Our Team – TRU Library Makerspace (C7elelkstén’)

The Makerspace Team

To support users and keep furthering the access to technology Makerspace has a team that is passionate about making and teaching. Check out the bios for current and past team members below.

Staff

Franklin Sayre

Makerspace Librarian

Franklin Sayre is the Makerspace Librarian and Co-Chair of the Librarians’ Department at TRU and is responsible for overseeing the Makerspace, a job he primarily views as “Making Space” for students, staff, and faculty to experiment with ideas and technologies.

Before moving to Tk’emlúps (Kamloops) in 2019 Frankin was a health sciences librarian at the University of Minnesota (UMN) and the University of British Columbia (UBC). Franklin can often be found hiking, snowshoeing, and running in the forests, hills, and grasslands surrounding Kamloops.

Make an Appointment
with Frank Sayre

Olivia McDougall

Library Makerspace Technician

Olivia started working at TRU in the fall of 2021 and was very excited when she learned she would work in the Makerspace.

Having a fascination with technology she loves to learn new things and is happy she can create and experiment with equipment and help others do the same.

When not at work Olivia’s favourite place to be is at home spending time in her yard gardening and with her animals.

Dayun Han

Library Makerspace Technician

Dayun joined the TRU library team in the fall of 2023, and she is excited to be a part of the Makerspace team.

She enjoys learning new technologies and sharing with others while working.

When she is not at work, she spends most of her time with her dog.

Jesse Dana

Library Makerspace Technician

Jesse started at the TRU Library in the summer of 2024, and has since joined the wonderful Makerspace team.

As a creative thinker with a passion for artistic hobbies such as digital art, Jesse is always excited to learn, play and experiment with Makerspace technology.

When she is not at work, Jesse enjoys staying at home to play video games or curling up with a good book and a cup of coffee.

Gwyneth Haretzmuller

Library Makerspace Technician

Gwyneth joined the TRU library team in the Summer of 2024 and is happy to be a part of the makerspace team.

She loves to craft and is excited to learn more about the technology in the Makerspace.

When she is not at work, she spends her time sewing, drawing, or reading.

TRU Library Makerspace Ambassadors

Ambassadors to return Fall 2024!

Geordie Stenner

Geordie is a third year computer science student who comes to the Makerspace despite owning most of the equipment because of the terrific community. Geordie is also the president of film club, game development club and a member of the computer science club. Geordie was the first regular user of the Makerspace.

Ammar Ali

Ammar Ali, a first-year student and Makerspace Student Ambassador from Pakistan, is not your average student – he’s passionate about 3D printing. When he’s not navigating the world of supply chain management for his post baccalaureate diploma, Ammar can be found capturing moments through photography, diving into gaming adventures, and experimenting with videography. In his world, where supply chains and 3D prints collide, Ammar proves that combining innovation and fun is the key to a successful academic journey.

Deeparsh Singh

Deeparsh Singh is a Makerspace Ambassador and he comes from India. Currently, being a 3rd year Bachelor of Computing Science student he is on a quest to find the world’s best pizza slice because we all know how much CS students love their pizzas 🍕😋

His favourite technology is 3D printing because according to him 3D printing is basically like having a magical genie in a box 🧞‍♂️🎁 , but instead of granting wishes, it makes stuff! The best part being that there is no need to rub lamps of recite incantations – just push some buttons and voilà.

Moreover, photography, music and cars are three trusty sidekicks in his life and this year he is focusing on improving his digital photography skills 📸

Kshitij Santokhee

Kshitij, a second-year Computer Science student from Mauritius, combines his passion for creativity and community-building at Thompson Rivers University. As the Vice President and co-founder of the OuiSpeak French Club, he enjoys bringing people together, especially francophones, and fostering a vibrant cultural exchange on campus.

At the Makerspace, where he serves as an ambassador, Kshitij turns his ideas into reality. Whether he’s 3D printing small car parts, designing accessories from textiles, or creating custom stickers, he’s always working on something hands-on. His love for cars often drives his technical projects, blending innovation with personal interests.

When he’s not immersed in his creative work or French Club activities, Kshitij enjoys outdoor adventures and spending time with dogs, keeping a well-rounded balance between his hobbies and studies.

Narshini Chuckowry

Narshini, a second-year Data Science student and Makerspace Ambassador from Mauritius, expresses her passion for creativity and innovation. As a Makerspace enthusiast, she enjoys 3D printing decorations and gifts for others, sewing unique pieces of clothing, and is constantly exploring new ways to bring her ideas to life!

Currently, Narshini is focused on learning how to crochet, adding another layer to her crafting repertoire. When she’s not immersed in her projects, she loves experimenting new hobbies, whether it’s diving into digital design, learning a new craft, or exploring nature. Balancing creativity with her data driven studies, she’s always looking for fresh ways to blend innovation with fun.