Fab Fellows Program

Submit your interest form here  for the Fab Fellow program!

note: this is not an application, this is to signal to us that you’d like to be contacted in the future when applications officially open.

The Fab Fellows are graduate students that:

• Help run the Design Innovation Lab for 20 hours per week. This involves, among other things, helping with equipment maintenance and overseeing undergraduate student staff.
• Provide instructional support to courses that use the facilities such as the 1st year design course InterEgr 170 and final year interdisciplinary capstone sections.
•  Have the option to work through the completion of an applied, high-tech project for their thesis work.

They receive:

• Tuition remission and a stipend for one or more years.
• Training on a wide range of fabrication / prototyping equipment such as 3D printers, lathes, welding, electronics and laser cutters.
•  After hours access to the Lab.
• Extensive leadership and teaching experience.
• Access to a fun and engaging community of other students interested in hands-on design and prototyping.

Applicants must:

• Be accepted into a graduate degree program at UW-Madison. Certain restrictions may apply based on your program though we can help guide you. If you plan to enroll in graduate school, please submit an interest form!
• Have experience with design and prototyping and a bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g. engineering, art, industrial design).

 FAQ Section:

Q: When is the submission deadline?

A: For our cohort starting in summer or fall 2024, we will generally begin interviews in February and continue through April. There is no deadline, though there are a limited number of spots and they will be filled on a rolling basis.

Q: When will I hear back from you after I’ve submitted my interest form?

A: Depending on the time of year, it may be a while. If you apply during the summer or fall, you may not hear from us until late fall or early winter. We will connect with all qualified applicants to confirm interest and determine next steps. If you’d like more information or have questions for us in the meantime, please reach out to Carly or Matthew.

Q: Can I be a Fab Fellow while enrolled in an accelerated masters program?

A: With only rare exceptions, no. There are a number of university-imposed limitations on graduate students in accelerated programs which make it very difficult for these students to fully participate in the Fab Fellows program.

Q: Do I need to commit to 2 years as a Fab Fellow?

A: We strongly believe that students can make the biggest impact and gain the most from their experience by committing to 2 years as a Fab Fellow, so we generally prefer candidates who can make a 2-year commitment. All appointments are reviewed annually, so there is nothing officially binding and no absolute requirement to commit to 2 years.

Q: Where can I find out more about the benefits of being a graduate assistant at UW?

A: Check out this link.

Q. Do you offer Summer funding?

A. Summer funding for Fab Fellows is available on a limited basis, as our teaching load is significantly reduced during this time.  To request summer funding, please submit a proposal to the Director outlining your planned summer activities and their relevance to your research or professional development goals. While summer funding may be possible for some Fellows, we generally encourage you to explore summer internships or dedicate your time to research. These experiences provide valuable opportunities for skill development and career exploration. We’re here to support you in planning a productive and fulfilling summer. Please meet with us early in the spring semester to discuss your summer plans and funding options.