Zoleigh Borg’s Official Maker Portfolio

Hi, I’m Zoleigh

I’m a Makerspace Technician, Researcher, and Beekeeper based in Boston, MA!

Bio

Zoleigh is a current Northeastern student pursuing a BS in Social Work and a Minor in Writing. She currently works at Northeastern’s Makerspace at EXP and The Possible Zone, both Boston-based makerspaces, where she’s developed a wide array of maker skills in design, construction, welding, and so much more. In her free time, she’s a dedicated beekeeper, bird watcher, and risograph print maker.

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About Me

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Research

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Teaching Experience

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Documentation and Tutorials

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Personal Research

Makerspaces and Play: The Value of Play in Higher Education Makerspaces (2025)

This 5 month research project explored the value of play-based learning and maker-based learning, making strong cross comparisons between the learning models. The study examined both past literature and a case study on Northeastern’s Makerspace at EXP, where informal interviews coupled with observational research found that many elements of play-based learning unintentionally and organically presented themselves in the space.

The research was presented at the Undergraduate Research Conference, RISE, at Northeastern University.

Making Space for Whom: DEI, Design, and Democracy in EXP Makerspace

This ongoing thesis project expands upon past research and delves deeper into the value of DEI in makerspace education. The paper examines examples of DEI in makerspaces, finding large gaps in the literature. The case study of EXP Makerspace shows how students and faculty experience belonging in an interdisciplinary makerspace, and aims to find recommendations that may apply to other academic makerspaces around the globe.

The research was presented at the Undergraduate Research Conference, RISE, at Northeastern University.

Teaching Experience

EXP Makerspace and CAMD Makerspace

Over the past 2 years, I have conducted several dozen RISO training sessions across Northeastern University. These trainings have ranged from 1-2 students to entire classes of 20+. My RISO experience has led me to run training sessions for both EXP staff and CAMD professors.

I have helped over a hundred students, faculty, and staff learn how to make impressive multi-color prints using different design techniques and tools.

My basic RISO training covers everything from RISO basics, switching drums, installing drivers, basic color separation, basic Photoshop, registering, and making a duo-tone print. I have also conducted advanced trainings where I go through machine maintenance, 3 and 4 color printing, and using the RISO to make a screen for screen printing.

The Possible Zone

Deep Dives

Deep Dives are 1-2 week-long intensive classes where students over summer, fall, or spring breaks engage in full-day instruction using practical skills to grow their knowledge and make interesting products

Dance and Costume Design

This Deep Dive examined the history of costume and fashion within African American culture, drawing inspiration from iconic music artists, The Wiz, and a local Black-owned dance studio. Over the course of two weeks, students choreographed and performed an original dance while designing and constructing their own costumes for a culminating performance held for the entire facility. My responsibilities included supporting general instruction, facilitating a cyanotype workshop in which students created fabric prints to incorporate into their costumes, and guiding students through bedazzling and basic sewing techniques.

Music Machines

This Deep Dive introduced students to the intersection of coding and physical computing through the use of micro:bit devices and foundational Python programming. Students configured solenoids to strike glass and metal objects, generating distinct percussive sounds that were combined into an orchestral composition showcased at a final presentation. My primary contributions involved supporting students with circuitry and wiring, as well as troubleshooting and debugging code throughout the process.

Lights and Bytes

This Deep Dive guided students through the design and fabrication of custom lampshades using Adobe Illustrator in conjunction with Glowforge and Trotec laser cutters. Students also wired their lamps and programmed them to respond to either voice or sensor activation. I supported students throughout the laser cutting workflow — troubleshooting Illustrator files, preparing designs for output, and demonstrating the end-to-end process live using the Glowforge.

Carebots

This Deep Dive challenged students to integrate electronics, coding, and principles of Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) to construct soft, social robots designed to explore potential applications of robotics in healthcare. In addition to the technical build and programming components, students used the Glowforge laser cutter to design and fabricate a custom accessory for their robot. I contributed across all phases of the Deep Dive, providing support with debugging, technical troubleshooting, and hands-on instruction in the Glowforge's sketch-to-cut feature.

Launch Labs

Launch Labs are after school classes that specialize in a specific set of STEAM skills and use gamified learning to teach these topics with a final presentation at the end of the 10 week cycle.

