UTA Libraries Student Employee Spotlight: Shreevardhan Suryawanshi

Helping students find solutions is what Shreevardhan Suryawanshi likes the best about his job in UTA Libraries' FabLab. The industrial engineering graduate student has been a part of the FabLab staff since the summer 2023 semester. 

Working in the FabLab has given Shreevardhan a lot of confidence as he works with students one-on-one during his shift.  

"What I like about my job is that I get to interact with many people. I used to be shy before coming to work here," Shreevardhan said. "Since working here, I have learned to talk with people and help them out. So, this job has helped me out a lot." 

In his role in the FabLab, Shreevardhan takes students' computer-aided design files and modifies them into a G-code file. This modification allows the 3D printers to read the file and print the student's design. Without the modification, the CAD file would be unable to talk to the 3D printer.  

During this process, Shreevardhan uses his background in industrial engineering to help students improve their designs or simplify the design's creation. Finding ways to do things efficiently drew Shreevardhan into his field of study.  

"With industrial engineering I am interested in implementing processes that will improve the quality of items produced in manufacturing," he said. "I like to find better ways to complete long tasks. Working smarter and not harder." 

With graduation anticipated in December, Shreevardhan recalls his personal growth while at the university. That growth began with the first step of leaving his home country of India.  

"Before stepping onto the flight, I was really scared to go. But once I got on the airplane, I was excited that my new chapter was about to start," Shreevardhan said. "On my flight, I also met two people who were coming to UTA and I talked with them. So that got me back to normal."  

There have been challenging moments during Shreevardhan's time at UTA, but he feels well-prepared for the next step outside of the university as a professional. He shared that his professors and supervisors at UTA Libraries have equipped him for this next chapter.