Building Connections

You’ll find them on the second floor of the DeWitt Wallace Library behind the Student Workers table, setting out materials or course reservation signs, organizing supplies for their upcoming workshops or problem solving with students on how to thread a bobbin at the sewing machine.

The E & I Department has seventeen forward facing and behind the scenes Idea Lab student employees that keep the space running smoothly each semester for Macalester students, faculty, staff and community visitors.

All student employees bring a variety of skills and talents. Each are dedicated innovators and design thinkers that show up to their shifts with curiosity and courage. E & I wants to introduce you to:

The collaborations and connections formed through the Idea Lab fulfills a community purpose. The outstanding student contributions bring a true sense of meaning and value to Macalester’s campus.

Alex Parr graduates Spring 2025. Before deciding to attend Macalester, Alex took a virtual tour to get a better idea of the campus. “I was excited to see the table of sewing machines in the Idea Lab because during COVID I taught myself how to sew and really wanted to continue building those skills when I got to college.” During her first semester, she frequently visited the Idea lab. “I loved it as a space to connect with people, try out new skills, and be creative. When I applied to work at the Idea Lab, I was excited about learning new skills and leading workshops to introduce people to different crafts and techniques.”

The Entrepreneurship & Innovation Department’s summer programs surprised Alex. She has served on the student selection committee for the Live It Fund. “I loved learning about the different student projects. It allowed me to see participants’ original proposals and their accomplishments through the program.

Alex quickly learned that the Idea Lab makes available creative, learning opportunities whether it’s a personal craft project like upcycling something to make it your own. She also noted that it supports the students participating in E & I programs or faculty developing new ways to explain class concepts. She herself experienced a few unexpected skill development opportunities like basic sewing machine repair. “The sewing machines have gone through a lot because they are so popular and they often break. While I am not a substitute for a repair shop, I have learned how to diagnose some problems and replace parts in the machine.”

The community energy delights and Alex adds, “Other skills I have learned from my fellow student staff, include needle felting and using the Cricut machine to make stickers. Working here for almost my entire time at Mac, I have worked with a lot of different people in the Idea Lab. Over this time I hope that my colleagues would say that I am leaving the space better than I found it. I have developed skills for organization, communication, and dealing with logistics.”

Alex’s favorite equipment is sewing supplies. She has led sewing workshops and taught a lot of people how to use the machines or just do a simple stitch. “Helping people learn this life skill has been rewarding and to see how people use materials to repair, tailor, or create clothes.”

The memories the Idea Lab holds for Alex are many. She specifically recalls “During my needle felting workshop I was creating a small cardinal ornament and there was another person in the Idea Lab working on a linocut print. They ended up creating a small linocut print of a cardinal and giving me a copy of the print.”

Natalie Mazey shows up three mornings a week with a smile and ready to get involved not only with the Idea Lab operations but with posting on the Department’s social media and assisting with program communications.

Before applying to work in the Idea Lab, Natalie already spent a lot of time in the space, crafting, completing puzzles, or just doing homework. Upon getting hired she says, “The Idea Lab is a vibrant, creative space and I wanted to be a part of helping other students and faculty use it to its fullest potential. Part of working here is being flexible and willing to experiment to find the best ways to do things. I think my Idea Lab colleagues would say I’m always willing to jump on a new project with a positive attitude.”

Natalie made an astute observation about the activities happening at her job on campus, “I’ve been surprised by how many departments like to use the space for their classes, particularly STEM fields that aren’t necessarily thought of as creative. The Idea Lab is important because it is a space for community building and creativity. Learning doesn’t have to equate to sitting at a desk and absorbing information, and I think the Idea Lab is a good physical reminder of the many different forms learning can take.”

The Idea Lab is a tremendous resource chock-full of colorful paper, pens, and paints, library reference books, whiteboards, screwdrivers, printers, laminators, plus so much more. The sewing machines are a huge hit and Natalie “Loves using the sewing machines! I enjoy hemming and upcycling clothes, and having access to tools to do so on campus is great!”

Natalie enjoys assisting students. “Helping students figure out how to bring their ideas to life with the tools we have available can be a fun challenge. A student came into the Idea Lab after their glasses snapped in half. They needed to figure out a way to hold them together until their new pair arrived, and we ended up working together to experiment with different methods of keeping them intact including various tapes and glues.”

The Idea Lab sparks innovation and expands students’ visions of themselves. Natalie’s creativity and willingness to take on new learning opportunities shows, “Additionally, working as part of the social media team has helped me develop marketing skills that can be transferable to a career post-graduation.” Her shifts each week are so valuable and inspiring.

In Summer 2024, rising sophomore, Laurice Jimu was awarded a Zia & Priti Fund for Impact and Innovation funding, one of E & I’s flagship programs for international students with innovative dreams and purpose-driven ideas. During this 10-week opportunity, E & I staff provide a high-touch, high-impact learning experience. That is when Laurice realized he wanted to work with Jody Emmings, former director, and Briana Riley, department coordinator.

Laurice joined the Idea Lab and Department student staff team and noticed how to think differently and be adaptable with all types of visitors. “The sheer amount of people that we serve here in the Idea Lab is astounding. From three- to four-year-olds coming in with their parents all the way to President Rivera. There is something for everyone here.”

He goes on to say, “There is no other space on campus like the Idea Lab. I think it is crucial because the Idea Lab makes art accessible to people who otherwise would not have access to it. People are able to paint without being in a painting class, craft and create without being in a fine arts course. That unrestricted access is a vital part of the Macalester experience.”

Coming from the E & I program background, Laurice is instrumental in understanding the impact and benefit of the learning and growth opportunities for Macalester students. “Without a doubt the Summer programs like the Live It Fund, MacNest, MacStartups, Zia and Priti are so vital. They give us students an opportunity to explore and aim as high as possible knowing there is a safety net for if we fail and fall.”

Laurice holds dear his mentor relationship with departmental staff, particularly former director Jody. “There was a time I felt overwhelmed and during that meeting she energetically rubbed off everything that was on her whiteboard and started dividing my life into different buckets. Safe to say after that meeting I had a clearer view of what I needed to prioritize and how to go about my work and life. People that work in this department are not only interested in you working for the department but in all aspects of your life. There is a sense of genuine care among the workers.”

Students come to the Idea Lab and the Entrepreneurship & Innovation for personal and meaningful experiences. What happens here expands to a new level of enrichment as students forge their futures. In the short span of time Laurice has jumped into projects with all the E & I staff. “Another time I enjoyed working with Ciara, Linda and Briana before the semester started. We would bond and gel talking about various topics and that for me was so much fun. Overall, it’s easy to say there is a lot of love among the staff and it’s always a place I look forward to going to.”

Newsletter March 2025