Meet our new maker

CWRU is expecting Sears think[box] to gain some wider attention under its new executive director, Claire Dorsett. Before arriving in July, Dorsett directed STEM programming at the Boston-based Fab Foundation, which supports a worldwide network of design and fabrication labs. Prior to that, she helped plan exhibits and education programs at the Great Lakes Science Center in downtown Cleveland.

Now she leads the largest open-access maker space on an America college campus, and CWRU Provost and Executive Vice President Joy K. Ward is excited to have her.

“Claire’s dedication to maker spaces is truly remarkable,” Ward said in a news release. “On top of that, she is an incredible advocate for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, consistently championing the region’s growth and development. Her leadership will undoubtedly drive think[box] as a world leader in innovation spaces.”

Dorsett, who grew up in Northeast Ohio, discovered think[box] in 2018, when a colleague suggested the facility as a way to expand the science center’s fabrication capabilities.

“After seeing the space, I immediately scheduled a tour for the rest of my team,” she said in a university news release. “Only three floors were open at the time, but I was amazed at the equipment and trainings offered.”

Dorsett holds a Master’s of Education in Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology from Harvard Graduate School of Education. At think[box], she will oversee all staff, student workers, and programs. She said she hopes to entice more students and community members to use the 50,000 square-foot facility, which is open to all.

“No matter what your curriculum might be in the classroom, there are ways think[box] can bring that learning to life,” Dorsett said.