As part of Georgia Tech’s innovation ecosystem, the Materials Innovation & Learning Laboratory (the MILL) is more than just a makerspace. It’s a hub where creativity meets data-driven measurements to do real-life problem-solving. It’s a place where students can bring their ideas to life, whether that’s learning new skills, building class projects, or just experimenting with diverse materials. Continuing the MILL’s impact on students over the summer months is incredibly important. Over the summer, hundreds of undergraduates and high schoolers come to campus from across the country to conduct research.  To help support these students, Summer MILL Fellows are hired each year.  These Fellows keep the MILL open five days a week, guiding their peers through projects, fostering collaboration, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with materials and design. This year the MILL Summer Fellows were supported by philanthropic donations from Art and Patricia Cox. Learn more about their experiences, what drives their passion for making, and how the MILL has impacted their journey at Tech.

Mario Jiminez, 4th year MSE Student and Processing MILL Summer Fellow 

Mario Jimenez is a fourth-year Materials Science and Engineering major at Georgia Tech with a concentration in structural materials. As a MILL Fellow, he has gained hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting advanced equipment, which has strengthened his skills in analyzing and characterizing materials while preparing him for a future career in the materials science industry.

Beyond the lab, Mario serves as vice president of the Georgia Tech Taekwondo Club, is an active member of the GT Brawl Stars Club, and enjoys playing video games with his brothers in his free time.

Rafeen Z Rahaman, 2nd Year ChBE Student and Characterization MILL Summer Fellow

Rafeen Z. Rahaman is a second-year Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering student with a strong passion for research and problem-solving who grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Rafeen became deeply involved with the MILL, where he began by training users on equipment and consulting on research applications. His work has spanned multiple projects, including developing and measuring features of a novel hydrogel with the Bio-Explorers L&D team, preserving and imaging biological samples under the SEM, and contributing to a graduate student project in Dr. Hu’s lab that is expected to be published in December. 

Through these experiences, Rafeen has held four research-related roles as a MILL Fellow, highlighting the opportunities and network the space provides. His time at The MILL has sharpened his critical thinking, technical expertise, and ability to match research goals with the right tools. 

Personally, Rafeen is interested in exploring how biological chemical systems can be optimized to address modern challenges and is considering graduate or medical school after completing his bachelor’s degree. Outside of academics, he is a multitalented creative and athlete, enjoying crafts such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and crocheting, as well as playing guitar, saxophone, and piano. He also stays active with badminton and ultimate frisbee, while pursuing hobbies like coding, puzzles, and learning French.

Orrin Borden, 2nd Year MSE Student and Measurement Summer MILL Fellow

Orrin Borden is a second-year MSE student from Salt Lake City, Utah. Although he initially chose his major on a whim, Orrin has since discovered a strong interest in advanced textiles and hopes to one day design specialized clothing such as Kevlar, firefighting gear, or space suits, as well as more durable everyday fabrics. His time at the MILL has given him hands-on experience with a wide range of lab equipment and taught him that he enjoys the practical, applied side of engineering, especially building and designing with his own hands.

Outside of academics and research, Orrin enjoys running, baking, cooking, reading, watching movies, wood carving, board games, and occasionally playing video games with friends and family.