{"id":118,"date":"2022-06-28T14:40:07","date_gmt":"2022-06-28T18:40:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/makerspace\/?page_id=118"},"modified":"2026-02-27T17:28:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T22:28:28","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/makerspace\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Team"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

David Keiser-Clark, Program Manager<\/h2>\r\n
\"David

David Keiser-Clark
Manager of Makerspace, FabLab, and HPCC
Staff: OIT<\/p><\/div>\r\n

I manage the Makerspace, FabLab, and HPCC programs as inclusive communities of practice. I mentor my student workers<\/b> as they engage in critical making<\/b> using traditional and emerging technologies to complete complex projects. We support and collaborate with faculty, students, and staff on curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular projects and departmental initiatives. I teach my student workers to embrace failure, learn, and fail better. I am a staff member with the Office for Information Technology.<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: David’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Student Workers<\/h1>\r\n

Mariama Bah \u201829, Makerspace<\/h2>\r\n
\"Mariama

Mariama Bah \u201829
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

When I came to Williams, I was worried that I\u2019d have to abandon my interest in engineering and design<\/b>. It\u2019s thanks to the Makerspace that I\u2019ve been able to continue pursuing what I love<\/b> in a new way. One of my favorite aspects of being a Makerspace worker has been being able to interact with the Williams community, meeting and helping new people every shift. The Makerspace has been an excellent way to start my college career, and I\u2019m proud to call myself a Student Worker.<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Mariama’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Rae Bravo-Contreras \u201828, FabLab<\/h2>\r\n
\"Rae<\/a>

Rae Bravo-Contreras \u201828
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

The FabLab is a place where I can give back to my community<\/b> in a niche and creative way. I love that I get to meet new people each shift and try my hand at creative work in the process. Working here has really exposed me to the wider Williams community. Some of my favorite moments are when I\u2019m not quite sure how to tackle a problem, because I might not be as well-versed in a specific craft a student needs help with, and we figure out together how to make it work. I also love that I can share what I am good at with the wider community. A month after I co-led a beginner crochet workshop with Annie, one of the participants came back to the FabLab to ask for help with a new crochet project she was working on. She thanked me for hosting the workshop and for teaching her this new craft she had fallen in love with. That\u2019s what the impact of the FabLab is: to build strong bonds<\/b> between students, faculty, and staff, and to share the love of art and creativity with one another.<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Rae’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Davi Canez \u201827, FabLab<\/h2>\r\n
\"Davi

Davi Canez \u201827
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

Within my time on this campus, I\u2019ve found difficulty finding a place for self expression<\/b>. Funnily enough, as someone studying Studio Art, it\u2019s pretty difficult to find an almost completely student run studio but the FabLab is one of those places on campus that is open to any and all students with the purpose of allowing for a diverse amount of creativity from anyone. Oftentimes, I\u2019ve found myself having difficulty crossing the discipline or division lines drawn by what we as students individually study but with this space on campus I\u2019ve gotten to meet and help students from countless different walks of life and paths beyond my own that have given me that \u201cliberal arts\u201d social experience<\/b>. Within this space, I\u2019ve gotten to experience people laughing with each other after just meeting because they came in at the same time. My friends come to my open hours and meet new people with me, and I\u2019m growing my own skills facilitating a safe and comfortable environment for people to express themselves freely and openly!<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Davi’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Uma Champe \u201828, FabLab<\/h2>\r\n
\"Uma

Uma Champe \u201828
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

For me the FabLab has become an essential space to create, learn and collaborate. I have always loved to craft and to now be around so many passionate creators and artists with so many materials at our disposal keeps me continuously inspired. The FabLab offers the time and space to breathe, connect and create<\/b> in our often hectic and busy lives. And since it\u2019s so close to the heart of campus it makes it easy to stop by and craft, no matter for how long. It is at the FabLab where I learned and honed skills like embroidery, sewing and collaging that I can now share with others, which is the most rewarding feeling of all. It is a gift to have a space where students share<\/b> their knowledge with others and collaborate<\/b> to create beautiful things for themselves and the people they care about. I feel so lucky to be a part of this community, one that wouldn\u2019t be possible without the FabLab.<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Uma’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Alexa Hanson \u201826, Communications Coordinator<\/h2>\r\n
\"Alexa

