IUP’s STEAMSHOP, an Innovation Accelerator featuring digital fabrication tools and entrepreneurship resources, will host a Future Makers Forum with Kalamazoo, Michigan-based product designer and entrepreneur Michael Nashef.
The public presentation is free and open to the community and will be followed by an informal reception.
Michael Nashef was born in war-torn Lebanon and moved to the United States in 1998. He is a trained goldsmith and earned his master of fine arts degree from Bowling Green State University in 2018. Nashef has worked as a CAD jewelry designer, and in 2006 launched his fine jewelry company Intersecting Hearts.
Nashef’s passion for digital fabrication technology and interest in entrepreneurship led him to establish a successful product design and fabrication business. Since 2019 he has released over 11 tools for the jewelry industry and sold more than 20,000 units. These tools are manufactured by Nashef using nontraditional methods and sold by major supply companies internationally. In addition, Michael consults on additive manufacturing methods, 3D printing, and 3D printer optimization for large multinational companies.
“Michael is a dynamic speaker and educator, and is extremely generous with his knowledge. I’m excited for the IUP community to have the opportunity to hear about his experience as a product designer and entrepreneur.”
—Sharon Massey, IUP professor and Future Makers Forum Cofounder
STEAMSHOP is a regional innovation accelerator intended to transform learning at IUP by empowering students from all backgrounds and preparations to actively engage with an interdisciplinary digital fabrication lab (makerspace). The technological, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills gained through participation in STEAMSHOP programming better prepare students for the rapidly evolving workforce.
The Future Makers Forum brings artists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and other changemakers to IUP for talks and workshops and is designed to showcase makers, especially makers from underrepresented populations, and provide an opportunity for them to talk about their journey to serve as inspiration for IUP students as well as the community.