The following student success highlight is a feature story in the College of Engineering’s 2025 Spotlight.
On any given day in Boise State University’s Engineering Innovation Studio (EIS), you’ll find students laser-cutting drone parts, coding medical device prototypes, or collaborating with industry and tech, all driven by innovation and the expectation to push boundaries.
These students from various STEM-backgrounds comprise some of Boise State’s most successful student clubs and organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter, NASA SUITS and Micro-g Vertically Integrated Project teams, the Construction Management Association, Baja Racing Club, Mechanical Engineering Club, and more.
The EIS is a student-driven makerspace where ideas take shape, hands-on learning fuels creativity, and the next generation of industry leaders prepare to leave a lasting impact on the world.
Acting as a launchpad for student success and a hub of interdisciplinary creativity, College of Engineering students push the limits of conventional engineering, tackling real-world problems with the help of cutting-edge tools and technology.
Bold innovation in action
It’s here where education meets application and students take ideas to tangible impact. Unlike many university makerspaces, the EIS is operated by students, for students. A dedicated team of trained shop supervisors oversees daily operations, ensuring peers from all backgrounds have the skills and resources to bring their ideas to life.
Students utilize various training levels, known as “tags,” to receive access to equipment, tools, and resources in machining, prototyping, electronics, and fabrication. In the fall of 2024 fall alone, these shop supervisors facilitated 220 tag trainings, logging over 250 hours of hands-on experiential learning across a variety of specialized equipment. That’s an average of 16 hours of formal training per week, reinforcing Boise State’s commitment to empowering students with real-world skills that translate directly into industry success.
“We emphasize accessibility and inclusivity, and I like to think that anyone that has any interest in engineering, regardless of your skill level or background, is welcome and supported here,” Nuha Akhtar, a senior shop supervisor and Boise State Top Ten Scholar said. “We love newcomers, and we are always ready to teach and support everyone so they can take advantage of these resources.”
Hands-on learning, real-world impact
For students, the EIS is more than a makerspace, it’s the start to a successful career. To the group of 11 shop supervisors, it’s become a second home. Many of the outgoing seniors have expanded their networks, their skills and opened doors to new possibilities they couldn’t have imagined when they were first-year students.
The connection between many students and the EIS came after a visit from Engineering Innovation Studio Manager Griff Allen, winner of the inaugural 2023 Presidential Innovation Award. With his innovative thinking, Allen has built an environment for student collaboration and intentional design that has grown into a dynamic space. He consistently promotes the undeniable societal impact these students are making.
When a sensory device for children broke at St. Luke’s Hospital, the team of supervisors stepped up to repair the device, bringing a little light back to the hospital, making visits less stressful for patients and showcasing their abilities at the same time. But, this is just one of the many projects that emerge from the EIS that can be seen across campus and in the community.
“I think the culture of the EIS is fun and the atmosphere is exciting,” Dominic Romano, a student shop supervisor said. “I wanted to become a supervisor to help others learn how, why, and when to use the machinery. I think this is one of the most unique places on campus, where we encourage and learn from each other.”
Year after year, thanks to the help of Allen and the student shop supervisors, students are able to discover niche areas where passion blooms and innovation emerges. Employers consistently seek out Boise State engineering students because of their proven ability to design, build and troubleshoot before ever setting foot in the workforce.
The future of engineering starts here
The Engineering Innovation Studio is a testament to the power of experiential learning, collaboration and student leadership. As Boise State continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in engineering education, the EIS stands as the beacon of innovation, opportunity and societal impact.
As new faces come and go from the EIS and the College of Engineering every year, this year’s group of seniors are leaving a legacy for how Boise State students are maximizing their impact and potential to kickstart their careers.
“I’m going to miss getting to know new people,” Connor Barry, senior shop supervisor said. “I love building random things, helping others and so many amazing people come through the shop every day and not having this space to grow new relationships is likely what I will miss the most.”
From Top Ten Scholars and NASA-bound graduates to national fellows and prototype engineers, the Engineering Innovation Studio is a staple to thousands of graduates from Boise State. A place where students think boldly, build fearlessly and leave a lasting legacy.