HI I am Lysander and this my story

I was born in Lyon, France, but grew up in the United States, which makes me a unique blend of cultures. My roots are German, and I have always been deeply connected to my heritage, even though my life journey has taken me across borders. From kindergarten in Germany to the first through third grades in France, I attended a Waldorf school, an experience that profoundly shaped my early education and creativity. After graduating from Sea Breeze High School in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 2004, I worked as a machinist until I was 25. My father, an engineer and toolmaker, has always been my greatest inspiration. He taught me the craft at his company, and I continue to learn from him every day. His dedication to his work, problem-solving skills, and approach to hands-on craftsmanship have shaped my understanding of technology and engineering. Through his mentorship, I developed a strong foundation in assembling technical machines—skills that have served me well throughout my career. Motorcycles are another passion of mine. I love working on them and riding no matter the weather—rain or shine, I’m always ready to hit the road. My hands-on approach to life has always been a constant, whether I’m working on a machine, a motorcycle, or anything else that allows me to solve problems and think critically.

I moved to Germany to continue my education, which meant redoing my Abitur (German high school diploma). I also worked as a court master for clay tennis courts and, more recently, as a carpenter—a hobby that’s gradually evolving into a tech woodworking business. This love for working with wood goes way back to my childhood, when I watched my grandfather, a master carpenter, craft beautiful pieces of furniture. He was an incredible inspiration, and I always admired the art of turning raw materials into something useful and beautiful.

Currently, I’m studying Mechanical Engineering at the Hochschule Rhein-Waal (HSRW) in Kleve. Even as a child, I had an innate curiosity about how things work. Nothing was ever safe from my tinkering; I loved taking things apart just to see if I could improve them or figure out their inner workings. This fascination with problem-solving and innovation led me to lead the university’s human-powered submarine team, where we participated in the first international race in Gran Canaria, Spain—an unforgettable experience in open water.

In addition to my studies, I also teach STEM (MINT) subjects part-time through the Zdi initiative, working with young students in Germany. I’ve discovered a deep love for teaching, as it constantly challenges me to think differently in order to help students understand complex concepts. It’s also been a valuable opportunity for me to refine my own learning process, because I truly believe that if you can teach something, you’ve truly mastered it. Teaching not only allows me to share my knowledge, but it also helps me grow both as a learner and as an educator.

As a person, I love thinking outside the box and challenging conventional ideas. Whether it’s in the lab, on the workbench, or in life, I’m constantly seeking new ways to approach problems and make things better. With my diverse background, hands-on skills, and a deep passion for engineering and design, I’m always excited about what comes next and how I can continue to learn and grow.

That’s why I’m particularly excited to be joining Fab Academy 2025. I see this as the perfect opportunity to push the boundaries of what I know, gain new technical skills, and become part of a global community of creators. It’s not just about learning new tools and techniques; it’s about challenging myself to think even more creatively, connecting with like-minded innovators, and finding new ways to bring my ideas to life. Fab Academy will help me expand my capabilities and equip me with the skills to turn my passions into tangible, impactful projects that inspire others as much as they inspire me. And, as always, it’s with my father’s teachings and example in mind that I push myself to go further. Thanks to the many amazing people who inspire and push me to reach my full potential every day.