Making Ideas a Reality with Mark

Transcript

Let’s meet Mark, a senior earning his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences while working towards his master’s in mechanical engineering as a Co-Terminal student. RPI is home to many maker spaces like the Forge, and Mark is gonna tell us all about it.

– Hey Alex, thanks for having me. I’ve always been pretty focused on both academics and computers, so it was no surprise that I ended up going into engineering. Figuring out what I want to do after college has been a years long journey, but a huge part of that is exploring what I love doing right now. Ever since my first semester, I’ve been involved with the Forge, a fully student run makerspace that works with students from every major and department, empowering them to make their ideas, for class or otherwise, a reality. I started off as a volunteer, helping to keep the space open to casual users, but in the years since I’ve continued to invest in the club and the experience that we create for students, and I’ve grown to love the time that I spend at the Forge so much that I’m now the president. It’s a surreal experience being at the helm of a club that is host to hundreds of students every semester, bringing brand new dreams to life every single time. We’re not the only ones helping students create on campus either. From the Mill, our partner space with industry leading tools and technology, to shops and spaces in other departments like the School of Architecture and the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, there are tons of opportunities everywhere you look to take charge of your own education and make your RPI experience truly unique. I’m coming to the end of my time at RPI, and it’s a bittersweet thing. As much as I’ll miss all the awesome things I’ve done on campus, I know that it’s prepared me for even more amazing experiences in the world beyond. I hope RPI can be that building block for you too. Back to you, Alex.

– Mark, it sounds like you’re keeping yourself very busy as president of the Forge. Who knows what you’ll invent after RPI? Thanks again.