The Team
The RUB Makerspace team consists of a wide range of people from equally diverse fields. Our expertise spans from craftsmanship to art and research. While all team members have their own areas of specialization, they also work in a highly interdisciplinary way so that we can jointly oversee and operate the many different work areas of the Makerspace.
The core task of the entire team is to embark on a “journey of discovery” together with users along their projects. Our focus is particularly on providing a highly diverse infrastructure and the corresponding foundational training for a wide variety of users and projects. We do this with great enthusiasm, because we all genuinely enjoy experimenting and learning together.
RUB Makerspace Management
title: Florian Krohm
Florian Welsandt
"I’m Flo. Since September 2016, I have been involved in planning the RUB Makerspace from the ground up, gradually building it, and, among other things, leading the Rapid Prototyping Lab. Before taking over the management of the Makerspace in 2024, I supported our Worldfactory start-ups in product development. My goal now is to develop the Makerspace into the most creative and inspiring place at RUB, where a wide variety of people can come together to shape new ideas and create innovative products that have a positive impact on our society.
To achieve this, I focus on securing long-term funding, supporting our highly motivated, interdisciplinary team, and addressing the needs of our various stakeholders."
- For general inquiries, you can contact our team here.
- For specific questions, you can reach me directly at:
- Industrial Designer
- Former Head of the Rapid Prototyping Lab at the RUB Makerspace
- Chief Innovation Manager
Back Office and User Management
title: Guido Kissenbeck
Guido Kissenbeck
"Since 2022, I have been working at the RUB Makerspace and am responsible for user management. In this role, I handle requests related to using the Makerspace and support the organization of events as well as rentals to companies, university chairs, and other interested parties. I would particularly like to highlight my experience in supporting events with up to 70 participants and my responsibility for the Makerspace’s internal administration.
With my many years of experience in the event sector and my extensive expertise in administration and organization, I coordinate the team and serve as a point of contact for many matters. I also enjoy taking on the role of a Lego Serious Play facilitator and supporting creative workshops."
- Tel: 0234 32 20634
- For general inquiries, feel free to contact our team here.
- For specific questions, you can reach me directly at:
- Training as a wholesale and foreign trade clerk
- Certified HR specialist (IHK) / Datev operator / payroll specialist
- Many years of experience organizing events in theaters and seminar venues
Events
title: Leni Volk
Leni Volk
"I support Guido in the events area and administration.
I also work with art festivals and can advise you on organizing event concepts.
Pronouns (she/her or no pronouns)"
- For general inquiries, you can contact our team here.
Public Relations
title: Lena Seeliger
Lena Seeliger
"I’m Lena (she/her) and have been part of the Makerspace team since 2020. As the person responsible for PR and marketing, I shape the public perception of the Makerspace. Whether through strategic communication, social media, or external events, I make sure that the ideas and projects emerging from the Makerspace become visible.
Organizing events is especially close to my heart—creating opportunities for our community to connect, learn from one another, and develop new ideas together.
I love building new relationships and continuously expanding our network, whether through targeted collaborations or direct exchange with partners and interested individuals. I’m also part of our third-party funding team and am happy to support with questions about project funding as well as the further development of initiatives.
My goal is to shape the Makerspace as an open and inspiring place where exchange, visibility, and creativity take center stage—so that ideas can turn into lived projects."
- For general inquiries, you can contact our team here.
- For specific questions, you can reach me directly at:
- Event management
- M.Sc. Management and Consulting in Sports
- B.Sc. Sports Science
Rapid Prototyping Lab
title: Isabel Engels
Isabel Engels
"I’m Isabel (she/her) and head of the Rapid Prototyping Lab. If you’d like to work with our 3D printers (FDM), CO₂ and diode laser cutters, 3D scanners, or the VR and AR equipment, I’m your point of contact. I’ll show you how to use them and support you with any questions about suitable materials, file preparation, and equipment reservations. For planning collaborations or workshops related to the RPL, feel free to reach out to me.
You can also ask me questions about the kitchen lab currently under development, as well as the cutting plotter and transfer press in the textile lab."
- For general inquiries, you can contact our team here.
- For specific questions, you can reach me directly at:
title: Leonard Stein
Leonard Stein
"Hi, I’m Leonard, a maker in paradise.
I support you with the key equipment for rapid production—our 3D printers and the laser cutter.
I’m fascinated by things that don’t exist anywhere else yet: practical, crazy, or simply beautiful.
With my technical understanding and a creative idea, I can certainly help you bring your project to life."
- For general inquiries, you’re welcome to contact our team here.
