UTA Libraries Student Employee Spotlight: Alex Patrón

Alex Patrón has a knack for helping people in his job at the UTA Central Libraries' FabLab. His friendly personality works in tandem with his ability to solve problems for library patrons to bring their creative visions to life.  

Being a creator and a maker comes naturally to Alex, which developed from decorating his family's home with his dad and watching the cartoon "Scooby-Doo" as a kid. 

"When I was young, my mom used to have my sister and I watch 'Scooby Do.' It was to teach us that there are no real monsters, just people in masks. So, growing up, I always had this fun fascination with costumes, so I started building props," Alex said. "With my dad for years, we were really big on decorating for Halloween. We would go to Spirt Halloween and get one animatronic a year. We would deck our house out." 

This interest led Alex and his dad to visit the Universal Studios theme park yearly during Halloween Horror Nights to explore the different haunted houses. Two years ago, while taking a behind-the-scenes tour, it led him to his field of study at UTA. 

"I hope to work for Universal Studios in their Halloween and Horror Department. I want to help design the haunted houses that they have every year," Alex said. "Seeing the care and love they put into the houses was such an amazing thing. So, the industrial engineering degree will help me get my foot in the door when it comes to understanding industrial processes and design." 

Alex added that his double minor in the history of technology and science and theater would also help in his goal to work for Universal. 

In his role at the FabLab, Alex works with people to show them how to use the different machines. He also acts as a conduit for ideas. People share ideas with Alex about what they envision. Alex then provides feedback, which creates a better final product. 

"I work with such an amazing team of other student assistants and leads," he said. "We all have our backgrounds and the way that we receive projects. It is just a really fun collaborative job. It is probably my favorite thing here at UTA." 

Along with his regular duties as a student assistant, Alex got the chance to bring attention to the Amazon series "The College Tour." During the film shoot, Alex took the film crew on a tour of the FabLab and its resources to offer library patrons. His segment is only part of a single episode, which will air in February, highlighting what UTA gives students. He noted that he was proud to be a part of this unique experience. 

"The show will help so many people who may not be able to afford traveling or may not have the time and the schedule to visit these universities," Alex said. "It gives them a way to see what they can expect at these different universities." 

Alex is one of the many student employees we have here at UTA Libraries who are ready to help you with any question, large or small. We are proud to have Alex on our team and look forward to what he sets his mind to next.