Leigh Northrup is a middle school educator and maker space leader with over two decades of experience championing hands-on learning and creative problem-solving. As Dean of Innovation and Technology at Cannon School in Concord, North Carolina, he has spent more than 23 years developing and leading maker programs that introduce students to woodworking, digital fabrication, and CNC-based design. He has also supported schools across the country in building their own maker spaces, helping to foster practical skills and a deeper understanding of how ideas move from concept to creation.

Leigh’s passion for making began in his grandfather’s workshop, where he developed an early appreciation for craftsmanship and working with tools. Today, his personal focus spans woodworking, resin work, and CNC-driven processes, all of which he brings into the classroom to create engaging, real-world learning experiences. By blending traditional techniques with modern technology, Leigh continues to inspire the next generation of makers to build with confidence and curiosity.