UTA Libraries Student Employee Spotlight: Joshua Richey

With each woodworking project, Joshua Richey helps students find the proper cut in the FabLab's Shop Room. Joshua is one of several Shop Room assistants who work with students, providing guidance and hands-on instructions. 

The Shop Room is not only a place to create but also fosters an environment of continual learning for students and instructors. 

Joshua stated that he finds woodworking at home and teaching at The Shop Room very therapeutic. 

"Working in The Shop Room is kind of enlightening because you learn more as you teach," Joshua said. "It allows you to have more of a connection with people as they are coming into work." 

Joshua shared that he brings his own experience from his woodshop at home into the lessons that he teaches students. 

For several years, Joshua has operated the Etsy shop Purxel Designs and Woodworks. Purxel started as a T-shirt design business but later changed into creating custom wooden items for clients, like cutting boards and coasters. 

"I started working when I was about 16 years old and saved up a lot of money. So, when COVID hit, I started to let loose a little bit of the money," he said. "I built a computer, and it morphed into buying a laser engraver where I could laser-cut things at home. Then, I built an entire enclosure around it with an HVAC system that filters all of the air to the outside." 

Joshua stated that he has continued to expand his shop's capability over the years, adding two 3D printers.  

His goal when he graduates in the spring is to run his own business in the field of industrial fabrication related to computerized manufacturing. 

Joshua stated that The Shop Room continually expands its capabilities with new equipment that students can use to create almost anything.  

He noted that it is a great resource everyone needs to take advantage of during their time at UTA. Check the UTA Libraries Events calendar to find out about our next Shop Room workshop. 

We at UTA Libraries are happy to have talented people like Joshua as a part of our team to share their knowledge and firsthand experience with others. 

To learn more about The Shop Room, visit the UTA Libraries website.