Meet Our Team

Melissa Parga

Fab Lab Coordinator/Instructional Tech II

I graduated from Stan State with a double major in Fine Arts and Sociology in 2025 and was previously a student assistant from 2022 until graduation. In my current role, I help coordinate Fab Lab visits and classes, support and organize our student assistants, and manage product fabrication requests from across the campus community. I enjoy helping students, faculty, and visitors navigate the Fab Lab and connecting them with the tools and resources they need to bring their ideas to life.

My goal is to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and foster inclusive creative communities while exploring emerging artistic tools and materials. My interests include 3D model editing, 3D printing, and creating bioplastics and natural inks as I experiment with sustainable materials and their potential in art and design. When I’m not working on a project, you can usually find me tending to my ever-growing collection of cacti and succulents or spending time with my pets.

Sergio Parga

Regional Makerspace Coordinator/Instructional Tech I

Prior to becoming Regional Coordinator, I worked as a student assistant in the Warrior Fab Lab beginning in 2022 and graduated with a BA in Geography in 2026. In my current role, I support the planning and implementation of regional makerspaces and provide professional development for educators and partners throughout the region. This work includes supporting makerspace initiatives at Stan State’s Stockton Campus, collaborating with the Columbia College Makerspace at the Sonora Workforce Development Center, and working with K–12 school districts including Denair, Columbia, and Sonora Union School Districts. I also support technical projects and undergraduate research in the Warrior Fab Lab, helping students and faculty explore fabrication technologies and turn ideas into working prototypes.

My interests include agriculture, mechanics, diagnosing and repairing electronics, and learning new fabrication technologies. More recently, 3D modeling has become an increasingly important part of my work, and I’m excited to see how these tools continue to develop and create new possibilities for education, research, and making. In my free time, you can usually find me working on my car or propagating plants, especially dragonfruit.

Angel Flores

Student Assistant (Computer Science '27)

Hi! I am a first-year student at Stan State, and I am a computer science major. Out of college, I hope to work in cyber security or game development. I also have a big interest in art. I enjoy drawing traditionally with pen and paper as well as digitally through programs like Adobe Photoshop. Recently, I've taken a liking to 3D design, as I've created 3D digital sculpts, and through the FabLab's printers, I've gotten them 3D printed as well. I really look forward to helping in any way I can!
 

Sophia Angel

Student Assistant (Computer Science '27)
 

Danica Christofferson

Student Assistant (Liberal Studies '30)

Jake Weigel

Founding Director
Professor of Art

My interests include multimedia art and combining traditional methods with digital technologies for object making, fabrication, and manufacturing. As Founding Director of the Warrior Fab Lab, I work to create an inclusive, experiential learning environment where students, faculty, staff, and community partners can explore ideas, technologies, and processes across disciplines.

I support undergraduate research and transdisciplinary projects that bring together art, design, technology, science, and other fields while creating opportunities for students to learn through experimentation and hands-on problem solving. Issues of sustainability, equitable access to technology, and interdisciplinary research are particularly important to my teaching and creative practice. My research also examines the implementation, development, and policies surrounding makerspaces in higher education, with an emphasis on how these spaces can support equitable access, interdisciplinary collaboration, and institutional innovation. 
 

Adam Devitt, Ph.D.

Director of Maker Pedagogy & K – 12 Outreach
Associate Professor of Science Education

I’m faculty in the Department of Teacher Education where I teach the Science Methods courses for future elementary teachers. I’m thrilled to be part of the Fab Lab because this space is at the intersection of education, technology, and social justice. My role is to help facilitate faculty, staff, and students’ use of the Fab Lab as a fully inclusive and innovative learning space and grow partnerships with our community schools and teachers. Whatever your level of experience – come to the Fab Lab – you ‘belong’ here.

Uriel Alvarez

Student Assistant/Coordinator (Computer Science '23)

I graduated from Stan State with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science after serving as a Student Assistant Coordinator in the Warrior Fab Lab. During my time in the Fab Lab, I developed experience with CAD, 3D scanning, robotics, digital fabrication, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Just as importantly, I had opportunities to share what I learned by helping students develop their own technical skills and bring their ideas to life.

I currently work as an Autonomous Vehicle Technician for Transdev North America in Atwater, where I apply my background in computer science, technology, and hands-on problem solving. I am also the owner of Rad Designs Off-Road, a company specializing in custom products for off-road vehicles. I manage the entire production process in-house, from digital design and prototyping through fabrication and delivery.

Through Rad Designs Off-Road, I use CAD and 3D scanning to develop custom components such as bumpers, fenders, and racks, and work with manufacturing technologies including CNC equipment, laser cutters, and 3D printers. I also provide freelance CAD and design services to help other companies improve products and optimize them for production.

I enjoy taking ideas from concept to finished product and continually expanding my skills through new technologies, projects, and collaborations. My experience in the Warrior Fab Lab helped establish the foundation for the technical, creative, and entrepreneurial work I continue to pursue today.

