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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.
Sarah Fasco
Student Engagement and Outreach Coordinator
Sarah Fasco is the Student Engagement and Outreach Coordinator for OriginLabs. Before joining the team, she worked at a makerspace at Virginia Tech, where she helped manage the studio, provided project consultations and tool trainings, and built displays for the space. Outside of work, she enjoys running, hanging out with her dog, and making surprise gifts for family and friends.
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.
Paole Calderon
Technician
Paole is a scenic designer and MFA candidate at Penn State University, with a background in Audiovisual and Interactive Media. Originally from Peru, she has designed for short films, music videos, and theatrical productions, blending handmade elements with a cinematic sensibility. She is also the director of Juno, Bike’s Diary, an animated series selected for international festivals across Latin America and Europe. Paole is passionate about storytelling, memory, and identity, and finds inspiration through diverse art forms.
Muhammad Atifuddin Bin Baharudin
Technician
Originally from Malaysia, Atif is a senior studying Mechanical Engineering at Penn State. With a passion for design and creativity, he’s focused on gaining as much experience as possible to pursue his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer. Outside of academics, he enjoys unwinding with video games with Elden Ring being a personal favorite.
Jon Gumble
Technician
Jon is a graduate of Penn State University, receiving an undergraduate degree in Landscape Contracting in 2013 and a master's degree in Horticulture in 2015. He's published in the Journal of Environmental Protection, and was a founding member of a student-run startup organization, Green Towers. Since 2016, Jon has been part of the toy industry and is currently a senior product designer for Basic Fun! Inc., working on new development for the K'NEX, Lincoln Logs, and Tinker Toy brands. Jon enjoys anything that involves building and construction, especially working on custom projects in his studio and workshop.
Kathleen “Kat” Myron
Technician
Kat is a costume designer and MFA candidate in Theatre Design at Penn State University, with a background spanning film, television, and live performance. Originally from Austin, TX, she has designed costumes for a variety of theatrical productions and also works as a production coordinator in the film industry. Kat is passionate about visual storytelling, hands-on creation, and collaborative processes. This summer, she is excited to join OriginLabs to deepen her understanding of the innovative technologies available at Penn State and to continue expanding her creative toolkit.
Chris Scott
Technician
Chris transplanted to Happy Valley from Farmville, VA 11 years ago. He has a background spanning Automotive and Diesel Mechanics, Welding and Equine Management. Chris has managed farms for notable Equestrian families such as the Beshear and Traband families. He has a passion for woodworking, hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He's excited to be a part of the OriginLabs team and expand his knowledge of design and manufacturing.
Sara Ahmadzadeh
Technician
Sara is a Scenic and Multimedia Designer, artist, and educator. She is currently pursuing her MFA in Theatre Arts at Penn State University and holds a BFA in Urban Planning and Design from the University of Tehran. Her work explores the intersection of space and storytelling, using a diverse range of tools and media to craft immersive artistic experiences. Sara enjoys baking, hiking, and learning new things.