Large Scale Workshops

The first type is our standard workshops designed to reach as many students as possible. These workshops introduce key skills that every electrical engineering student can benefit from. This semester, we are offering three workshops:

Workshop 1: Microcontrollers

📍 September 22nd @ 12 PM (Monday)

Learn the basics of microcontrollers and how they are used in everyday electronics. Students will explore different development boards (Arduino, ESP32, STM32, Raspberry Pi Pico), understand their applications, and get hands-on experience with sensors, actuators, and programming.

Workshop 2: PCB Design

📍 October 22nd @ 12 PM (Wednesday)

Discover how to take a circuit idea and turn it into a real printed circuit board. Students will learn about schematic capture, PCB layout, design rules, and popular software options such as KiCad, Altium, and Eagle. This semester, we will be focusing on KiCad. We’ll also cover how to generate files for manufacturing and tips for ordering PCBs.

Workshop 3: Soldering

📍 November 10th @ 12 PM (Monday)

📍 November 20th @ 5 PM (Thursday) 

Develop the practical skill of soldering by working with both through-hole and surface-mount components. Students will practice proper techniques, learn about flux and reflow methods, and gain confidence in building and repairing electronic circuits.

Workshop Lab Sessions

In addition to our standard workshops, IEEE USF hosts Workshop Lab Sessions – smaller, hands-on sessions designed to give students the space, tools, and support they need to work on personal or class projects.

Lab Workshop Sessions

Location: IEEE Lab – ENG 208

Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays: 12–2 PM

(Note: On days with a Large-Scale Workshop, there is no Lab Session )

Students must complete the required Lab Safety Courses and a quick competency check for specific equipment. Don’t worry if you’re new – we’ll train you and help you get comfortable with the tools.

During lab sessions, you’ll have:

• Access to Equipment – including soldering stations, oscilloscopes, power supplies, waveform generators, heat guns, 3D printers, and more (with new tools being added over time).

• Collaboration & Guidance – work alongside fellow students, IEEE board members, and mentors. Share ideas, ask questions, and build projects together.

• Dedicated Project Time – use these sessions to make real progress on personal projects, class hardware, or IEEE initiatives in a supportive environment.

These sessions are about more than just using lab tools – they’re about building community, gaining confidence, and advancing your engineering skills at your own pace.

Need Help or Have Questions?

If you ever need help during a Workshop Lab Session, don’t hesitate to ask! You can also reach me outside of the sessions if you have questions about the workshops, equipment, or your projects:

📧 Email: ieeeusfworkshopschair@usf.edu

💬 Discord: @Dragongon

Be sure to join the IEEE USF Student Discord Server and grab the Workshops Role to stay updated on announcements, schedules, and resources. (Click the Discord Icon on the bottom of the page!)