Aleandro is a mechanical and energy engineer with over eight years of experience in the manufacturing industry, specializing in process automation, tooling design, and production optimization. Holding a Master of Science in Mechanical and Energy Engineering from the University of North Texas, he focuses on integrating robotics, pneumatic systems, and sensor-driven solutions to enhance efficiency, consistency, and safety on the factory floor. Throughout his career, Aleandro has led the implementation of automated cells using six-axis robots, developed ergonomic lifting systems for heavy components, and driven cost-saving initiatives through smart manufacturing practices. Recognized as one of Plant Engineering Magazine’s 2024 Engineering Leaders Under 40, Aleandro is also an active member of SME and the North American Deep Drawing Research Group.

Andres Jaimes is a passionate manufacturing engineer with over six years of experience and a strong academic background, holding a B.S. in Applied Physics and two master’s degrees—in Manufacturing & Mechanical Engineering and Operations & Supply Management. With global work experience and fluency in four languages, Andres brings a well-rounded, international perspective to engineering and innovation. Known for being kind, approachable, and committed to lifelong learning, Andres actively mentors and empowers others while contributing to the manufacturing field with enthusiasm and expertise. Outside of work, Andres enjoys time with family and pets, as well as traveling, learning about new cultures, playing sports, and volunteering. Having supported communities across Europe, Latin America, and North America, Andres believes deeply in shared human responsibility and the power of giving back through education, cultural exchange, and service.

Ane Marie Harb is a dynamic professional dedicated to elevating engineering standards and fostering safer, sustainable workplaces. With a proven track record and impressive credentials, Ane Marie is at the forefront of modern industry transformation. As a driving force at Comefri USA, she has led the company's evolution to cutting-edge ISO standards, including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018. Ane Marie's journey, fortified by a master's degree and Six Sigma Black Belt, embodies academia's synergy with real-world application. Her leadership as SME Nashville Chapter Chair and Outstanding Student Award recipient showcases her unwavering commitment to excellence. Rooted in determination and ethics, Ane Marie Harb is an inspiring innovator, shaping engineering's future with relentless passion.

Aric Halloran brings 30 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, specializing in manufacturing strategy, steel and cast iron machining, and quality. With a background in leadership roles at a Fortune 100 company, Aric has overseen the development of cutting-edge technologies in welding, machining, assembly, and automation across a global scale. His extensive expertise extends to mentoring individuals on career planning, organizational problem-solving, and personal development. Actively involved in SME, he contributes to chapter activities, event planning, and workforce development in coordination with local manufacturers and academic institutions. Aric also serves as an Advisory Board Member for the University of Northern Iowa's manufacturing engineering curriculum.

Charan is a seasoned manufacturing quality professional with over 12 years of experience in automotive, HVAC, electronics, packaging, and electrical industries. Currently, he serves as the global quality director at Electrex Inc., a wire harness manufacturer in Hutchinson, Kansas. He holds a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, a master's degree in Manufacturing, and an MBA in Organizational Leadership. Charan is certified as an ASQ CQE, CQA, CMQ/OE, LSSMBB, and PMI PMP. From 2015 to 2017, he chaired the SME OKC chapter, increasing membership and earning a bronze certificate. He has authored book chapters and published articles on various manufacturing technologies.

Derek Anti brings 22 years of manufacturing expertise with a strong focus on machining. As a Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE), Derek has worked across diverse industries including oil & gas, aerospace, defense, and most recently, diesel power propulsion. Currently, Derek leads the Global Machining Category at Cummins, overseeing advanced machining technologies, driving global standardization, and developing the technical skills essential to meet Cummins’ present and future demands. Outside of work, Derek enjoys coaching his four children in sports, traveling with his wife, spending time with extended family, and cheering on the New England Patriots.

