I was first introduced to 3D printing and digital fabrication my Senior year at Hanover High School where I had access to Makerbot 1 and Makerbot 2 printers in our schools shop department. I learned how to prepare files to be uploaded to a 3D printer and the various setting that affected print quality, such as rafts, infill percentages, and secondary support structures. I started off downloading, manipulating, and printing 3D models from thingiverse.com and other online forums and also learned how to use a basic 3D modeling software, TinkerCAD to create original designs and parts. I learned about preparing, operating, and maintaining 3D printers as well as acceptable filament materials (we used PLA and ABS). 3D printing and the possibilities of digital fabrication helped inspire me to study engineering, product design, and manufacturing. 

Through my engineering courses and membership at the Generator Makerspace, I have been exposed to a wide variety of 3D printing and digital fabrication technologies and software programs. 

I have worked machines made by with Stratasys, Objet, Formlabs, Prusia, Makerbot, Polar3D, and Creality and have experience with programs such as Slic3r and Cura to create parts out of a variety of materials. 

In addition to 3D printers, I also have experience working with laser cutters and CNC routers to fabricate components out of sheet and stock materials. 

I am fascinated by the possibilities digital fabrication tools offer to makers, and I continue to explore opportunities to learn about and use these kinds of tools whenever I can.