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2019 Student Staff Alumni

Calvin Dretske ’19
I am excited for the Idea Lab to become a space that unites the Macalester community. As the Student Liaison to the Board of Trustees, I hope to facilitate conversations in the Idea Lab around issues currently facing the Macalester student body. Additionally, I hope to craft experiences that bring together students, staff, and faculty from across the Macalester community.

Carolyn Guddal ’19
I believe that the act of making is empowering. The Idea Lab to me is the perfect space for students to explore how they can create real solutions to the worlds’ problems. I’m committed to making the Idea Labs resources accessible for everyone on campus.

Elston Tortuga ’19
I love getting the lay of the land in every new place I go – finding the best coffee shops, the tree with a crook in it where I can read. In the Idea Lab I’ve found the opportunity to get the lay of Macalester by seeing what brings people to the space – decorating their sneakers on a whim, making a model of their dream city for class, gossiping, patching jeans, etc.

Mariah Sitler ’19
I believe that the act of making is empowering. The Idea Lab to me is the perfect space for students to explore how they can create real solutions to the worlds’ problems. I’m committed to making the Idea Labs resources accessible for everyone on campus.

Peace Im ’19
I am an artist and an engineer who loves innovative ideas and building new things. I wish to bring my creativity into the Idea Lab and learn many different skills from others. In addition, I want to make the Idea Lab a welcoming space for everyone.

Wendy Franco ’19
I am an art lover and love the fact that I have a space on campus where I can just create, without having to worry about a grade. I’ve come to use the Idea Lab as a personal and professional outlet, as I create for both myself and my professional portfolio. Today, the Idea Lab represent both art expression and intellectual growth for me as I continue to use the space for my makeup artistry ventures.

Rose Havener ’19
I’ve always been passionate about using great design to bring people together, making a great meal for friends and family, collaborating with fellow artists for an event, or creating an appealing interface for an app, creating for and with people is what I love. I get to apply that same attitude in the Idea Lab when I run workshops, create promotional flyers, and make the space inviting to all by decorating and rearranging.

Toan Thanh Doan ’19

I draw inspirations from blue, oceanic, and cultural beauties. I love dancing and hate double standards, for example: American ironic non-sense of small talk “How are?” The Idea Lab is a place full of paradoxes, which is why we continue to investigate it with creativity and open criticism.

Zeam Porter
I am a deep feeler and thinker and believe art is not just an empathic tool but a tool for healing. Creativity driven by introspection and deep reflection is my jam and overall driving force. With a mind set on community building through innovative storytelling, I am a zinester at heart; hoping to spread the joy of zine making.

Koada Heacock
I am a silly little bear from up North, and up West, from the piney mountain valleys of Montana, where wildlife is abundant and opportunity is scarce. The idea lab is the perfect place for bears to chill, and I thought that it could use a little extra wildness. Sometimes I think Mac kids are way too goal oriented and speedy, and I think they just need a second to do some things that have nothing to do with anything.

Linda Lu
I love tinkering and exploring new creative outlets.

Ling Ma
I am a sophomore major in computer science. I love challenges, programming, and all kinds of visual arts. Being a leading explorer in idea lab is a part of my adventure for my life in college.

Camilla Bendetti
Entrepreneurship is important in a space like Macalester. We are full of people with different ideas, backgrounds, and personalities – the IdeaLab gives us a space to explore that. Entrepreneurship is cultivating what what makes you – you, to benefit our community.

Daijiro Yokota
I love new ideas and talking about it with people. Bring your idea to me at any time and maybe we can work together! I’d love to be your resource and help connecting you with other students/entrepreneurs!