Farhad Ghadamli is an advocate for advanced manufacturing and has been an active SME member since 2012. He is a recipient of the 2025 SME Shiv Kapoor Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award. He served on the 2022–2024 SME Member Council and previously chaired the SME Oakland–Macomb Chapter 069 and served on SME’s Additive Manufacturing Oversight and Appeals Committee. With a background in additive manufacturing, Farhad is now focused on manufacturing data management and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) at TE Connectivity, strengthening the digital foundation that connects engineering and manufacturing. A UC Davis mechanical engineering graduate, he helped reinstating the university’s SME student chapter and has remained deeply committed to innovation, digital transformation, and mentorship.

Jim Garrick founded Maxability LLC, a leadership coaching, mentoring, and continuous improvement practice. With more than 40 years of experience in Lean, Operational Excellence, manufacturing, leadership development, and organizational transformation, Jim helps individuals and organizations improve performance by developing both people and processes. His experience spans executive leadership, Lean transformation, coaching, mentoring, facilitation, and problem-solving across multiple industries. Jim is an active member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and is committed to giving back through mentoring, leadership development, professional coaching, and volunteer service that supports the next generation of leaders. Outside of work, Jim enjoys continuous learning, writing about leadership and innovation, traveling, sailing, and following auto racing. As a mentor, Jim helps mentees strengthen leadership skills, navigate career decisions, improve problem-solving abilities, and build confidence through thoughtful guidance, real-world experience, and reflective conversations.

Mayur Wakhere is a Senior Manufacturing Engineer with over 10 years of experience across automotive, medical device, and advanced manufacturing industries. He specializes in process optimization, automation, and integrating advanced technologies to improve quality, cost, and efficiency. Passionate about innovation, Mayur works on process development and automation implementation to drive productivity and growth. He is an active member of IEEE, SME, IET, and ASM International, and contributes as a peer reviewer and technical advisor for professional conferences. Committed to continuous learning and mentorship, Mayur guides engineers and teams in project management, automation, and lean manufacturing. Outside work, he enjoys playing cricket and tennis, and traveling with his family across the U.S. and beyond.

Pareshkumar Hotchandani is the Site Lead for Automation at Smith & Nephew, where he leads robotics integration, validated automation, and digital compliance across FDA-regulated manufacturing environments. With global experience spanning smart factory deployments for Honda, PepsiCo, and Volkswagen, he brings deep expertise in intelligent inspection systems, low-code IoT, and standards-based architectures. Paresh is an active member of SME, IEEE, ISA, and IET. Paresh supports early-career engineers through career counseling, leadership coaching, and guidance on publishing and society involvement. Outside of work, Paresh enjoys playing pickleball and cricket, traveling to explore industrial design history, and curating robotics case studies. He’s also a food enthusiast with a love for Indian cuisine and global flavors.

Dr. Gholston is Professor and Chair of the Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering Department at The University of Texas at Arlington. He is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) and serves as an examiner for both the National Baldrige Performance Excellence Award and the Florida Sterling/Oglethorpe Performance Award. He holds multiple professional credentials, including Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, IASSC Black Belt, Lean Healthcare Certification, and is an IASSC Accredited Lean Six Sigma Trainer. Dr. Gholston also has a long record of service to the profession, including leadership roles as a local chapter chair for SME and as a member of the SME Regional Executive Committee.

Sanket Hirve is a Manufacturing Engineering Lead with more than five years of experience in manufacturing operations, Lean implementation, continuous improvement, quality systems, and project management. At Terex Utilities, Sanket leads cross-functional initiatives focused on process optimization, operational excellence, safety, and workflow improvements that drive measurable results in quality, cost, and delivery. Previously, he served as a Manufacturing Engineer at ITW Paslode, leading Kaizen events, developing manufacturing processes, improving product manufacturability, and implementing sustainable process improvements. An active member of the SME community, Sanket is passionate about mentoring students and early-career professionals, sharing expertise in manufacturing, leadership, problem-solving, and continuous improvement while supporting their long-term career growth.

