Pedro Polanco is an engineer from Cranston who loves to try new things and make mistakes. He has a background in electrical engineering and programming and previously worked as a camp counselor at Friends Camp, a Quaker summer camp in South China, Maine. Pedro loves the city of Providence and hopes to help people identify both how to make their ideas as well as why they should make them. He splits his time between PVDYM and Brown University where he researches bat echolocation.
QUESTION: Why are YOU working with FabX and PVD YM?
While I am looking forward to the day-to-day duties of the job at PVDYM, what most excites me about this opportunity is, similarly, the people – from the coworkers who I’ll see every day to the learners who I might only meet once, every new person I’ve met through my time here convinces me that this is the right step in my journey.
QUESTION: It is imperative for us to learn from each one of our members. How would you describe your journey?
My journey has always been relationship driven- whenever my life changes, I’m always thinking about who I want to spend my time with rather than how or where I want to spend it. I’ve always loved math and science, but it wasn’t until my undergraduate degree that I realized that (without any intention) many of my friends were engineers. I stayed in school to get an electrical engineering masters because I found the community to be smart, inspiring, and fun to be around- all of which I hope to be as well! While I am looking forward to the day-to-day duties of the job at PVDYM, what most excites me about this opportunity is, similarly, the people- from the coworkers who I’ll see every day to the learners who I might only meet once, every new person I’ve met through my time here convinces me that this is the right step in my journey.
QUESTION: What makes you a “maker?”
I love the process! It’s hard to keep an idea just in my head. Even if it just means writing something down or sketching a prototype, I always feel a strong urge to turn my sometimes ridiculous ideas into something real.
QUESTION: What do you bring to FabNewport?
I bring a strong analytical background and enjoy methodical problem solving for the joy of simply gathering information. I also bring some experience and connections from working as a researcher, some real-world knowledge and applications of coding, and a lifelong connection to the city of Providence. I grew up here and have many aunts, uncles and cousins spread between Cranston Street and the bay.
QUESTION: What are you looking forward to and hope to see as the future of FabNewport?
I think the question of “why” holds infinite potential for any young maker. Once people know how to express themselves using a variety of equipment, it’s important to ask why you make-
Who is it for? Why is it needed? I hope that FabNewport in the near future can deepen community partnerships in order to direct the talent our learners bring and start answering the “why” question!
QUESTION: Any other fun facts you want us to know about you
I play the drums and am always looking for opportunities to jam with others :).
