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.
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
Matthew Azaroff
Matthew Azaroff is currently pursing his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology at Kennesaw State University, where he also works as a student assistant for the Engineering Technology department. He plans to pursue his Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering in the fall semester. Outside of academics, Matthew has a passion for drifting, which led him to explore automotive fabrication. He is currently fabricating components for his current drift project and plans to begin drifting again this year.
Keily Zendejas Benavides
Keily Zendejas Benavides is a student at Kennesaw State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Engineering Design Graphics. She participates in the undergraduate research project: Testing and Simulation of Effects of Raster Angle and Infill Density of Specimens Created Using Additive Manufacturing. This research is centered around additive manufacturing, specifically Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), where Keily and her team investigate the material properties of 3D-printed polylactide (PLA) specimens. Their work focuses on how parameters such infill density affects the mechanical properties of FDM-printed parts, particularly under tensile tests. With an interest in understanding the behavior of 3D printing materials, she hopes to make advancements in manufacturing processes and engineering design. Her ultimate goal is to become a design engineer, where she can continue to bring innovative solutions to life and explore the intersection of technology and its creativity in engineering.
Preston Coutinho
Preston Coutinho is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering and he is currently a freshman. He is part of the first-year scholars group under the office of undergraduate research. Preston's hobbies include making and flying remote controlled planes, making and testing remote controlled cars with powerful electronics, motorsports engineering, and 3d printing. His future goal is to be able to work with electric vehicles in the future since he is an electric vehicle enthusiast.
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.
Luke Whitcomb
Luke Whitcomb is an honors student at Kennesaw State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He takes part in the first-year scholars program at KSU and is involved in the project Testing and Simulation of Effects of Raster Angle and Infill Density of Specimens Created Using Additive Manufacturing with Dr. Aaron Adams. He plans to continue doing research throughout all four years to gain valuable experience in engineering-focused projects.
