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Igniting Student Experiences

Each year, Clarkson’s most talented and versatile students have the chance to become Maker Mentors: student workers who manage both Makerspace facilities, engage with visitors, and demonstrate a distinct passion for creativity through all that they do.

When Lindsay McCarthy (AeroE ‘27) became a Maker Mentor in the summer of 2024, she knew that it was the perfect opportunity to advance her academic and extracurricular pursuits in a distinctly Clarkson way. A member of the Honors Program, she was no stranger to innovation and continued achievement.

Within months of joining the Ignite family, Lindsay had become the go-to expert on all things glass fusion and sticker-making. Through projects with visiting students, fellow Maker Mentors, and other members of the Clarkson community, her leadership skills had an impact that mattered.

For Maker Mentors, working at the Makerspace isn’t just about having a part-time job; it’s also an exciting opportunity for personal growth, real-world experience, and unique personal expression. No Maker Mentor is the same, but each and every one is the ideal definition of what Clarkson students represent.

Lindsay’s favorite part of working for Ignite? Becoming part of “an incredible community of innovators and lifelong friends.”

Excellence in Leadership

It’s hard to find Santino Martinelli (MechE / AeroE ‘25, center in picture) without a drone in hand. Whether studying in class, exploring the North Country, or hanging out with friends, drones are always nearby - and for good reason. You never know when the perfect moment to capture something amazing will arise!

For Santino, drones are more than a hobby; they’re a powerful way to channel his passion and ambitions in the world of Aerospace Engineering. So when the opportunity arose to create a “Learn to Fly” drone program in the Makerspace, there was no doubt that he was the perfect person to lead the charge.

Now the Graduate Fellow for the Makerspace and Makers' Loft, Santino has become a trusted guide and role model for digitally-inclined students. From advice on content creation to technical drone expertise, his skills and experience have made a lasting impact on the Clarkson community and the Makerspace as a whole.

This journey is just one of many inspiring stories that Ignite is proud to share. Through academic excellence and unwavering leadership, Maker Mentors consistently make dynamic and meaningful contributions across the entire Clarkson campus. Perhaps you will be the next to join this versatile community.

Santino’s thoughts on his experience with the Makerspace? “Over the past few years, I’ve had the time of my life with Ignite. I’ll miss that time when I’m gone.”