Cardboard Architects

This 10-week Launch Lab focused on using cardboard and 3D printed pieces to construct real putt-putt holes that students could play at the end of the course. The program was after school for 2 hours, with a Monday/Wednesday class and a Tuesday/Thursday class from mid-September through November. I led sharps safety and TinkerCad training sessions. For TinkerCAD, I demonstrated the process from design to print and helped students troubleshoot design flaws. During the course, I also assisted with a field trip to a putt-putt course for the Monday/Wednesday class, with 20 students. Towards the end of the course, I taught students about spray-painting safety, including how to use a respirator, and chaperoned them in the spray booth.

Open Studio

Open Studio is held bi-weekly throughout the school year, and is a time for students to engage with the fab lab through workshops and independent projects.

Felt Garlands

This five-person workshop introduced students to foundational Cricut and hand sewing skills. I guided students through the basics of Cricut Design Space, overseeing the design process from concept to completion. Once designs were finalized, I assisted students in selecting felt colors and configuring their cut settings. Students then assembled their cut pieces into a cohesive, finished garland.
Documentation for this workshop is below.

Stained Glass Butterflies

This four-person workshop was offered three times and served as an introductory course in soldering. Students received butterfly kits and explored the history of stained glass while preparing their materials. Prior to beginning, I provided a thorough overview of soldering safety before students proceeded to solder their butterfly pieces independently. Throughout the process, I closely monitored technique and ensured safe handling of materials. Each student left with a completed hanging stained glass butterfly and a foundational understanding of soldering.
Documentation for this workshop is below.

Independent Studio Time

Independent Studio Time provided students with the freedom to pursue self-directed projects of their choosing. Over the course of nine months, I supported a wide range of student endeavors, from sewing a custom hoodie and laser cutting a personalized nameplate, to bedazzling accessories and far more. This open format allowed me to draw on the full breadth of my making and fabrication skills to meet each student's unique project needs.

Paper Lanterns

This workshop introduced students to foundational Adobe Illustrator skills alongside hands-on experience with the Zund, an industrial router capable of cutting materials ranging from paper to hardwood. I co-facilitated the workshop alongside Sam, supporting students as they developed their Illustrator files within a provided template and troubleshooting design issues as they arose. Sam then demonstrated the Zund cutting process, after which I guided students through the final assembly of their lanterns.

Big Name Mirror

This workshop built on core Adobe Illustrator skills and applied them practically using the Trotec laser cutter. Students selected a typeface, learned to expand and connect letter outlines into a unified shape, and added drill holes before uploading their files to the Trotec. I walked students through the full machine setup — adjusting settings, positioning their design, and executing the cut — resulting in a personalized laser-cut name piece.

Tile Mosaics

This hands-on, low-tech workshop introduced students to the craft of tile mosaic making, including real grouting techniques. Students selected a laser-cut base shape and planned their tile layout before gluing pieces into place, allowing them to dry, and finishing with a full grout and clean. Students were also given the option to incorporate reflective mirror tiles as focal elements, with several choosing to create mosaic mirrors as their final piece.

Laser Cut Ornaments

Offered during the winter holiday season, this workshop served as an accessible introduction to laser cutting using the Glowforge. Students designed custom shapes in Adobe Illustrator and personalized them with names, images, or decorative symbols. Completed files were exported and cut on the Glowforge, after which students had the option to finish their ornaments using the spray booth or hand painting.

Professional Development SLS Printing Workshop

This workshop was a simple 3 hour workshop that taught fellow TPZ educators how to use the Formlabs SLS 3D printer. I first did a basic overview of the PreForm software system where prints are loaded and configured for the right settings. Then, educators learned the process of sending something to print. While the print would take a long time, I had pre-printed objects ready so that I could still teach the post-processing order with sifting, brushing, and polishing the printed pieces. Educators were also instructed at length about the safety concerns regarding dealing with nylon powder as a printing substance, and taught how to use the correct PPE to protect themselves from potential harm.

Project Portfolio

Projects

Gallery View

Direct to Garment Printing

Fall 2023-Winter 2026

Vintage Microphone Prop

Do Rooftops Touch the Sky

Stained Glass Butterflies

Documentation and Tutorials

Disclaimer! Many pieces of this documentation are part of a broader library of work belonging to The Possible Zone. Many of these tutorials are base level, but rely on the context of other documentation not created by me. All of the below documentation is my independent work.

Documentation

Gallery View