In my junior year, I was hired at the Mechanical Engineering Teaching Laboratory as a lab assistant. However, things didn't go that smoothly...

Initially, I was rejected from the position, but instead of letting it bring me down and forcing myself to never show face again, I decided to pursue the intensely selective and rigorous Super User Training.

During my training, a new position opened up, and I was hired as a lab assistant, where I helped with day-to-day operations and small projects, modeled and designed fixtures, managed spreadsheets and inventory, and worked on shop layout.

Mechanical Engineering Teaching Lab

SuperUser and Machinst

• SolidWorks

• Fusion 360

• CNC and manual machining

• CAM

• fixture design

• facility layout design

• shop safety and supervision

• inventory management

• 3D printing.

Skills I Learned

This role taught me a lot about leadership and safety. I was responsible for the safety and reliable operation of the entire shop, especially during hectic times. It also let me connect with the student community in my year and below.

For two years I served as a prominent role in the MechE Teaching Lab, giving new-student tours, showcasing the space, and even being contracted by professors to help with class assignments that involved machining.

After months of training on all the machinery and shop tools, I passed my Super User training, which gave me full, unsupervised use of all manual and CNC machinery, and allowed me to manage the shop during after-hours operations.

During those shifts, I supported over 80 students with manufacturing and machining issues, CAD drawings and modeling, CAM software issues, and 3D printing.

Filming for Veritasium YouTube channel!