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.

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.  

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. 

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. 

Katie Hardwicke 

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team  

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  khardwicke6244@sdsu.edu

Katie Hardwicke is a fourth-year mechanical engineering student with an emphasis in bioengineering pursuing a Bachelors of Science Degree at San Diego State University. This year, she will be working on the assembly of the oCVD reactor for her Senior Capstone Project in the Advanced Manufacturing for Energy Devices Laboratory. She is the Co-President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers SDSU Chapter (ASME). She also enjoys crocheting, hiking, and baking.

Jacob Artolachipe

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team  

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  jartolachipe8072@sdsu.edu 

Jacob Artolachipe is a senior undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at San Diego State University. This semester, he is working on his senior capstone project on the oxidative Chemical Vapor Deposition (oCVD) Reactor sponsored by professor Meysam. He is working a part-time internship as a mechanical engineer intern for Davenergy Solutions throughout the semester as well. Jacob enjoys hanging out at the beach, hiking, and attending music festivals. 

Ivan Sarabia

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team  

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  isarabia4628@sdsu.edu

Ivan Sarabia is a mechanical engineering student at San Diego State University, with a minor in personality and social psychology. This year, Ivan will be focusing on developing innovative solutions for his Senior Capstone Project, collaborating with peers in the Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory. 

Derek Chan

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team  

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  dchan1588@sdsu.edu 

Derek Chan is senior undergraduate student at San Diego State University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Currently, he is working on his senior capstone project on the oxidative Chemical Vapor Deposition (oCVD) Reactor sponsored by professor Meysam. He enjoys learning about history, drawing sketches, and playing video games in his spare time. 

Jon Jordan 

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team  

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  jjordan7586@sdsu.edu 

Jon Jordan is a fourth year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University. He is part of the senior design team that is helping assemble and improve the initiative Chemical Vapor Deposition Reactor. He is interested in the Mechatronics and Additive Manufacturing industries once he graduates. 

Nahum Sifuentes

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team  

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  nsifuentes6838@sdsu.edu 

Nahum Sifuentes is a 4th year student currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in Bioengineering. He is currently a part of Dr. Meysam's senior design project team working on the Initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition (iCVD) Reactor. In his free time, he enjoys listening to new music as well as playing guitar and bass.  

Jonathan Jazo 

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team  

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  jjazo7416@sdsu.edu 

Jonathan is a fourth-year undergraduate student at San Diego State University, majoring in mechanical engineering. He is currently involved in his Senior Design Capstone Project, working on the Initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition (iCVD) Reactor for manufacturing functional polymers, under the guidance of Dr. Meysam Heydari Gharahcheshmeh. Additionally, Jonathan is interning at Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock as a research engineer throughout the semester. In his spare time, he enjoys working out, camping, cooking, and traveling.   

Junichi Suda 

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team  

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  jsuda3435@sdsu.edu 

Junichi is a Mechanical Engineering student at SDSU. He is currently pursuing his bachelors and working on a minor in Computer Science. He is most interested in the design process of mechanical systems such as cars, and airplanes. Some of his hobbies include baseball, tennis, motorsport, customizing hot wheels, and diorama making. One of those custom hot wheels is a sliding usb car that can still roll.  

Gerardo Franco  

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team  

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  gfranco4531@sdsu.edu 

Gerardo Franco is a 4th year student who pursuing a Bachelor of Science of Mechanical Engineering with a Bioengineering Emphasis. He is currently working on the Initiate Chemical Vapor Dispersion (iCVD) reactor. During his free time he has an interest in reading Sc-Fi novels, hiking and camping, and large interest in robotics in medical applications.  

Isaac Rodriguez  

B.S. Student/Special Studies 

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  irodriguez1523@sdsu.edu 

Isaac Rodriguez is a senior undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at San Diego State University. This semester, he is working on his senior capstone project on Dice Roller Machine for Disabled Veterans sponsored by QL+. He is working part-time as a Project Engineer Intern at University Mechanical Contractors & Engineers Inc. throughout the semester. Isaac enjoys lifting weights, running, and watching sports outside of work and school. 

Sukhbir Randhawa  

B.S. Student/Special Studies 

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  israndhawa8943@sdsu.edu  

Sukhbir Randhawa is a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student at San Diego State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Computer Science. He is competing in the CSU 3D-Printed Fixed-Wing Aircraft Competition as part of his Senior Capstone team. Additionally, he collaborates with peers in the Advanced Manufacturing for Energy Devices Laboratory, under the guidance of Dr. Meysam. He enjoys reading books and making puzzles in his leisure time. 

Maxx Pastore 

B.S. Student/Special Studies 

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  mpastore7984@sdsu.edu  

Maxx Pastore is a senior undergraduate at SDSU pursuing his mechanical engineering Bachelor's degree. For his senior capstone project he was chosen to design and develop a dice rolling machine for disabled veterans. He enjoys working on cars and creating handheld gaming devices .

Ahmet Sami Mutafoglu  

B.S. Student/Special Studies 

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  Amutafoglu7809@sdsu.edu 

Ahmet Sami Mutafoglu is a senior undergraduate at San Diego State University, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. His interests lie in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), thermal systems, and advanced manufacturing processes. Ahmet has gained hands-on experience in mechanical design, prototyping, and numerical simulations, utilizing tools such as CAD software and 3D printing technologies. Outside of academics, he enjoys problem-solving, mentoring students, and working on innovative engineering solutions.

Jennifer Aguirre 

B.S. Student/Special Studies 

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  jaguirre6657@sdsu.edu 

Jennifer Aguirre is a third-year Mechanical Engineering student pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree at San Diego State University. This year, she has been working on her senior design capstone project, which focuses on designing a dice roller for disabled veterans, specifically tailored for quadriplegic users. Throughout this project, she has gained experience in mechanical design, prototyping, and CAD modeling. Throughout her studies, she has developed a strong foundation in engineering principles and looks forward to applying her skills to impactful and innovative projects in the future.