSE MakerWorks Club
Volunteer-Driven Makerspace
Inspired by our past and amazing Illinois student clubs, MechSE MakerWorks Club was created to shape and own the maker experience for our undergraduate students. The club’s mission is to create and sustain an engineering maker culture that enables peers to receive equal opportunity to learn and safely use available tools and machines, while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized environment that impresses and inspires peers, alums, donors, guests, and future users.
How it Works...
MechSE MakerWorks Club Organization
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 five directors, each responsible for key organizational areas: Space Director, Education Director, HR & Wellness Director, Communications Director, and Business Director. These directors are also accompanied by a Wood Studio Admin and a Club Advisor.
MechSE MakerWorks Club Advisor: Kyle Cheek
Bio coming soon!
Space Director: Nathan Hochhalter
Education Director: Lilian Abbed
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. I am the education director the MechSE MakerWorks Club for this school year. 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
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
Hi everyone, my name is Katie Zobus! I’m a junior in Bioengineering, 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 where I look at stem cell-derived organoids. 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: Maximus Ehrlich
I am a senior in Mechanical Engineering, treasurer for ASME, a course CA for TAM 251, and the Business Director for MakerWorks. I like to play soccer, go bouldering, bake, and read in my free time. I love meeting new people and getting to see their projects through the Jackson Innovation Studio. Feel free to come up and say hello if you see me!
Wood Studio Admin: Greg Kwan
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. 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 and sign up for a training session with our Education Director in the #new-volunteers channel.
- Meet other engineering students!
- Learn technical skills like 3D printing, laser cutting, and woodworking
- 24/7 Access to the Jackson Innovation Studio & the Sidney Lu Mechanical Engineering Building
- $50 semesterly credit to purchase 3D prints, material, and hardware
- Volunteer at least 4 hours per week to maintain active membership
- Assist students with 3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking, equipment rental, and financial transactions for hardware and materials
Other Opportunities within the Club!
MechSE MakerWorks Club is hosting a semester long Tinkercad-based workshop series at a local middle school! Please fill out this interest form to learn more about this experience and ways you can be involved both on and off campus. This form will close September 13th, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Please reach out to Communications Director Katie Zobus via mechse-makerworks@illinois.edu if you have any questions.
MakerWorks Club Support
Our Shared Values
Be Safe and Professional. Own the Experience. Act to Earn Trust.
Respect People, Machines, and Culture. Leave it Better Than Found.