Meet our most recent hires at the Albert Nerken School of Engineering! 

Max Summers, Student Shop Technician 

Max Summers is the new lab technician for the Student Shop. A Cooper alum with an with an M.E. in Civil Engineering, he has worked as a design and prototyping engineer and digital fabrication specialist at Columbia Univeristy’s Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering. His experience also includes working for Object Fabrication in Brooklyn —owned and operated by another Cooper alum— and freelancing from his own workshop in Brooklyn. 

“Returning has been exciting, as I get to apply the skills I’ve learned and share them with students who remind me of myself from not so long ago. Hands on experience, using tools and various methods of fabrication, I think can reinforce student’s problem solving skills in a tangible way that will make them better engineers. Providing a welcoming and safe environment for students to get their hands dirty is something I’m most excited about. Need help with a project? Come on down to the shop and let’s chat!” 

Miller Kaplan, Makerspace Coordinator / STEM Teacher 

Miller Kaplan is a designer and educator based in Brooklyn, NY. They hold a bachelor's in industrial design from Pratt Institute and have worked across multiple fields, including visual merchandising, project management, and STEM instruction. In addition to their design expertise, Miller completed a residency in special education, where they developed strategies to make technical learning more accessible and engaging for all students. Their work focuses on fostering inclusive learning environments where students engage in hands-on exploration, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Before joining the Cooper Union community, Miller worked across several fields that bridge design and education, helping students develop technical skills while encouraging creative confidence. Their teaching philosophy is rooted in student-led discovery, empowering students to see their unique experiences, skills, and creativity as valuable assets in making and problem-solving. By recognizing that every student brings different perspectives—whether from cultural backgrounds, personal experiences, or hands-on skills—Miller fosters an environment where all students can experiment, take risks, and build with confidence. 

"Cooper Union has long been a hub for bold thinkers, problem-solvers, and makers, and I am honored to contribute to that legacy. To me, a makerspace is more than just a collection of tools—it is a space for experimentation, iteration, and discovery. My goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of background or experience, feels empowered to explore their ideas, take creative risks, and embrace failure as an essential part of learning. I look forward to fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment where students can develop confidence in their skills and bring their most ambitious ideas to life. I am grateful for the warm welcome into this vibrant community and excited to support the STEM outreach programs at the Albert Nerken School of Engineering, helping to expand access to hands-on making and technical education beyond the classroom."