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About
Innovation Drivers
Innovation, at its core, leverages knowledge of materials, methods, and technology in order to make our lives better. At OriginLabs, we are delivering design fluency and knowledge of materials science through workshops, trainings, and one-on-one consulting to empower users to employ the tools contained therein to their full capacity and have the technical basis to truly innovate. We believe it’s not enough to provide access to advanced equipment, but rather to people and the knowledge they possess.
We support all startups and entrepreneurs from Penn State University, the State College community, and beyond with their prototyping and product development needs. No limit is too big or idea too small to bring to life at OriginLabs.
Join Our Community
With two pathways to choose from, we have something for everyone.
We’ve got the trainings, certifications, and tools you need to get your hands dirty crafting your next project. Whether you’re developing research or prototyping a commercial project, we’re putting 7,000 sq. ft. of world-class facilities at your fingertips.
Have an idea or need but not looking to do the hands-on building? No problem. Our experienced team of experts are here to build it for you, ensuring you get your project completed on time, on budget, and at the specs requested.
CORE VALUE
Why "Open to All" Matters
Everyone is welcome at OriginLabs.
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are fundamental to the University’s and OriginLabs values and mission to support all members of our community and beyond. We strive to assertively incorporate these values into our teaching, learning, outreach, assessment, operations, and decision making. Our goal is to create an inclusive and diverse community that everyone feels safe and represented in—one that is free of discrimination, one that embraces differences, and one that respects all individuals.
Meet the OriginLabs Team
Ryan Mandell
Director
Ryan joined Penn State in 2021 to design, stand-up, and direct OriginLabs. Previously, he acted as director of fabrication labs for Indiana University's school of art, architecture, and design. Additionally, he served as sculpture faculty at various universities, including the University of North Texas, Boise State University, and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. When not designing and fabricating furniture, Ryan enjoys hiking with his daughters (with ice cream afterwards).
Jose Nunez
Shop Manager
Jose Nunez is the Shop Manager for OriginLabs. His professional background is in Theater—he previously worked as a Properties Master, helping to build and procure custom properties for shows and musicals. He hails from D.C. and enjoys antiquing, Freddie Mercury, and the Washington Nationals.
Tristan Hess
Service Bureau Manager
Tristan Hess is the Service Bureau Manager for OriginLabs. He holds a bachelor’s degree in interior design and a master’s in education focused on art and design. Before coming to OriginLabs he worked for an independent school in Colorado where he taught architecture, design, and digital fabrication classes.
Bianca Wisekal
Technician
Bianca is a senior at Penn State pursuing a technical degree with a innovation and entrepreneurship minor. She is currently the vice president of the entrepreneurship club and loves helping facilitate connections. This is not her first time working in a maker space, her journey started in high school. Bianca had the privilege to work in a robotics lab to help build FRC and FTC robots for her school.
Austin Giordano
Technician
Austin is currently a senior in mechanical engineering at Penn State. His dream is to one day become a robotics engineer. Outside of school, Austin enjoys hiking, kayaking, and brainstorming new ideas for projects.
Het Sheth
Technician
Het is an inquisitive junior studying computer science with an entrepreneurship minor at Penn State. His passion for building projects goes back to his childhood and he aspires to use his creative mindset to produce a unique product. He loves reading, meditating and working out.