From 4Cs Maker Space to WHOI Mechatronics Technician: Tyler Farr’s Engineering Evolution at 4Cs

By Chelsea Crowley | May 1, 2025

Meet Tyler Farr! You’ve probably seen him in the Maker Space of the Science Building at Cape Cod Community College (4Cs), assembling 3D printers or helping students troubleshoot their printing projects. Tyler is a driven Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing major and a member of STEM Starter Academy (SSA), a program that supports current and prospective STEM students as they explore and pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Tyler’s journey began with hands-on work as a truck driver and automotive technician. After moving to Cape Cod, he was ready to shift gears and put his skills to use in a new and impactful way. He found the perfect fit at Cape Cod Community College (4Cs), a rigorous engineering program and a supportive community.

“The environment here is great! Friendly people, and the teacher-to-student ratio is awesome” Tyler shared. “I like that the faculty is made up of professionals with diverse backgrounds,” he explained, noting that the classes feel more immersive because instructors share real-world experience, not just textbook theory.

Tyler’s connection with faculty soon led to a hands-on role as a Peer Tutor in the Maker Space, where he supported students working on engineering projects and collaborated with various departments across campus, including helping the Performing Arts program by 3D printing custom props.

“If you don’t know what you’re doing, then you need someone to walk you through it,” he said, reflecting on the importance of peer support. 

Motivated by the same spirit of collaboration, Tyler founded the 3D Printing and Design Club in the fall of 2024. He took on the responsibility of writing the constitution and serving as Club President. Under his leadership, the club quickly became a hub for students interested in 3D printing, fostering a dynamic environment where members could share ideas, work on projects, and gain hands-on experience.

As Tyler's time at 4Cs progressed, so did his growth in understanding what drives success. He learned that success is often determined by the effort and dedication you're willing to invest.

“You get out what you put in,” he said. “If you’re willing to do the extra in-depth things, the staff will support you and help you get to where you want to go.”

Tyler’s support network grew even stronger when he joined STEM Starter Academy (SSA). He first learned about the program during an info session hosted by the SSA team and Dr. Gretta Serres, adjunct professor of biology and microbiology at 4Cs and research associate at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). During the session, Dr. Serres introduced the WHOI Blue Economy Internship, which she coordinates. The internship offers students the chance to work on-site at WHOI for 50 hours during the spring semester.

“In the info session, I heard past interns talking about their projects, and one student designed a part, his project was to design a bracket, and I realized, ‘Oh, you can do engineering work there, and it’s not just for biology students. You can be the engineer who supports the scientists.’”

After the session, Tyler joined SSA and quickly saw how the program provides comprehensive student support through one-on-one success coaching, hands-on workshops, and real-world career exploration.

“Joining STEM Starter Academy positively impacted my academic and professional career and made me aware of what to even strive for,” he said. “The staff at SSA work tirelessly to provide tailored knowledge and resources to each member of the program, all while creating an encouraging and supportive STEM community at 4Cs.”

Through SSA, Tyler found access to new experiences that would shape the direction of his career, opening doors to opportunities and connections he hadn’t anticipated.

“It was really the SSA field trip to WHOI that introduced me to the scientists and engineers who work there and led me to that internship.”

What began as a single visit soon became a transformative opportunity. After applying, Tyler was selected for the WHOI Blue Economy Internship. There, he worked at DunkWorks, WHOI’s cutting-edge maker lab housed within the Autonomous Vehicle and Sensor Technologies (AVAST) Center. The space is dedicated to advancing innovation in marine robotics and equips engineers with the tools and technology to design, build, and test custom components.

“A WHOI photochemist, working on biodegradable plastics, submitted a request for a part - a respirometer - and the Director assigned the project to me,” Tyler explained. Using his CAD design and fabrication skills, he was able to enhance the part. “It felt almost like a capstone project,” he said. “I didn’t have a senior lead or an engineer mentoring me. It was kind of me just figuring it out the whole time, in a good way.”

After spending months immersed in the collaborative and cutting-edge environment at WHOI, Tyler reflected on what made the experience so meaningful. He credited a simple but powerful mindset with helping him stay open, learn constantly, and make the most of every moment:

“Just be curious, inquisitive, and enthusiastic. Keep asking questions and talking to people. No matter what your title is, people are often willing to help you.”

His approach, combined with his performance during the internship, opened the door to an unexpected opportunity. A colleague’s decision to return to school created a vacancy, and Tyler was able to step into the role of Mechatronics Technician.

“It was serendipity,” he said. The position was a perfect fit, allowing him to apply what he had learned, continue learning on the job, and contribute to more meaningful projects at WHOI. “It’s been amazing! I get to do CAD all day, which is really cool.”

Looking ahead, Tyler is considering transferring to either Worcester Polytechnic Institute for Robotics or the University of Rhode Island for Ocean Engineering. He plans to continue expanding his skills and explore new ways to use 3D printing as a tool for prototyping and innovation.

When asked what advice he would offer other STEM students at 4Cs, Tyler emphasized the importance of seeking out answers and connecting with people who can help you find them.

“Let others help you gain hands-on experience. But also, if you want to make something, make something,” he said. “It only matters that you can make it and it works. You don’t need a fancy degree, your contributions are valuable, useful, and needed.”

Tyler’s journey is still unfolding, but he’s already showing what’s possible when you bring passion, persistence, and purpose to your work.

For fellow students at 4Cs, and anyone curious about where STEM can lead, his story is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to start building.