As Co-Founder and Communications Director of Citizen Robotics, Evelyn is focused on making housing more accessible and equitable. Previously, Evelyn worked in public relations and helped to represent the first transgender woman to perform a principal role on an American operatic stage. Now she takes her passion for equal opportunity and representation to housing and design. Her communication and publicity efforts have led the way in Citizen Robotics’ commitment to an equitable future. Creating a more inclusive and thriving community is at the heart of what she does.

Fernando Bales is the build lab manager for Citizen Robotics assisting in the research and development of 3D-printed construction methods for the built environment. Fernando is a former Professor of Practice at Lawrence Technological University and a former Visiting Lecturer at the University of Michigan’s STAMPS School of Art and Design. In 2013 Fernando founded FPB Studio. As an interdisciplinary and collaborative endeavor, his studio delves into the fields of industrial design, set design, architecture, construction, fabrication, and landscape. Fernando holds two M. Arch degrees from North Dakota State University (11’) and Cranbrook Academy of Art (13’).

Tom is the Founder and President of Citizen Robotics. Unlike a gadget freak that drools over all shiny, silicon-based objects, Tom is attracted to tech that solves a real human need. Is there a greater need than housing security with its deep connections to health and happiness? An MIT-educated technologist, Tom knows that humans can solve the puzzle that is attainable housing. He's implemented cutting-edge technology in other industries plagued by a low-productivity workplace. What's needed now is tech adoption, steeped in human-centered design. We need to expand the construction workforce by including those previously left out. We need to learn to build with the tools of advanced manufacturing; precision automation, robotics, and digital fabrication. We need to embrace high-productivity collaboration approaches like lean construction, rapid prototyping, and inclusive design.

In her capacity as Controller, Karen can “give back” in the best way she knows. With past experience at the Greening of Detroit. Metropolitan Detroit Chorale, and Covenant Community Care, she is well-versed in the non-profit world. She has been in corporate finance for nearly 40 years and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that keeps our back office running like a well-oiled machine.

Lucas is the assistant lab manager at Citizen Robotics. He is a lifelong maker and multidisciplinary artist with a passion for sustainability and fabrication technology. Working at Citizen Robotics is an exciting opportunity for him to continue to develop as a craftsman at the crossroads of environmental justice, housing security, and digital fabrication. He formerly showcased his passion for craft and design as the shop manager and lead fabricator at FPB Studio. Lucas has also taught and performed juggling around the US and internationally.