Current Members

Kafil Chowdhury

Ph.D. Student

San Diego State University/University of California at San Diego 

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  kchowdhury@sdsu.edu 

Kafil Chowdhury is a Joint Doctoral Program (JDP) student between UCSD-SDSU and currently working in the Advanced Manufacturing for Energy Devices (AMED) lab as a Ph.D. student. He completed his master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University and bachelor's from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. He worked in the industries for a brief period and returned to academia to pursue his Ph.D. His current research interest consists of the synthesis and characterization of a conductive polymer by using different chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques, primarily focusing on energy storage applications. 

Brian Dautel

M.S. Student 

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  bdautel2599@sdsu.edu 

Brian Dautel is a junior Mechanical engineering student at San Diego State University. He is currently a member of SDSU Mechatronics with a project focus on component mounting. He is also a member of the Xi chapter Tau Beta Pi. He is considering pursing a masters with a focus on utilizing conducting polymers for biomedical applications. Brian enjoys going fishing on weekends, exploring unique kinds of math, and going on long bike rides. 

Clayton Messick 

M.S. Student

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  cmessick1194@sdsu.edu  

Clayton Messick is a third-year (4+1) BS/MS Mechanical Engineering student at San Diego State University. He is currently writing a review article on conducting polymers for thermoelectric applications in wearable devices. Clayton is president of ASHRAE SDSU, a member of the Xi Chapter of Tau Beta Pi, and a dependent member of Troops to Engineers. In his free time, he enjoys being with friends and family and is an avid sports fan. 

Sezgin Saglam 

M.S. Student

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  ssaglam1163@sdsu.edu    

Sezgin is a graduate student in Mechanical Engineering with five years of professional experience in marine engineering, where he developed practical skills in solving real-world technical challenges. He is passionate about combining his industry background with academic research to advance innovation in energy technologies. Outside of his studies, Sezgin enjoys playing soccer, reading, and traveling to explore new cultures. He is always eager to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the field. 

Oscar Correa 

M.S. Student

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  ocorrea6497@sdsu.edu   

Oscar is a graduate student pursuing his MS in mechanical engineering. He attained his BS in mechanical engineering from San Diego State University (SDSU) in the spring of 2023 and started grad school right after graduation, with an emphasis in manufacturing and design. He is interested in advanced manufacturing techniques, computational fluid dynamics, and finite element analysis. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, camping, and endurance sports.

Rajiv Mukeshbhai Mangukia

Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) Student

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering and Management Information Systems 

E-mail:  rmangukia8275@sdsu.edu   

Rajiv is currently pursuing a Master of Engineering degree with a specialization in Mechanical Engineering and Supply Chain Management at SDSU, under supervision of Dr. Meysam and Dr. Zheng. During his B.S. studies, he participated in a senior design project under the supervision of Dr. Meysam, focusing on the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) reactor. In this project, he successfully integrated a vacuum pump into the reactor chamber, identified leak points, and contributed to system optimization. Additionally, Rajiv during his B.S studies was involved in research under Dr. Morsi, working on closed-cell metallic foams produced through powder metallurgy. His contributions included working with aluminum foams and assisting in the incorporation of an expandometer into the experimental setup to study their in-situ properties. Throughout his academic journey, Rajiv has developed a strong foundation in the design, analysis, and manufacturing of fluid, mechanical, thermal, and electrical systems. Beyond academics, he nurtures a creative passion for music—as both a DJ and an aspiring music producer. 

Kaeden Berner 

M.S. Student

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering and Management Information Systems 

E-mail:  kberner7004@sdsu.edu 

Kaeden Berner is currently a junior undergraduate mechanical engineering student at San Diego State University (SDSU) and is enrolled in the 4+1 B.S./M.S. Mechanical Engineering program. As a third-year student in the joint degree track, he plans to begin his master’s-level coursework next fall and aims to complete the combined program by Spring 2028. Outside of his academic pursuits, Kaeden enjoys surfing, mountain biking, and spending time outdoors, particularly on nature walks at sunset.

Diego Tres

M.S. Student

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  dtres4702@sdsu.edu    

Diego is a current masters student at SDSU pursuing a concentration in design and manufacturing. He has been working in the industry for the last two years since he finished his undergraduate degree back in May 2023 and recently went back to school to get his masters degree. Diego’s eagerness to learn and passion for innovation is the catalyst that propelled him towards joining the AMED lab. In his free time, Diego enjoys surfing, golfing, mountain biking and camping.  

Angel Campos 

M.S. Student

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  acampos5798@sdsu.edu 

Angel Campos is in the Master of Engineering Program (MEng) with a focus in Mechanical Engineering as well as Technical Sales and Marketing. He completed his bachelor's from the University of California, San Diego in nanoengineering. He plans to pursue a career in Material Manufacturing or a related material science field. His hobby is kick-boxing and he enjoys traveling with his friends. 

