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. 

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. 

Mary Becker 

B.S. Student

San Diego State University

Department of Physics

E-mail:  mbecker9777@sdsu.edu 

Mary Becker is an undergraduate researcher attending San Diego State University, majoring in Physics with a specialty in Electro-Optics, and minoring in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience. She has previously performed research at the Center for Axion and Precision Physics in Daejeon, South Korea working on axion haloscopic systems and as part of the LIGO group at CSULA optimizing mirror surfaces. After graduation, she plans on attending graduate school to pursue a career in academia. She is the current President of Women in Physics SDSU and an active member of the Society of Physics Scholars and the Schwartz Astronomical Society. She is a Lifeguard/EMT for the City of San Diego and enjoys baking, dancing, and swimming in her free time.

Grant Butsko

B.S. Student/Special Studies 

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering 

E-mail:  gbutsko0835@sdsu.edu 

Grant Butsko is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University. For his capstone project sponsored by General Atomics, Grant is the Design Lead, working to design and implement a wing fold system for the MQ-9 drone. Grant has interned at NAVAIR on the Fleet Support Team for the F/A-18 where he gained valuable experience working for the DoD. Through SDSU Rocket Project, he is the Project Lead for an experimental throttling injector and the Upper Airframe Lead.  Grant is also a member of Tau Beta Pi. In his free time, Grant enjoys reading, 3D printing, and exercising.

Kendra-Rose Jucal

B.S. Student/Special Studies

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  kjucal7190@sdsu.edu

Kendra-Rose Jucal is a fourth-year, Mechanical Engineering student attending San Diego State University. She is a proud member of SDSU's Society of Women in Engineering and is currently working on campus at the Center for Student Success in Engineering as a Peer Navigator. Her Senior Design Capstone Project is in collaboration with Masimo, designing an Automated Curing Cabinet. After graduation, she aims to pursue a career in Manufacturing, Material Sciences, or Research/Design. Beyond academic focus, her hobbies include textile crafts, painting, and hiking. She also enjoys the study of art, film/cinema, and music.

Eric Tanori

B.S. Student/Special Studies

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  etanori2182@sdsu.edu

Eric Tanori is a senior in the Mechanical Engineering Department interested in working in Manufacturing. He is a member of the student chapter of Engineers without Borders (EWB). His interests include cars, camping, and film photography.

Stefan Fahr

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  sfahr2880@sdsu.edu

Stefan Fahr is a full-time student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University. He works part-time at SpaceX in Hawthorne, California, as a Falcon 9 Engineering Intern for the 2023 calendar year. He is particularly interested in liquid rocket engine development and has gained valuable experience working on cutting-edge projects at SpaceX and personal engine garage projects. Stefan enjoys surfing, traveling, and running when he is not studying or working, which provides him with inspiration and relaxation.

Joe Beck

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  jbeck2719@sdsu.edu

Joe Beck is a Mechanical Engineering student currently enrolled at San Diego State University, a former tennis professional and coach. Currently working at Hotel Del Coronado as a server full time while enrolled in school full time. He has always had a passion working on cars and building computers and loves building and designing. Currently he will be assembling a Chemical Vapor Deposition reactor.

Tyler Schmid

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  tschmid3945@sdsu.edu    

Tyler Schmid is a fourth-year mechanical engineering student pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree at SDSU. He has experience working at Hewlett Packard on a team that developed high-performance 3DP footwear. Tyler is looking forward to learn more and to apply what he has learned to industry. Throughout his time at SDSU, he has been a member of the waterski team and is a former president. He has competed at a national level on this team against schools across the country.

Mariano Perez 

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  mperez0314@sdsu.edu    

Mariano Perez is a senior undergraduate student at San Diego State University pursuing a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. After graduating, he plans to go into the automotive industry. He is the first in his family to attend college. In his spare time, Mariano likes to play soccer, hike, and fish.   

Chris Anderson  

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  canderson2041@sdsu.edu   

Chris Anderson is a senior undergraduate student at San Diego State University pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. 

Phillip Thomas

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  pthomas1669@sdsu.edu  

Phillip (PJ) Thomas is a 4th year student currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering. For his Capstone project, he will be aiding in the design and construction of a home-built Chemical Vapor Deposition reactor. Post graduation, he plans on pursuing a Teaching Credential. In his free time, PJ enjoys reading, and playing various Tabletop Role-Playing Games (RPGs).