- studies Mechanical Engineering
Media Lab
title: Tim Höink
Tim Höink
"I'm Tim (he/him) and head of the IT and Media Lab. If you’d like to work with our camera, audio, or lighting equipment, I’m your point of contact. I’ll show you how to use it and support you with any questions about your project, as well as reservations and equipment loans.
For planning collaborations or workshops related to the IT and Media Lab, feel free to reach out to me."
- For general inquiries, you’re welcome to contact our team here.
- For specific questions, you can reach me directly at:
- Training as a technical draftsman specializing in building services engineering
- B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering (FH Dortmund), currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (RUB)
- Founding member of Hartkern e.V. – organization of hardcore and punk concerts
title: Anna Högerle
Anna Högerle
"Hey, I'm Anna — a trained photographer, self-employed since 2020. My projects are multimedia and often explore social themes. In the Makerspace, I work part-time in the media lab. If you have questions about camera or sound equipment or need creative support, feel free to reach out!"
Design & Ideation
title: Elena Blazquez
Elena Blazquez
"In the Makerspace, I’m your point of contact for everything related to design and creative development. I support ideation processes, create graphic concepts, and design workshops with a focus on design methods and visual communication. I also bring experience in working with textile techniques—especially when it comes to experimenting with materials and surfaces.
My background in design (M.A.) helps me bring together different approaches and make ideas visible and tangible.
I am also part of the third-party funding acquisition team and am happy to assist with questions about project funding as well as the further development of initiatives."
- For general inquiries, you can contact our team here.
- For specific questions, you can reach me directly at:
- B.A. Communication Design at Folkwang University of the Arts
- M.A. Industrial Design at Folkwang University of the Arts
- Freelance designer – more information at www.elenablazquez.de
Textile Lab
title: Pia Fuhrmeister
Pia Fuhrmeister
"Hey, I’m Pia (all pronouns) and I run the textile lab! I’m happy to support you there with projects using our sewing and embroidery machines, the vinyl cutter and heat press, as well as our Kniterate knitting machine.
Since 2020, I’ve been part of the Makerspace and have especially supported the setup of the RPL and the textile lab.
I’m also comfortable working in the RPL and the electronics workshop, and I enjoy projects that connect different areas in an interdisciplinary way!
If you’re planning collaborations or workshops in the textile lab, feel free to get in touch with me."
- For general inquiries, you can contact our team here.
- For specific questions, you can reach me directly at:
Ceramics Workshop
title: Judith Kamp
Judith Kamp
"I’m Judith — a designer responsible for setting up the ceramics and glass workshop. There, I’ll be supporting you with projects involving clay work and glass fusing. You’ll also find me in the wood workshop, where I step in for Anna-Lena.
My focus is on the design and production of furniture and products with a clear, minimalist aesthetic. I often work with modular concepts and prefer materials such as wood, aluminum, and glass. I’m happy to share my knowledge and experience regarding materials, techniques, and design, and to support you in bringing your ideas to life."
- For general inquiries, you can contact our team here.
- For specific questions, you can reach me directly at:
- B.A. Spatial and Object Design, Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts
- M.A. New Craft Object Design, Peter Behrens School of Arts, Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences
- Freelance designer — more information at www.nostudio.design
Wood Workshop
title: Anna-Lena Zinnhardt
Anna-Lena Zinnhardt
"Hi, I’m Anna-Lena, and you’ll probably meet me most often in the wood workshop. I already wanted to become a carpenter as a teenager, but I spent a bit longer figuring things out. I enjoy building and tinkering with all kinds of projects and look forward to supporting you with your ideas.
"It always seems impossible until it’s done." – Nelson Mandela.
- For general inquiries, you can contact our team here.
- For specific questions, you can reach me directly at:
- Or give me a call: 01517 0406529
- 1984–2004: Baby, child, teenager, school, A-levels, and partying
- 2004–2005: Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ) at Schutzstation Wattenmeer on Föhr
- 2005–2014: Studying, working, studying, partying, studying, side jobs, studying, sleeping
- 2014–2017: Apprenticeship as a carpenter at timbercraft (https://www.timbercraft.de)
- 2017–2020: Carpenter at Gierse&Saße (http://tischlerei.nrw)
- Since 2021: Head of the wood workshop at the RUB Makerspace
- I have also been a mother since 2018 and have been trying to balance work and family ever since
Metal Workshop and Occupational Safety
title: Dietmar Krukowski
Dietmar Krukowski
"Hi, my name is Dietmar. At the RUB Makerspace, I’m the workshop manager for the Metal Workshop. If you have anything related to metal, I’m happy to be your point of contact. As a former Opel employee here on the site, I’ve experienced the development of industry firsthand and gained a great deal of experience in technology and later in training. I’m looking forward to supporting you with your projects and helping you move them forward."
