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 inspires studio users.
How it Works...
MechSE MakerWorks Club Organization
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 and studio monitors to operate the studio. The studio is also guided by a team of directors, each responsible for key organizational areas: Space Director, Wood Studio Director, Education Director, Technical Director, HR & Wellness Director(s), 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.
MechSE MakerWorks Club Directors
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: James Yu (jamesyu3@illinois.edu)
Hi, I’m Ben. I am a senior 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’ EOH team.
Wood Studio Director: Steve Cho (hcho812@illinois.edu)
Hello, my name is Steve Cho and I’m a junior in Mechanical Engineering. You can likely find me in the JIS or in the Wood Studio. Outside of the Innovation Studio, I’m involved with some controls research and CA for 370. One of my favorite parts of MakerWorks is the community, feel free to say hi!
Education Director: Mary Gacek (mgace@illinois.edu)
Hey there, I'm Mary Gacek and I am a junior in mechanical engineering with a minor in electrical engineering. I am also the treasurer for the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. This past summer, I had an internship with Atlas Tube Chicago, which works in the steel industry. I look forward to meeting you!
Technical Director: Jackson Bressers (jab18@illinois.edu)
Hi! My name is James and I am a sophomore studying mechanical engineering. My interests lie in everything robotics and mechanical design. Outside of the MechSE sphere, I enjoy throwing around a frisbee, playing ice hockey, and skating in general. If you have any questions, I am always happy to help to the best of my ability!
HR & Wellness Co-Director: Shreyas Malladi (scm10@illinois.edu)
I'm Shreyas, a Senior 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!
HR & Wellness Co-Director: Mikey Tortorici (mikeyt2@illinois.edu)
Hi! My name is Andy Ahn and I am a senior studying Systems Engineering and Design. I’m from Chicago and I like to ride my bike, go fishing, and play video games. This past summer, I was in Pittsburgh working for Westinghouse Electric Company as a I&C Systems Engineer and had a blast! My favorite part of MakerWorks is seeing all of the different projects that students utilize the space for and working on our EOH project. If you have any questions, send me a message!
Communications Director: Yoochan Shin (yoochan4@illinois.edu)
Hi! My name is Yoochan, and I’m a senior studying Engineering Mechanics with a minor in Mathematics. I’m also involved in undergraduate research with the Autonomous Materials Systems Group. I’m originally from Korea and also spent several years living in New Zealand. In my free time, I enjoy playing and watching tennis. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Business Director: Josrich Viernes (jviernes2@illinois.edu)
Hello, my name is Josrich Viernes, and I’m a senior 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. 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!
- Meet other engineering students through fun socials and networking events with companies!
- Learn technical skills like 3D printing, laser cutting, and woodworking
- 24/7 Access to the Jackson Innovation Studio & the Sidney Lu Mechanical Engineering Building (& Wood Maker Studio upon training)
- Training and access to an SLA printer
- $50 semesterly credit to purchase 3D prints, resin, material, and hardware
- Volunteer over 2 consecutive semesters to apply to become a paid monitor!
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!
- Volunteer at least 3 hours per week to maintain active membership
- Assist students with 3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking, equipment rental, and financial transactions for hardware and materials
- Required to complete Wood Studio training to assist with woodworking and to return the following semester
- Must attend two workshops within the first few weeks of becoming a member to reinforce your knowledge: Optimizing 3D Prints & Laser Cutter Recap
- 80 hours of consistent volunteering at time of application over 2 consecutive semesters. Exceptions apply for those who have taken a one semester leave of absence from the university, studied abroad, or completed a co-op.
- Completion of required member trainings and workshops (General Training, Wood Studio, Optimizing 3D Prints, Laser Cutter Recap)
- Preference given to those who have shown greater involvement with studio operations (e.g. attended additional workshops, involvement on the Education or Wood Studio Team, participation in networking events)
To become a member in MechSE MakerWorks Club, please join our Slack and check out the Slack Canvas "Getting Involved" in #external-announcements. There, you can join the #new-volunteers channel to learn more about the club before taking a short quiz. Lastly, you can sign-up for a training session with our Education Director in the #new-volunteers channel. Please note there may be a waitlist to become a member due to high demand, which will always be announced promptly in our Slack.
Other Opportunities Within the Club!
Nathan Hochhalter: Education Director (SP23 - FA23), Space Director (SP24 - FA24)
Maximus Ehrlich: Business Director (FA24)
MakerWorks Club Support