Team Members
Doctoral Students
Edgar Bryant
Edgar is a doctoral student with a background in Mechanical Engineering Technology and a passion for Additive Manufacturing (AM). He completed his undergraduate studies at Kennesaw State University, where he was inspired by the mentorship of Dr. Aaron Adams and Dr. Cameron Coates to pursue a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering. Edgar is now preparing to embark on graduate studies with a focus on AM for nuclear reactor applications.
As an undergraduate, Edgar conducted studies on additively manufactured polymers, modeling complex lattice structures and testing their mechanical properties in accordance with ASTM standards. By varying infill density and raster angle, he gained insights into optimizing polymer structures for mechanical performance.
Currently, Edgar is pioneering research on additively manufactured lattice-structured nuclear fuel housings for microreactor systems. His project involves collaboration with Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and the Materials and Fuel Complex (MFC) to test and validate these innovative designs. This research has the potential to revolutionize nuclear reactor safety and efficiency.
Edgar's future aspirations include contributing to cutting-edge research at national laboratories and inspiring the next generation of engineers as a professor at Kennesaw State University. With a commitment to innovation and empowerment, he is poised to make significant contributions to both academia and industry.
Mechack Nduwa
Mechack Nduwa is a graduate student in the Interdisciplinary Engineering program at Kennesaw State University, with a concentration in Innovative Materials. His research focuses on advancing additive manufacturing and exploring the mechanical properties of 3D-printed materials to optimize their performance in various applications.
Before pursuing his graduate studies, Mechack earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology with a focus on manufacturing engineering from Kennesaw State University.
Mechack's future research aims to further innovate in the field of materials science, with a focus on enhancing the sustainability and performance of advanced manufacturing technologies.
Outside of academics, Mechack enjoys biking, watching soccer games, birdwatching, and photography.
Matthew Azaroff
Matthew Azaroff is a graduate student in the Interdisciplinary Engineering program at Kennesaw State University, with his concentration being in Innovative Materials. His main focus is integrating additive manufacturing into the design of advanced materials and methods to optimize performance and enhance output delivery.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Kennesaw State University, where he also gained hands-on experience as a student assistant in the Engineering Technology department, supporting faculty, labs, and student-led engineering projects.
Matthew’s research goals are grounded in developing materials and design strategies that push the boundaries of engineering performance. He is particularly interested in how material innovation can improve mechanical systems across industries ranging from transportation to manufacturing.
Beyond his academic work, Matthew is an automotive enthusiast with a strong background in motorsports and fabrication. His passion for drifting has led him to design and fabricate custom components for his personal drift builds, blending his technical skills with creativity and performance driven design.
Masters Students
Dominic Mandato
Dominic is pursuing a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on hydraulic systems through his Master’s Project with Idaho National Laboratory’s TREAT reactor. He earned his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from KSU in Fall 2024. As a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Engineering Technology Department, Dominic supports courses in Engineering Materials, Rapid Design/Prototyping, and Senior Design Labs. With a strong interest in material behaviors, he aims to advance innovative solutions using novel additive manufacturing techniques.
Undergraduate Students
Eric Miller
Eric Miller is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering at Kennesaw State University. He is currently a participant in an undergraduate research program at Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology: Testing and Simulation of Effects of Raster Angle and Infill Density of Specimens Created Using Additive Manufacturing. On this project, he is involved in verifying the tolerances of parts and testing for tensile strength, and is driven by an eagerness to research additive manufacturing and its implications in the field of robotics.