Joel Mandoriao

Student Assistant (Liberal Studies '24)

After earning my Liberal Studies degree from Stan State, I combined my passion for education and hands-on learning as a student assistant in the Warrior Fab Lab. Working with 3D printers, laser cutters, and other digital fabrication technologies gave me firsthand experience with how making and interactive projects can create engaging opportunities for STEM learning.

That experience helped prepare me for my current role as a Youth Development Professional with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County, where I am leading the design, setup, and programming of a new fabrication lab at the West Modesto Teen Center. In addition to helping build the lab from the ground up, I develop and lead STEM-based after-school activities that encourage creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, and exploration. My goal is to continue creating innovative and accessible learning opportunities that empower young people to experiment with new technologies, develop confidence in their abilities, and realize their potential.
 

Jennifer Nailes

Student Assistant (Business & Finance '24)

I graduated from Stan State in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance after working as a student assistant in the Warrior Fab Lab. Since graduating, I became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and now work as a tax specialist with Baker Tilly.

Although my academic and professional interests are in business, finance, and accounting, the Warrior Fab Lab gave me an opportunity to explore another side of my interests through art, illustration, and graphic design. I especially enjoyed drawing and working with digital creative tools such as Procreate to develop illustrations and designs for a variety of projects.​​​

Katelyn Hawthorne

Student Assistant (Business & Finance '24)

After working as a student assistant in the Warrior Fab Lab, I now work at Sign Guys as a Graphic Designer and Creative Marketer. My experience in the Fab Lab helped prepare me for my career by giving me opportunities to develop skills in digital design, fabrication, creative problem solving, and working with a wide variety of projects and people.

Today, I use 2D design software to create signs and graphics and regularly work with vinyl cutting and production. I also manage the company’s social media and help plan and develop promotions that strengthen brand awareness and community outreach.

Working in the Warrior Fab Lab gave me hands-on experience connecting digital design with real-world production and helped me build the confidence to take those creative and technical skills into my professional career.

Cristina Porras 

Student Assistant (Nursing ‘25) 

I spent five years at Stan State, including two years working as a student assistant in the Warrior Fab Lab. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and now work as a registered nurse at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto.

Working in the Fab Lab was one of the most meaningful parts of my experience at Stan State. During the demands of nursing school, it gave me a space to step outside of my major, learn new skills, work creatively, and connect with students from across the university. I’m especially grateful for the people I worked with, the students I was able to help, the flexibility, and the many learning experiences that made the Fab Lab such a welcoming environment. My time in the Fab Lab showed me the value of having spaces where students from any discipline can explore, make, and learn from one another. I’ll always be grateful that it was part of my journey through nursing school and into my career.

Kevin (Hogyeong) Ryu

Student Assistant (Psychology '25)

After graduating and moving on from the Warrior Fab Lab, I was fortunate to begin my career as a behavior technician. As an international student, my work options outside of school are limited to my field of study. Luckily, during my time at the Fab Lab, I had a chance encounter that changed everything. One day, a visitor arrived with the mayor of Turlock—she happened to be the CEO of the very behavior center I had been planning to apply to after graduation. To my surprise, she offered me a position, and I’m now working as a behavior technician. 

My time at the Fab Lab gave me far more than just technical skills. It taught me the value of trial and error, perseverance when projects didn’t go as planned, and the confidence to keep pushing forward. That “maker mentality” has carried over into my professional life, and I believe it will serve anyone who steps into the Fab Lab. I hope future users take full advantage of the space, not just to build and create, but to grow, experiment, and discover new opportunities the same way I did. 
 

Madelyn Freeman

Student Assistant (English '26)

I majored in Art at Stan State with a focus on 2D creative media, illustration, and digital art. I especially enjoy creating stylized works and illustrations using tools such as Procreate, Photoshop, and Illustrator. My goal is to work with a creative studio specializing in animation, where I can continue developing my skills as an artist and visual storyteller.

During my time as a student assistant in the Warrior Fab Lab, I enjoyed exploring how digital artwork could move beyond the screen through fabrication technologies and creative projects. Working in the Fab Lab gave me opportunities to experiment with new tools, collaborate with others, and create a wide variety of projects for the campus community.

When I’m not drawing or working on a creative project, you can usually find me reading, writing, or listening to podcasts.

Nickolas Murillo 

Student Assistant (Computer Science 26')

I graduated from Stan State with a degree in Computer Science and now work in the IT department for Patterson Unified School District, where I support technology and its use in education. My interests in computers, technology, and education have continued to shape my career as I work with the schools and community in my local district.

During my time in the Warrior Fab Lab, I enjoyed helping students with technical and creative projects while sharing my experience with computers, video production, and digital media. My hobbies include gaming, video editing, and building and repairing computers. I specialize in Adobe Premiere Pro and also have experience with Adobe Photoshop. Working in the Fab Lab gave me the opportunity to combine my technical skills with hands-on problem solving and to help others learn how to use technology to bring their ideas to life.

Cylina Silva

Student Assistant (Teacher Credential Program 26')

Mykaila Kelley

Student Assistant (Exercise Science 26')