Ian Roy

Ian Roy serves as the Executive Director of Design and Innovation and the Robert I. Mallet Senior Lecturer in Engineering at Brandeis University. He holds a faculty appointment in the Engineering department and collaborates with the Senior Leadership team in the Brandeis Library. Roy teaches courses in Business, Engineering, and Anthropology, and leads the Brandeis Design and Innovation department (BDI), which manages multiple maker spaces and provides cutting-edge technology services to support teaching, learning, and research across campus.

Education:

• Brandeis University, B.A. in Philosophy and Economics with a concentration in Film Studies (2005)

Roy's research and professional work centers on digital fabrication, rapid prototyping, and the integration of emerging technologies in education and social impact initiatives. His expertise includes 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC milling, 3D scanning, robotics, drone technology, and design thinking. He emphasizes the policy implications of technology deployment and applies these skills to foster entrepreneurship and social innovation, notably through the DeisHacks social impact hackathon.

Scientific Awards: No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided text.

Roy actively mentors students through multiple channels. He is the staff advisor for Deis3D.org (the Brandeis 3D printing club), the Brandeis Aviation Club, and the Brandeis Prosthesis Club. He co-founded the DeisHacks hackathon and teaches several courses that involve hands-on project development, guiding students in rapid prototyping and entrepreneurship. His teaching spans the Brandeis International Business School, the Engineering department, and the Anthropology department.

Roy leads the Brandeis Design and Innovation (BDI) department, which operates the Brandeis MakerLab, Automation Lab, Digital Scholarship Lab, 3D Printer Farm, and the Engineering Classroom. The BDI team provides comprehensive support for CAD/CAM workflows, 3D scanning, data visualization, GIS, XR development, machine learning, robotics prototyping, and drone use (including FAA 107 licensing). BDI's services enable faculty and students to incorporate emerging technologies into their academic and research activities.