From Idea Den prototypes to rocket science

Connor Johnson, a senior mechanical engineering student, is turning ideas into reality in the College of Business. As the lead coordinator for 3D printing projects in Idea Den, part of the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship, Johnson helps students and businesses transform concepts into tangible prototypes. We sat down to explore his passion for additive manufacturing, his work as a co-op with Rocket Lab, and the unique opportunities the CBA offers for aspiring engineers.

How did you get interested in mechanical engineering?

"My journey into mechanical engineering began in high school when I discovered 3D printing and realized I had a knack for building things. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands, so mechanical engineering was a natural fit. My sisters, who are both in STEM fields, also encouraged me to pursue this path."

What inspired you to add a minor in finance?

"Finance became a side interest for me during COVID. I spent time reading investing books and really enjoyed it. My dad was a banker, so I think I inherited an interest in finance from him. It’s something I could see myself pursuing if I ever want to pivot from engineering."

Can you tell us about the Idea Den and your work there?

"The Idea Den is part of the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship. It’s a makerspace where people can create prototypes, whether for a product or manufacturing process. We have 3D printers that allow for rapid prototyping, and we help turn ideas into reality."

What’s a recent project you’ve worked on in the Idea Den?

"One of the prototypes I worked on was for a company that wanted to solve the problem of broken chips in Mexican restaurants. Typically, chips are scooped out of large containers, which leads to breakage. I designed a dispenser that when you push a button, it gently drops chips into a basket without breaking them. It was a fun project to work on."

Can you explain the process of 3D printing?

"3D printing builds a part layer by layer based on a CAD model. It’s different from traditional machining, where you carve a part out from a solid block of material. 3D printing allows for more intricate geometries, like wavy features, which would be impossible with conventional methods."

You also work as a co-op at Rocket Lab, an end-to-end space company. Can you tell us more and how it connects to your 3D printing skills?

"We take a customer from start to finish. Also, we build satellites. We have two different divisions, launch and space systems. I work on the additive manufacturing team on the launch side. We're currently working on the Archimedes engine."

What’s something exciting you’re working on at Rocket Lab?

"I’ve got some pretty cool stuff cooking. I'm working on developing a process to print really low angles, which is very difficult. Historically, with traditional manufacturing, you print upwards to 45 degrees. But this new process we have, we can print downwards to 12 degrees."

What advice would you give students considering Central Michigan University?

"The cool thing about CMU is there are multiple colleges within the university. You can branch out and see what other opportunities there are. For example, I found opportunities for engineering outside of the CSE, which you wouldn't expect it, but it's pretty cool. The CBA is one of the best places to do engineering on campus because you can take a product from concept to reality."

Of course, we saved the hardest question for last. What’s your favorite restaurant in Mt. Pleasant?

"I’m not going to lie, Dog Central. There’s something about grabbing a hot dog around 11 or midnight that just hits different. You can’t beat it." 

From designing a chip dispenser prototype for local businesses to advancing additive manufacturing techniques at Rocket Lab, Johnson’s work highlights the impact of CMU’s interdisciplinary programs.

To learn more about 3D printing and prototyping at CMU, contact the Idea Den team at nvc@cmich.edu or submit a project request.