Josh has managed the Makerspace in the Idea Forge over the last five years. He studied mechanical engineering at Iowa State University, and has industry experience in powertrain engineering, solar PV design, structural engineering, and CNC machining. Josh has worked both in design and fabrication, and enjoys collaborating with students throughout the process of dreaming up and creating their own woodworking and soft goods projects.
What has been your favorite work or personal project so far?
Working with CU Engineering Honors Program students to design and build the elaborate orrery (mechanical solar system) on display in Andrews Hall was a fun challenge. A year later the collaboration continued when these students joined forces and threw a fantastic wedding reception for me and my bride, Aimee and our 180 guests!
What does a typical day look like for you?
Arise at 6am and enjoy some time to myself before getting my son up and off to school in Erie. Race back home in time to catch the Lafayette bus into Boulder. If I’m lucky, I’ll get to chat with the “regulars” at the bus stop or on the ride in. Once I’m at the Forge it’s often time to prep for an upcoming fabrication workshop or help a team of students think through a design project.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I am a huge J.S. Bach fan!
One thing you’re willing to spend way too much on . . .
Urban fruit foraging adventures with my children Isaiah (5 yr) and Alina (1 yr). This last year proved superb for currants and Nanking cherries!
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Do the next right thing.
What do you most like to do to unwind?
Building sand castles on the beach with my children…and all the other kids that flock in.