Sathwik Reddy Toom is a Research Engineer at ArcelorMittal Global R&D with over seven years of experience in mechanical engineering. His work focuses on additive manufacturing, cold rolling development, and advanced materials testing. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University and an M.S. from the University of Michigan–Dearborn. Throughout his career, Sathwik has led projects involving laser side trimming, brake rotor optimization, and molecular simulations for flexible electronics. He has collaborated with industry leaders such as Ford, Hyundai, and TARDEC, and contributed to research initiatives for the U.S. Air Force. His technical expertise includes CAD modeling, finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and molecular dynamics. Sathwik is also certified in Six Sigma Green Belt. Passionate about bridging the gap between research and industrial application, he actively mentors early-career engineers and drives innovation in manufacturing. His goal is to continue developing technologies that enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in the materials and manufacturing space.

Dr. Yash Parikh, a Process Engineering Consultant at EOS North America, brings over a decade of expertise in additive manufacturing (AM), specializing in qualification and validation protocols for EOS's systems. He has secured over $5 million in research funding as a principal investigator (PI) and co-PI from agencies including AFRL, America Makes (NCDMM), and LIFT. Prior to joining EOS, he was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Carnegie Mellon University's Next Manufacturing Center, where he advanced AI/ML applications for expeditionary manufacturing. His doctoral research at Texas A&M University on property-graded structures through laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) resulted in multiple peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Parikh holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and actively contributes to organizations such as ASTM, ASME, and SAE. He serves as a guest editor for Nature Partner Journal (NPJ) and a reviewer for journals, including JMP, JMSE, JOM, PIAM, and JLA.

Justin Fluegel began his career after earning a Mechanical Engineering degree, working as a project engineer designing custom hydraulic components. This role introduced him to Design for Manufacturing and led to developing CNC machining, welding, assembly, and test tooling. Encouraged by manufacturing engineers, he adopted Lean manufacturing and expanded into stamping tooling design. He later set up North American operations for a Chinese hydraulics company, gaining experience in sales, application, APQP/PPAP, and value-added engineering. In engineering management, Justin developed technical talent using SME ToolingU training. Currently, he is a Supplier Development Engineer at Bobcat, focusing on supplier quality and continuous improvement. He is also helping to restart the Milwaukee SME Chapter. Outside work, Justin coaches his sons’ basketball and baseball teams.

Adonis Agapiou is a Battery Performance Engineer at General Motors, advancing electric vehicle technology since 2022. Before GM, he worked as a Quality Engineer at JST, focusing on automotive connectors and product integrity. He hold a Bachelor’s (2020) and Master’s (2023) in Mechanical Engineering from Oakland University and are pursuing a second Master’s in Engineering Management to enhance leadership skills. During college, Adonis was active in several organizations, including Formula SAE—contributing to race car design—and the Mechanical Engineering Student Advisory Board, where he organized networking events to support student engagement. Outside work, Adonis is a sports fan of basketball and football, a car enthusiast who enjoys comparing classic and modern vehicles, and likes working out and shopping.

Dr. Alex Roschli is a researcher with the System Automation and Monitoring Research Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility. He obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso. Alex has conducted research with large format polymer additive manufacturing since 2013 and has also worked with large format metal and concrete. Some of his projects include the world’s first 3D printed car, the former Guinness World Record holder for largest 3D printed object, and other 3D printed vehicles such as a Willy’s Jeep, a utility vehicle, an excavator, a submarine, and a mold for a catamaran. Alex has authored or co-authored more than 50 scholarly articles and a book, Motion and Path Planning for Additive Manufacturing. He is an AMUG DINO Award winner, an ASME Thomas A. Edison Patent Award winner, an SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award winner, and was named to Mechanical Engineer Magazine’s Watchlist His current research focus is software development for toolpath generation in large format additive manufacturing. Alex is an active member of SME, ASME, and AMUG.

