I spend most of my time building and operating precision experiments, where small mechanical details, repeatability, and careful documentation matter. This project was a fun reminder that the same experimental mindset applies to non-research builds.

For my wedding party, I made a set of gift boxes using the research shop. The “engineering” part wasn’t cutting—it was refining a process so that the Nth box looked as good as the first.

What carried over from experimental work

• defining requirements (size, fit, presentation)
• choosing materials for appearance and machinability
• tolerances and repeatable assembly
• prototyping and iteration
• consistent finishing

(Photos and build notes coming soon.)