- For general inquiries, feel free to contact our team here.
- For specific questions, you can reach me directly at:
- Instructor for retraining participants in the metal sector at BFZ in Essen BFZ Essen GmbH
- Member of the IHK Essen examination board for industrial mechanics and machining mechanics
- Instructor for industrial mechanics in the training workshop of Adam Opel AG
- Many years of experience as a maintenance technician at Adam Opel AG
- Extensive experience in CNC and conventional milling
- Tool expert at TCM International Tool Consulting and Management
Michael Schwarz has extensive experience with metal and CNC and can therefore primarily be found in the metal workshop. He is also knowledgeable in CAD/CAM, 3D printing, digital technology, and other topics, and is self-employed through a family business as well as a startup that originated in the Makerspace.
Kitchen Workshop
title: Richard Frühauf
Richard Frühauf
"I’ve been part of the Makerspace team since 2020 and have contributed to building it up in various areas. For the past two years, I’ve been supporting Dietmar in the metal workshop, where I bring in my knowledge and experience. As a trained carpenter, I’m also happy to help with any questions related to wood and enjoy bridging the gap between different materials. In addition, I have experience in 3D printing. Sharing knowledge and developing creative solutions together is very important to me."
- For general inquiries, you can contact our team here.
- For specific questions, you can reach me directly at:
- Journeyman carpenter
- Vocational trainer in carpentry
- M.A. Archaeology
Plastics Workshop
title: Al Barkanowitz
Al Barkanowitz
"Hi, I’m Al (she/her), and I’ve been leading the plastics workshop since 2024. If you have questions or ideas related to plastic materials or processing techniques, I’m happy to help. In addition to concrete technical questions about implementing your ideas, I’m also available if you want to explore creative or experimental approaches.
Through my studies in art, German studies, educational sciences, and performance research, I bring a broad range of knowledge and experience that I can draw on to support you in realizing your projects. Beyond my role in the Makerspace, I also work as an interdisciplinary artist and DIY expert, and I’m happy to advise you on the visual aspects of your ideas as well."
- For general inquiries, you can contact our team here.
- For specific questions, you can reach me directly at:
Electronics Workshop
title: Ilhan Kahraman
Ilhan Kahraman
"Hey, I’m Ilhan (he/him) and I run the electronics workshop. If you want to realize projects with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or robotics, work with circuit boards, or do soldering, I’m the person to talk to. I’m happy to support you with any technical questions related to your project. I can also offer creative input and feedback.
Through previous roles and projects, I’ve gained knowledge and experience in the areas of RPL, plastics workshop, and ceramic 3D printing. From my own experience, I know that anything can be learned if you’re curious and motivated. I especially enjoy interdisciplinary work and learning.
If you’d like to plan collaborations or workshops in the electronics workshop, feel free to get in touch with me."
- For general inquiries, you can contact our team here.
- For specific questions, you can reach me directly at:
Website & IT
title: Torben Böhnke
Torben Böhnke
"Hi, I’m Torben, and I’ve been part of this great team since 2021.
I mainly take care of our website (this one here) as well as the IT in the makerspace.
At the moment, I’m particularly interested in simple automation solutions, using Linux operating systems as a “daily driver” in everyday life, and open-source alternatives to common commercial software.
I also bring experience in teaching and in developing e-learning units, especially with a focus on playful, game-based learning concepts."
- For general inquiries, feel free to contact our team here.
- Feedback about the website (errors/bugs, missing content, difficult navigation, etc.) can be sent directly to me:
Former Team Members
- Axel Neuhaus led the metal workshop until 2022.
- Lorna Ngole Noumegne worked part-time until 2022, mainly in the field of digital and electrical engineering.
- Konrad Telaar supported us as a part-time staff member, primarily in the back office, until 2022.
- Jan Schäfer worked part-time until 2023, mainly in the field of digital and electrical engineering.
- Oliver Stickel served as Deputy Head as well as workshop manager for the electronics workshop and the plastics workshop from 2020 to 2023.
- Kinan Hloubi worked part-time until 2024, mainly in the Rapid Prototyping Lab.
Open Positions
There are currently no open positions at the RUB Makerspace.
Part-Time Positions
From time to time, part-time positions are advertised to provide general support for users and the team at the RUB Makerspace. Keep an eye on this section to stay up to date!
Unsolicited Applications
You are welcome to send us unsolicited applications; however, as a public employer we have no way of hiring people “just like that.” All positions we offer are formally advertised and published in the university’s job portal as well as here. We are happy to talk with individuals who bring their own funding or would like to work with us through third-party funding proposals.
Internships and Student Projects
Internships and student projects are generally possible with us. Get in touch or contact us.