How Dartmouth Students Spend Their Winterim? Part 2: The Machine Shop
Over the winterim, my friend Muneeb, another sophomore, spent two weeks as a TA at the Machine Shop before heading back home.
What led you to join the Machine Shop?
"I've always had a passion for working with my hands, whether it's knitting or robotics. Although I had heard about the Dartmouth Engineering Machine Shop (MShop) before, it wasn't until spring break that a friend who works there encouraged me to check it out. I reached out the first week of spring, and soon after, they offered me a position as a Teaching Assistant (TA). The MShop is located in the basement of Thayer, near Irving (and the Fern!), where many of us TAs often take our lunch breaks."
What is the Machine Shop?
"The MShop is home to a vibrant community of around 30 TAs and 6 Teaching Instructors (TIs) who assist students and researchers in creating projects. We use a variety of equipment, including bandsaws, mills, and lathes, to subtractively machine materials according to precise specifications. The shop is also an integral part of Thayer's hands-on courses, such as ENGS 21, in which students design solutions to real-world problems."
What do you do on a daily basis?
"As a TA, my days typically involve learning to operate machinery (yes, we get paid to learn!), assisting others in the shop, or helping with maintenance and cleaning tasks. The MShop fosters a close-knit community, and many of us grow deeply attached to the place. Learning to use the machines takes time—getting certified on the mill, for example, takes about 40 hours—so once you start, it's hard to leave. If you love engineering and getting your hands dirty, the MShop is definitely the place for you!"