Anthony Jackson brings over 20 years of experience in manufacturing, beginning in plant operations and later supporting design and manufacturing engineers through service engineering. Currently, Anthony focuses on business processes, developing and enforcing company policies in manufacturing, safety, and compliance. From a young age, Anthony was drawn to engineering and invention, and now aspires to teach and mentor. That passion is reflected in volunteer work with SAE’s A World In Motion (AWIM) and NSBE’s SEEK, both offering hands-on STEM experiences to students. Anthony is active in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), promoting professional growth and community engagement. Through the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Anthony has served as Secretary and board member of Chapter 69 (2020–2023) and participated in scholarship reviews, inspired by students’ enthusiasm for manufacturing.

Dr. Basel Alsayyed is the Engineering Technology Program Director and Assistant Professor in the School of Engineering and Technology at Western Carolina University (WCU). With over 21 years in academia and 12 years in industry—primarily in the American automotive sector—Dr. AlSayyed focuses on integrating academic and industry goals through education, research, and workforce development. Prior to WCU, Dr. AlSayyed was an Industrial Professor at the University of Alberta and an Associate Professor at UAE University. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and holds seven patents. His research spans advanced and additive manufacturing, design optimization, quality and reliability, engineering education, project management, and knowledge management. Dr. AlSayyed is an ABET Program Evaluator (since 2022) and served as an SME Foundation scholarship judge in 2023. He also advises several student organizations at WCU, including the SME and MSA chapters, the Undergraduate Research Club, and serves as President of WCIC.

Bhargavi Mummareddy is a Lead Materials Engineer specializing in high-performance for energy applications at Exowatt, Miami. She works on engineering materials for high temperature energy storage and conversion applications. Holding a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, her expertise includes ceramic additive manufacturing, process optimization, AI-assisted materials discovery, and component development suitable for high performance. She led projects on 3D printing silicon carbide for clean energy applications, collaborating with ORNL and NASA. An SME 30 Under 30 honoree, she is active in SWE, ACerS, and ASM International and is passionate about mentoring and advancing the next generation of manufacturing professionals through collaboration and community engagement.

William "Bob" Atkins is a passionate advocate for youth robotics and education. New to SME, he has been actively attending networking meetings for the past 12 months. He runs a Kindergarten to 12th-grade robotics program in Monessen, Pennsylvania, and serves as the Senior Mentor for Western and Central Pennsylvania for FIRST INSPIRES, the world's largest youth robotics organization. With a background in Robotics and an MSEET, William has returned from retirement to lead the robotics program and mentor young minds. He grew up in the projects of Tampa, Florida, and was inspired by community leaders who guided him toward a successful career. Now, he is dedicated to giving back by providing similar opportunities to others in economically challenged areas.

Chris has over 16 years of experience in additive manufacturing across plastics, ceramics, and metals, and more than 25 years in materials and manufacturing, primarily focused on aerospace and power generation. Holding a B.S. in Ceramic Engineering and an MBA from Clemson University, Chris is skilled in multiple additive manufacturing platforms including SLA, Binder Jetting, Powder Bed Fusion, Directed Energy Deposition, and Digital Light Processing. Currently, Chris focuses on scaling a sustainable titanium supply chains utilizing scrap material while consulting to help grow additive businesses. Passionate about education, Chris also teaches additive manufacturing concepts to local schools and mentors a Boy Scout troop, emphasizing life skills and preparation for the future. Outside of work, Chris enjoys growing hot peppers and tasting some of the world’s spiciest foods.