Naomi Chuang 

B.S. Student/Senior Design Capstone Project Team

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Email: nchuang8395@sdsu.edu 

Naomi Chuang is a senior studying Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in Bioengineering and a minor in Leadership at San Diego State University. This year, she is the senior design team lead for a project that will be designing and assembling components of the oCVD and iCVD reactor systems in the Advanced Manufacturing for Energy Device Laboratory. Naomi is also a Community Assistant at the Residential Education Office and works at the front desk of the Math and Science Learning Center. She is also a founding member of the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers and is involved in Associated Students. 

Alex Christiansen  

B.S. Student/Senior Design Capstone Project Team

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Email: achristiansen0548@sdsu.edu  

Alex Christiansen is a fourth-year mechanical engineering student at San Diego State University. This year, he will be working on the assembly of the oCVD and iCVD reactor for his Senior Design Project in the Advanced Manufacturing for Energy Devices Laboratory. He is working a part-time internship as a Mechanical Engineering Intern for the Zip Launchpad, as well as a Controls Engineering Intern for Shamrock Foods throughout the semester. He also enjoys golf, soccer, and camping in his free time.

Connor Malech

B.S. Student/Senior Design Capstone Project Team

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Email: cmalech8504@sdsu.edu 

Connor is a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student pursuing his bachelor's degree at San Diego State University. This year, he will be working on the assembly of the CVD reactor for his Capstone Senior Design Project at the Advanced Manufacturing for Energy Device Lab. He also works part-time at Special Collections in the San Diego State University Library, assisting scholars and patrons with research projects. He enjoys watching football, hiking, and reading historical fiction.

Zackery Melland 

B.S. Student/Senior Design Capstone Project Team

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Email: zmelland8359@sdsu.edu 

Zack Melland is a fourth-year mechanical engineering student at San Diego State University. This year, he is working on the senior design project responsible for the design and assembly of the oCVD and iCVD systems in the Advanced Manufacturing for Energy Device Lab. He is working part-time during the semester at Versatech Precision as a design engineer. He is an active member of Aztec Baja Racing at SDSU, and is the current Treasurer and Lead of the steering subsystem. Some of his hobbies include hiking, camping, and working on cars. 

Ella Helge  

B.S. Student/Senior Design Capstone Project Team

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Email: ehelge6941@sdsu.edu

Ella Helge is a fourth-year mechanical engineering student at San Diego State University. This year, she is on the senior design team that will be completing the assembly and design of the oCVD and iCVD systems in the Advanced Manufacturing for Energy Device Laboratory. She is working part-time internships at the Zip Launch Pad as a prototyping engineer, as well as at Tandem Diabetes Care as a systems test engineer. She is an active member and Vice President of the Aztec Baja Racing Club. Her hobbies include hiking, reading, frolicking, and working on cars. 

Tanner Renken

B.S. Student/Special Studies

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Email: trenken6069@sdsu.edu 

Tanner Renken is a fourth-year mechanical engineering student at San Diego State University. This semester, he is completing an independent research project focused on developing 3D models and professional engineering drawings related to Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) systems using SolidWorks and Rhino. He is working part-time as a Mechanical Engineering Research Intern at the Georgia Tech Research Institute. In his free time, he enjoys surfing, fishing, and spending time outdoors. 

Jessica Jensen

B.S. Student/Special Studies

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Email: jjensen9398@sdsu.edu 

Jessica is a junior undergraduate studying Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics at San Diego State University. She previously earned associate degrees in engineering, mathematics, and physics from Sierra College. She is an active member of SDSU Women in Business and the SDSU Math Club. In addition, she serves as a tutor in the College of Engineering Tutoring Program. Outside of academics, she enjoys reading and spending time in nature with her dog. 

Jason Burgess 

B.S. Student/Special Studies

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Email: jburgess5435@sdsu.edu 

Jason is a junior undergraduate studying Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University. He works at Surface Optics Corporation, where he holds a position as a mechanical engineer, where he develops systems for capturing multispectral and hyperspectral data. He is completing an independent research project focused on developing 3D models and professional engineering drawings related to Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) systems using SolidWorks. Outside of the professional world and academics, Jason enjoys leading in Oaks International, a Christian college ministry, and eating steak. 

Parker Trimble 

B.S. Student/Special Studies

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Email: ptrimble0972@sdsu.edu 

Parker Trimble is an undergraduate Mechanical Engineering student at San Diego State University. He is a member of Aztec Electric Racing, where he serves as a vehicle dynamics and chassis engineer. Through his involvement with AER and a Transportation Engineering internship at CalTrans, he has gained hands-on experience in mechanical design, simulation, and testing within a competitive engineering environment. Outside of work, Parker enjoys surfing, snowboarding, and rock climbing. 

Jacob Trahan

B.S. Student/Special Studies

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Email: jtrahan9655@sdsu.edu  

Jacob is a third-year mechanical engineering student at San Diego State University. This semester, he will begin working on independent projects surrounding Chemical Vapor Deposition and energy storage devices, specifically 3D modeling and drawing specific aspects of processes surrounding oCVD using solidworks and blender. In addition to his work, he enjoys watching sports, being outside, snowboarding, and wakeboarding. 

Carson Miller

B.S. Student/Special Studies

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Email: cmiller4550@sdsu.edu