Alexa Hanson \u201826
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

The FabLab is a space outside of the traditional learning environment<\/b> where I have the opportunity to work with other students and faculty to expand knowledge and use of the organization, as well as my own creative skills. Working with David is very inspiring to see, as he has been able to build the creative space and expand overall usership. His advocacy for students and dedication to the work done at the FabLab and makerspace is invaluable to see in a mentor<\/b> at Williams and for other students as well.<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Alexa’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Alessandra Harrington \u201828, FabLab<\/h2>\r\n
\"Alessandra

Alessandra Harrington \u201828
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

The FabLab is a pocket of pure, immaculate creativity<\/b> tucked inside Sawyer Library, once a space you might have passed with only subtle intrigue, or perhaps not noticed at all. Today, it has blossomed into a welcoming and affirming environment where artists, makers, and curious beginners alike are encouraged to explore fabrication paths that may have once felt inaccessible or intimidating. Through frequent entry-level workshops, the FabLab introduces students to a wide range of mixed-media practices, including felting, crocheting, heat pressing, patch-making, and beyond. As a student worker, the FabLab has become my most meaningful outlet not only for creative expression, but also a calm yet vibrant space filled with opportunity<\/b> and a growing community of like-minded students rooted in curiosity and mutual support.<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Alessandra’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Kefa Hailu Kassahun \u201829, Makerspace<\/h2>\r\n
\"Kefa

Kefa Hailu Kassahun \u201829
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

The Makerspace has been impactful for me, offering a hands-on environment where creativity shines. It allows me to bring ideas to real life through different projects. As someone passionate about robotics, I can say that access to state-of-the-art equipment gave me the opportunity to explore<\/b> the field further. It offers endless learning opportunities through unique projects spanning different fields. Whether it is printing a 3D model of an object or programming microcontrollers, the Makerspace gives me the tools and freedom to bring ideas to life<\/b>.<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Kefa’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Maria King \u201829, Makerspace<\/h2>\r\n
\"Maria

Maria King \u201829
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

Lorem ipsom…<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Maria’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Catherine Li \u201828, Makerspace<\/h2>\r\n
\"Catherine

Catherine Li \u201828
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

The Makerspace is the ideal environment<\/b> for a non-STEM student at Williams to gain hands-on experience in fields they would otherwise have limited exposure to. I have opportunities to work with a variety of tools and machines and the learning process is both engaging and empowering. Whether it\u2019s using a 3D printer for prototyping or working with softwares to troubleshoot, the Makerspace allows me to develop practical skills<\/b> that complement my academic studies<\/b>. As I navigate challenges while working on a project\u2014whether troubleshooting a print failure or refining a design\u2014I develop resilience and adaptability, skills that extend beyond technical work. Ultimately, the Makerspace broadens my learning experience<\/b>, giving me the freedom to explore ideas and turn concepts into tangible projects.<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Catherine’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Ari Merrill \u201829, FabLab<\/h2>\r\n
\"Ari

Ari Merrill \u201829
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

The FabLab is a place I can connect with others interested in creativity and sustainability. I\u2019ve had wonderful experiences teaching students and members of the larger Williams community how to create all sorts of crafts, and I\u2019ve also had the opportunity to learn from others and expand my own skill set. It\u2019s an empowering feeling to be able to mend your own clothes or tinker with a machine to fix it rather than outsourcing. I love when students who have had good experiences during my open hours continue reaching out to me for help with future projects, and I\u2019ve made many friends in the FabLab who I likely wouldn\u2019t have met otherwise. I love that the FabLab can be a space for creative activism, learning life skills, or simply making a gift<\/b> for a loved one \u2014 and no matter what you\u2019re there for, you\u2019re sure to find a great community to work with!<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Ari’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Audrey Riddle \u201826, FabLab<\/h2>\r\n
\"Audrey<\/a>

Audrey Riddle \u201826
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

The FabLab makes such a positive contribution to campus<\/b> because it brings people together and it\u2019s just fun! I think everything I\u2019ve made in the FabLab has helped someone smile or feel cared about; I\u2019ve printed fun shirts for my team before heading to NCAAs, made small gifts when a friend needs a boost, and shared lots of laughs and good stories with people at my workshops. This contribution to community and lifting people up<\/b> is what makes it meaningful to me.<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Audrey’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Cindy Romero \u201827, Communications Coordinator<\/h2>\r\n
\"Cindy<\/a>