Chris Rake is a Distinguished Engineer at FIRST®, the world's leading youth-serving nonprofit advancing STEM, combining deep technical expertise with comprehensive knowledge of FIRST's programs, partnerships, and operations. He provides senior leadership with technical judgment on major architecture and platform decisions, serves as a senior voice on emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, and represents the organization with partners, sponsors, and the broader STEM education community. Rake previously served as Chief Operating Officer, where he led daily operations and championed the global growth and development of the FIRST program portfolio. Before FIRST, Chris was the chief engineer at NI, where he led major initiatives in data acquisition, embedded control, and industrial systems, including overseeing the FIRST robotics competition control system program for over a decade. With 19 years of product development experience, he is also an active volunteer within FIRST and serves on the SME Education Foundation Board, contributing his expertise to support the next generation of innovators. Beyond his professional achievements, Chris is passionate about photography and enjoys being a maker, engaging in 3D printing and electronics projects. Chris earned his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Dr. Emma Betters is an R&D Associate Staff member in the Advanced Machining & Machine Tool Research group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility. Since 2019, her research has focused on machine tool design, metrology, large-scale machining, and tool tip dynamics. She earned her BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida in 2017 and completed her MS (2022) and PhD (2023) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, after beginning graduate studies at UNC Charlotte. Dr. Betters helped develop and teach the CNC machining course "America’s Cutting Edge," working with industry professionals and enhancing her teaching skills. Outside work, she races motorcycles with Build. Train. Race., an all-female professional team in MotoAmerica, where she now mentors new riders and supports their development both on and off the track.

Ezhil Viswanathan is a seasoned industry leader in the CNC milling machine space, boasting over 25 years of experience in the field. As Vice President at one of the world's largest machine tool builders, Ezhil manages a portfolio worth $80 million, demonstrating his exceptional expertise in machine tools, CNC milling, and boring. His career is marked by a deep understanding of digitizing, controls engineering, and the nuances of executive management in the C-suite. Ezhil's leadership and strategic vision have consistently driven innovation and growth, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the manufacturing industry.

George Zhang has a background in mechanical engineering, with a focus on industrial robotics and manufacturing automation. He spent three and a half years with Fanuc Robotics North America before joining ABB Robotics and Automation, where he worked as a researcher and R&D manager for sixteen years. After retiring from ABB, George continued as a research consultant at a robotics institute. In teaching, he has had the opportunity to lead courses in engineering and manufacturing automation at the University of Connecticut, a robotics course at Western New England University and currently teach MFE511 – Application of Industrial Robotics at WPI as an adjunct faculty. George is a board member of local SME chapter 007. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, hiking, and has recently taken up golf. George would like to support the next generation with preparing for the real-world working environment ahead of graduation, maintaining a passion for manufacturing, and gaining knowledge and engineering-know-how in robotics and manufacturing automation business.

Gicell Aleman is a Manufacturing Engineer at Valmet Flow Control, focused on improving electric and pneumatic actuator production through process optimization. Since 2024, she has chaired the SME C025 Chapter, working to revitalize the group and expand outreach to students and professionals. She also serves on SME committees including Member Council, Emerging Professional, and Student Funding. She earned a Master’s in Engineering Management from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico and a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from Indiana Tech, where she was active in NSBE, chaired IEEE, and led the SME student chapter. Committed to leadership and diversity, she advocates for young girls in STEM from underserved communities. Outside work, Gicell is a fitness enthusiast training for her first half-marathon and other races, a coffee lover, and has a big sweet tooth.

Dr. Herman Tang is a distinguished professor in the School of Engineering at Eastern Michigan University and brings more than 16 years of manufacturing industry experience at Chrysler (now Stellantis) to his academic career. With expertise in mechanical, manufacturing, and quality engineering, he has authored six technical books, including "Manufacturing System Throughput Excellence: Analysis, Improvement, and Design," published by Wiley in 2024. For more than a decade, Dr. Tang has led EMU’s Master of Science in Quality Management and Graduate Certificate in Lean Six Sigma programs. He also serves the profession as a journal associate editor and reviewer, an ABET program evaluator, a member of multiple professional association committees, and an NSF panelist.

James Eash has over 35 years of experience in the Tool & Die industry, specializing in stamping dies for tier-one automotive suppliers and the RV window and door manufacturing sectors. In addition to his industry work, he has spent 25 years teaching in classroom and lab settings for college and career center tooling programs, sharing his expertise with the next generation of manufacturers. He actively volunteers with the Friends of the Bronson Library and the Bronson Area Historical Society. In his free time, he enjoys creating metal art from repurposed materials.

