Advanced Fabrication Graduate Fellow
The Advanced Fabrication Fellowship is a leadership-focused role for graduate students, designed to cultivate deep technical expertise and mentorship skills while contributing to the seamless and successful operation of the Fabrication Workshop.
Fellows independently master the operation of both production and research equipment, while taking the lead on complex digital fabrication projects. In addition to serving as assistant managers of the workshop, they play a key role in training and mentoring student shop assistants, helping to foster a collaborative and skilled learning environment. Fellows also support the Shop Directors with a range of responsibilities, including contributing to fabrication and research projects and representing the workshop at public events.
Lydia is in her first year of the UB Master of Architecture program after earning her bachelor of science in architecture with a minor in environmental design at the UB School of Architecture and Planning in 2025.
Since 2022, she has been a dedicated team member at the Fabrication Workshop, where she developed an affinity for helping students. In that role, she has supported daily operations by answering fabrication questions, managing laser cutting and 3D printing jobs, and helping to maintain equipment and cleanliness in both the wood and metal shops.
Lydia’s skills are rooted in early life experiences with her family of builders where she developed an appreciation for construction. Here at UB, in addition to her work at the Fabrication Workshop, she has several years of experience working at Assembly House 150. Through her study of architecture, Lydia has developed a deep understanding of the importance of craft and community.
Lydia’s strong fabrication skills, comfort with tools and materials, and exceptional model-making abilities will serve her well in the role of Advanced Fabrication Graduate Fellow.
Nathan is in his final year of the UB master of architecture program after earning his bachelor of science in architecture at the UB School of Architecture and Planning in 2024 and was awarded the Fellowship in his second semester.
Through multiple semesters of his fellowship, Nathan has developed advanced skills in programming for CNC (computer numerical control) machines as well as lab workflows. His strong digital modeling and programming abilities are matched by a meticulous attention to detail. He has also demonstrated a particular interest in robotic arm programming.
Nathan Ruffalo and Brian Eng work together in the Fabrication Workshop.
Brian is in his final year of the UB master of architecture program after earning his bachelor of science in architecture at the UB School of Architecture and Planning in 2024. Awarded the Advanced Fabrication Fellowship in 2023, he is currently our most experienced Fellow and has amassed programming and operational knowledge on all our digital fabrication machines.
Through multiple semesters of work in the Fabrication Lab as shop assistant and fellow, as well as extensive independent study and practice, he has developed advanced expertise in 3D printing, particularly with FDM processes, as well as in tuning and maintaining lab equipment for optimal performance. His technical proficiency is complemented by his talent in woodworking, where he demonstrates strong attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Previous recipients
Caterina Gnecco (MArch '24, BS Arch '22)
John Archilla (MArch '24, BS Arch '22)