Cindy Romero \u201827
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

I value the ability to connect with other students who share similar interests, along with those who don\u2019t. The Makerspace and Fablab create an environment where students like me can share collective ideas and bring them together in a truly creative space. As someone who is passionate about communication and marketing while studying Environmental Studies, it can be challenging to break into the field without formal \u201cexperience.\u201d Fortunately, this student-driven space has allowed me to contribute my creative input while building meaningful experience for future opportunities<\/b>. It\u2019s a safe space where my contributions and ideas are valued. I see the Makerspace as a place where students truly have the ability to \u201crun the show\u201d, making it the perfect environment for turning enthusiasm and ideas into reality. I believe David sees potential in students and entrusts them with roles that encourage real growth<\/b>. I felt that he saw potential in me, which gave me the freedom to create flyers, help manage projects, and communicate within the group. Through this experience, I have worked with amazing people and learned from them, strengthening my ability to collaborate in a team-based environment. <\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Cindy’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Stepher Sabio \u201828, Makerspace<\/h2>\r\n
\"Stepher<\/a>

Stepher Sabio \u201828
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

Makerspace<\/b> \/\u02c8m\u0101k\u0259r\u02ccsp\u0101s\/ a home away from home.
If my own dictionary existed, that is how I would define \u2018Makerspace.\u2019 Often people forget that the truest form of themselves exists in their own home. The place where stereotypical expectations and societal pressure cannot reach. A place where oneself can be liberally expressed without pretense and the usual facade. The moment I step into the Makerspace, \u2018judgement\u2019 never existed in the dictionary. The joy instantaneously enters my body. I feel safe\u2014at home, to be exact.<\/b> The nerdiness and weirdness (in a good way) paradoxically, breaks free from the shackles of \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 things should be. It is a safe space<\/b> where you can be greater without having the need to change who you are<\/b>.<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Stepher’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Divya Sijwali \u201828, Blogging Coordinator<\/h2>\r\n
\"Divya<\/a>

Divya Sijwali \u201828
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

When I first joined Makerspace, I imagined myself tinkering with 3D printers, mastering high-tech machines, and maybe even accidentally melting a few things along the way. But instead, when I mentioned my love for writing<\/b>, David saw potential I hadn\u2019t even realized myself. He encouraged me<\/b> to become a writing tutor for Makerspace, and just like that, my experience here took an unexpected turn<\/b>. Now, instead of printing models, I get to craft stories. Instead of gears and circuits, I work with words, ideas, and the incredible people behind them. Every week feels like writing a fresh chapter of an ongoing novel\u2014filled with interviews, interactions, and the raw creativity<\/b> of my peers. Through blogs, I don\u2019t just document projects; I get a backstage pass into the minds of makers<\/b>, hearing the spark behind their innovations. Somewhere between these conversations and keystrokes, I\u2019ve made friends,<\/b> discovered inspiration, and, most surprisingly, fallen in love with creative writing. Ironically, no formal writing class ever showed me that. It only took three weeks at Makerspace to help me realize what I truly enjoy. The secret to thriving here? It\u2019s not about having the perfect skill set. It\u2019s about having ideas and the audacity to pursue<\/b> them. Makerspace isn\u2019t just a place to build things\u2014it\u2019s a place where creativity finds unexpected forms. And sometimes, all it takes is one person believing in you<\/b> for you to start believing in yourself<\/b>.<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Divya’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Alice Sore \u201827, Makerspace<\/h2>\r\n
\"Alice<\/a>

Alice Sore ’27
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

The Makerspace is important to me because I love the opportunities<\/b> it gives me to really explore the design process creatively and develop projects. Throughout my time in school, creative outlets for design like robotics and engineering have really engaged me because I enjoy the problem-solving nature of these fields, especially when it comes to iterating on physical prototypes and designing not just an object on a computer screen but something that can actually be held and used to solve a problem. The experience of working in the Makerspace is wholly unique on the Williams Campus<\/b>, and I’m incredibly grateful to have a part in it.<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Alice’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Izzie Tarantino \u201828, Makerspace<\/h2>\r\n
\"Izzie<\/a>