With over 20 years at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Dr. Fielding has led research and program management in polymer composites, multifunctional materials, and additive manufacturing. She is currently Chief of the Ceramics Branch, overseeing 70+ scientists and engineers advancing ceramics and ceramic matrix composites. Dr. Fielding served five years as Deputy Program Manager for the Defense-wide Manufacturing Science and Technology Program. She launched America Makes—the first Manufacturing USA institute—and led its public-private partnership for over four years. An active leader in SME, she served as Past Chair of the Member Council and chaired the Additive Manufacturing Community Advisors. Her honors include the Secretary of Defense Award for Excellence, Defense Manufacturing Technology Enabler Award, and Dayton Business Journal 40 Under Forty. She is a Fellow of both SME and AFRL.

Meet Mark Michalski, a manufacturing veteran with 30 years in SME. As a board member for the SME Education Foundation, he's reshaped industry perceptions. In 2019, as SME president, he rejuvenated the board and led the CEO search. His expertise in lean Six Sigma and digital manufacturing shone as the Chief Operating Systems Officer at MKS Instruments. Mark's journey includes operations leadership roles at Zoll Medical and BBN Advanced Computers. Mark's SME leadership spans diverse roles, and his 30+ Leadership Series events inspire professionals nationwide. Recognized with the 2010 SME Award of Merit, Mark continues to shape manufacturing's future through his recent role on the SME Education Foundation board. Mark now works as a Manufacturing Expert-in-Residence at the non-profit, FORGE, where he mentors innovators bringing new products to market. Fun fact! Formally trained in culinary arts, he created a food website that focuses on engineering and cooking. Additionally, Mark is a former competition ballroom dancer and a semi-professional photographer.

Dr. Michael Gomez is Director of Manufacturing Research and Technology at MSC Industrial Supply Co., where he leads a team focused on the early-stage development of manufacturing solutions and services for the U.S. manufacturing marketplace, with an emphasis on workforce development, productivity, and operational efficiency. His work bridges applied manufacturing research and customer-facing application, spanning machining dynamics, CAM optimization, AI-enabled tooling guidance, and digital machining.

Mike Molnar is the founding director of the Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office, leading the interagency team behind Manufacturing USA. He also directs the NIST Office of Advanced Manufacturing and co-chairs the White House Subcommittee on Advanced Manufacturing, overseeing the National Strategic Plan. Prior to federal service, Mike spent 25 years at Cummins leading manufacturing and technology development and was the first Manufacturing Policy Fellow in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. He holds engineering degrees from the University of Wisconsin and an Executive MBA from the University of Notre Dame. A licensed Professional Engineer and member of the Senior Executive Service, Mike is a Fellow of SME and ASME and has held over 80 leadership roles, including president of SME. An Eagle Scout and dedicated Scouting volunteer, he helped launch one of the first Scouts BSA troops for girls. All three of his children earned Eagle Scout, and he has mentored dozens more to do the same.

Robby Komljenovic is an SME Educational Foundation board member since 2020, a manufacturing powerhouse, and a robotics enthusiast. His journey began at 12, eventually leading to a remarkable career shift from CNC machining to robotics. Robby is the current President of Tavoron, an automation integrator in manufacturing space. Born in Germany and raised with a strong work ethic, Robby thrives on growth, aiming to lead, mentor, and build exceptional teams. As a 14-year member of Vistage’s leadership coaching, he adds valuable expertise that can be beneficial to mentees. Robby joined the SME Education Foundation Board of Directors and the Bright Minds Student Mentor Program because he believes he can be helpful in navigating the early years of being a student in the STEM field. In his free time, Robby enjoys boating, snowboarding, and world travel.

