Hello, I’m
Aaron Hinkle
Mechanical Engineer, Teacher and Lifelong Maker
Originally from the mountains of Western Montana in the United States, I have spent the last five years living in North Rhine-Westphalia in Western Germany to study mechanical engineering.
I received my bachelor's degree in 2021, but I have been involved in making and building things for more than 20 years. Having successfully co-owned and operated two small businesses, my background is in the residential construction and landscaping industries, so I have extensive experience with power tools and conventional manufacturing equipment and technology. In addition to my practical manufacturing experience, I am skilled in 3D CAD modeling and simulation as well as mechanics, including a number of technical fortes like engineering design and FEA validation...and now, through FabAcademy, I am working to add the digital fabrication toolbox to my repertoire.
My love for making things is matched only by my love for teaching. I have formal training in education and I have been teaching or tutoring professionally for almost ten years. I currently work in a half-time teaching position at FabLab.Blue for the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Science while I pursue my master's degree in Robotics. I am hoping that completion of FabAcademy will make me more valuable as an instructor in the future.