Izzie Tarantino \u201828
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

Before I even applied<\/b> to Williams, I knew I wanted to be a part of the makerspace. It was my dream<\/b> to work with the people of the makerspace, surrounded by the whirring of 3D printers and vibrant LED lighting and the company of innovating people. I enjoy problem solving through physical designs, specifying each aspect to work with each other, accounting for moving parts, and making sure they work perfectly. Through the makerspace, I am able to learn new tactics and hone my skills while creating with intention<\/b>. The makerspace is very community oriented<\/b>, in which I have connected deeply<\/b> with other makerspace workers, learning about their projects, their classes, their reasons for joining the makerspace. I have reached out to people on campus that I would not have interacted with otherwise, hearing about their visions. I love working on projects with the goal of making learning enjoyable for kids<\/b> through moving parts and personalizable designs. I love bringing peoples\u2019 ideas to life, allowing them to achieve more when assisted by 3D models and arduino motors. Through the makerspace, I am able to help others through innovation, which is life changing<\/b>.<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Izzie’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Annie Trucano \u201829, FabLab<\/h2>\r\n
\"Annie<\/a>

Annie Trucano \u201829
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

At an academically rigorous school, it\u2019s often difficult to make time for one\u2019s hobbies and interests. The FabLab allows people to embrace their creativity in a low-stakes and accepting environment. The community inside the FabLab extends beyond it as well. Many of the people I\u2019ve helped at the FabLab I now consider friends<\/b>. The community and passion I\u2019ve found at the FabLab makes it such a special place on campus<\/b> for me.<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Annie’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Divine Uwimana \u201827, Makerspace<\/h2>\r\n
\"Divine

Divine Uwimana ’27
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

As a Makerspace student worker, I am learning a lot, not just hands on but also from the people with whom I work. I\u2019m nourishing my creative and problem solving skills, my communicating, critical thinking skills and am getting well rounded skills in so many areas of my life that need to be developed. On top of that, it\u2019s a space that gives you an opportunity to make mistakes<\/b> and learn from those mistakes. The Makerspace is a platform<\/b> for me to have an impact<\/b>, especially working with the TIDE grant or any other project I\u2019ll work on, and to not just make something, but to make something useful to other people. The Makerspace offers opportunities to explore so many things at once (i.e. 3D printing and robotics).<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Divine’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Milton Vento \u201826, Makerspace<\/h2>\r\n
\"Milton

Milton Vento ’26
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

My favorite thing about working in the Makerspace is that it provides a platform for hands-on, project-based learning where I can use both my hands and my mind to create something that has a lasting impact<\/b> not only on myself, but also on others. I also get to practice soft skills such as project management, long-term and short-term planning, communication (verbal and written) as well as collaboration. The Makerspace offers a different kind of learning environment<\/b> from classroom learning in that I get to drive a project from its beginning to end, deciding which parts to execute when and how, until eventually getting a finished product on which I can see my fingerprints. It combines learning and doing in a way I haven\u2019t seen in most of my classes, which are mostly intellectual. Working in the Makerspace is almost like having an internship and getting an opportunity to work in the real world, producing something that other people can use. Taking ownership of a project nurtures intrinsic motivation which offers a different kind of perseverance. Upon grasping a new software or concept, using it becomes such an enjoyable experience that translates into mental wellness<\/b>, thus allowing the space to boost your intellectual ability while supporting your mental wellbeing.<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Milton’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Julia Zhou \u201829, FabLab<\/h2>\r\n
\"Julia<\/a>

Julia Zhou \u201829
Williams College<\/p><\/div>\r\n

The FabLab is a hub of creativity. With its ample art resources, passionate student workers, and unique workshops, it brings creative ideas to life. It is a space for people to engage in fiber arts and challenge themselves to create in a new media. I have helped students make buttons, costumes, posters, and many more. The support FabLab has for the passion of art and creativity<\/b> in the Williams community is what makes it important to me.<\/q><\/blockquote>\r\n
\u2014 Read: Julia’s blog posts<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n

Looking for Former Makerspace Student Workers<\/a>?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

David Keiser-Clark, Program Manager I manage the Makerspace, FabLab, and HPCC programs as inclusive communities of practice. I mentor my student workers as they engage in critical making using traditional and emerging technologies to complete complex projects. We support and … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1502,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-118","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/makerspace\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/118","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/makerspace\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/makerspace\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/makerspace\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1502"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/makerspace\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=118"}],"version-history":[{"count":196,"href":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/makerspace\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/118\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2963,"href":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/makerspace\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/118\/revisions\/2963"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/makerspace\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=118"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}