Norman Stone

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  Nstone9355@sdsu.edu  

Norman Stone is a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student enrolled at San Diego State University. Currently, working at Jack in the Box as a Team Leader part-time, while being enrolled in school full-time. He has had a passion for cars since getting his license at 16. For the past couple of years, he has been getting more familiar with the components of cars through repairs and videos. 

Devin Seyfarth

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  dseyfarth8549@sdsu.edu 

Devin Seyfarth is a fourth-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University. For his Senior Capstone Project, he will be working with the Advanced Manufacturing for Energy Devices Laboratory to re-design and assemble a home-built CVD reactor. Post graduation, he plans on pursuing a career in Research and Development. In his free time, Devin enjoys listening to music, reading, and playing guitar.

Ahmad Taleb

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  ataleb6560@sdsu.edu 

Ahmad is a Mechanical Engineering student at San Diego State University. He also has beginner experience in C and python. His hobby is working out and music and learning about science and technology. He is working with a team to assemble a home built vacuum reactor for Chemical Vapor Deposition applications. Ahmad is looking forward to learning more manufacturing techniques and to apply it in real world applications.

Brian Daute 

B.S. Student/Special Studies 

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. 

Joseph Hotto 

B.S. Student/Special Studies 

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  jhotto9815@sdsu.edu 

Joseph Hotto is a senior studying Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University and is graduating this Spring 2024. He decided to do a literature review as part of the independent study course with Dr. Meysam Heydari because he took his ME420 class last semester and found it interesting and wanted to understand what he learned further in depth. Joseph aims to start a career in manufacturing once he graduates and is currently working on a senior capstone project involving a physical distress monitor for Navy SEALS sponsored by Masimo and Capstone Marketplace. Outside of engineering, his interests are in cooking and going to the gym, and has recently pursued an interest in bowling.  

Rajiv Mukeshbhai Mangukia

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team  

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  rmangukia8275@sdsu.edu   

Rajiv Mukeshbhai Mangukia is a final-year student studying Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University, set to graduate in Fall 2024. I'll be collaborating with Dr. Gharahcheshmeh on the Chemical Vapor Deposition Reactor project for my Senior Design. Additionally, I volunteer with Prof. Morsi's research team, focusing on Closed-Cell Metallic Foams Produced via Powdered Metallurgy.As an engaged member of Sigma Phi Delta, the Premier Engineering Fraternity at SDSU, I'm involved in various activities. Outside of academics, I pursue my passion for music as a DJ and by honing my skills in music production. 

Anh Tran

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team  

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  atran5027@sdsu.edu  

Anh Tran is a final year mechanical engineering student, and he is deeply passionate about leveraging innovative solutions to address complex challenges in the field. Currently, I am working on capstone project focused on the development of a Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Reactor sponsored by Professor Meysam.  Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently pursued opportunities to expand my understanding of mechanical systems and their applications. From coursework to extracurricular projects, I have honed my skills in design, analysis, and project management, preparing myself for the demands of the professional world. In my free time I love to go work out, drive around town and fishing. 

Isaiah Hansink 

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team  

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  ihansink5447@sdsu.edu 

Isaiah Hansink is pursuing a bachelor in Mechanical Engineering; and he has an interest in pursuing further education in the future. Isaiah has major interests in design and manufacturing in the Engineering industry. Isaiah is looking to fall into his grandfathers shoes, who went to SDSU and studied Mechanical Engineering as well; and now is an integral member at General Atomics. Isaiah has other passions like surfing, golfing, and drawing/painting. 

Ignacio Carrillo 

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team  

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  icarrillo6226@sdsu.edu 

Ignacio Carrillo is currently in his final year as a Mechanical Engineering major with an emphasis on thermal systems. He has always had a passion for aircraft and aims to join the aerospace industry when he graduates. Ignacio enjoys working out, playing video games and doing jiu jitsu in his free time. For his final project, Ignacio and his team will be continuing the work on the articulated CVD reactor. 

Jesse Gomez

B.S. Student/Senior Design Project Team  

San Diego State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

E-mail:  jgomez2@sdsu.edu   

Jesse is a Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics student at San Diego State University. He is currently pursuing degrees in mechanical engineering and applied Mathematics and a minor in physics. As the first of his family to attend college. He is currently working with a team to assemble an enclosure for a reactor for Chemical Vapor Deposition applications. In his spare time he learns about cybersecurity and automobiles.