Ronald Wilkins is a skilled CNC Machinist with extensive experience in setting up and operating 4/5 axis CNC/DNC machining centers for manufacturing steam and combustion turbine components. He excels in using various measurement tools, such as micrometers, dial calipers, and CMMs, to ensure parts meet strict tolerances and specifications. Ronald is also a dedicated ME Mentor/Evaluator for the Scholarship Foundation Committee, leveraging his expertise to support and guide emerging professionals in the field. As an adjunct professor, he teaches several courses in Applied Engineering Technology, while also organizing and planning graduate student research presentations. Additionally, Ronald has served as an ASQ Student Chapter Coordinator, focusing on community business needs and membership growth. His previous roles include teaching SEMAA courses and training students for robotics competitions, highlighting his commitment to education and skill development.

Scott Krajca has over 20 years of experience in aerospace and transportation. He has worked at companies like Boeing and Virgin Galactic specializing in production, research & development, and product development. As an experienced engineer and hiring manager, Scott would like to use his insights to help mentees succeed in the fast-paced manufacturing industry. Outside of work, Scott enjoys songwriting and recording music. He also volunteers as a leader in the Knights of Columbus.

Serdar Tumkor is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and William E. Roberts Endowed Professor at Wentworth Institute of Technology. With over 30 years of teaching experience at institutions including the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Stevens Institute of Technology, and Istanbul Technical University, he specializes in design, simulation tools, CAD/CAM, and additive manufacturing. He serves on NSF panels and as a voting member of ASME’s Additive Manufacturing Standards & Certification groups. As the Foundry Educational Foundation Key Professor, he founded and advises the American Foundry Society Student Chapter at Wentworth.

With over 25 years in technical sales, Susan Kolinski specializes in automotive components manufacturing. She has worked with companies like Schaeffler, Stoneridge, and Agrati, and holds a BS in Material Science & Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University. An SME member since 2022, Susan contributed to the 2024 Membership Council, focusing on diversity & inclusion and corporate membership expansion and 2025 as Chair-Elect. Susan volunteers for Housing the homeless and various local charities. She offers expertise in networking, resume building, problem solving, and technical sales, and is an avid golfer and runner.

Dr. Teresa Rinker is a Senior Researcher at General Motors R&D in the Materials & Manufacturing Systems Research Lab, specializing in welding development for automotive applications, with a current focus on battery joining for electric vehicles. She holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, where she also earned master’s degrees in both Mechanical Engineering and Material Science & Engineering while serving as an NSF Graduate Research Fellow. Dr. Rinker’s expertise includes destructive testing, welding of dissimilar metals, and thin foils. She has served on SME’s Member Council, Nominating Committee, and is currently involved with the Technical Communities Committee. A Registered Professional Engineer, she is a passionate advocate for women in STEM and balances her career with raising three boys and gardening in her spare time.

Timothy Lindh has dedicated his career to improving people, processes, and machines. With a background in manufacturing engineering, he has built deep expertise across a wide range of manufacturing processes—from common to highly specialized. Combining technical knowledge with project management skills and a strong business mindset, Timothy has advanced into operations management roles, leading productivity and process optimization across seven global factories. A Lean expert, he focuses on innovative, value-driven solutions to enhance capacity, throughput, cost efficiency, and quality. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, sports with his children, home improvement projects, and cooking.

David Pugh is a manufacturing and technology professional with more than 15 years of experience across manufacturing engineering, operations improvement, automation, Lean Six Sigma, and manufacturing software. David holds a master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering and is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and he has held roles in manufacturing engineering leadership, customer success, and solutions engineering, giving him a broad perspective on both plant-floor execution and digital transformation. He is passionate about helping students and early-career professionals grow their confidence, understand career paths in manufacturing, and connect technical skills with real-world business impact. Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, working on hands-on projects, learning about smart manufacturing, AI, robotics, 3D printing, electronics, and practical DIY projects.

Maxine Gorelick has been working for Boeing in their Commercial Airplane Unit as an engineer for 8 years. She received her bachelor's degree from Duke University in Mechanical Engineering, a master’s UCLA in Mechanical Engineering (focusing on aerospace & composites) while working full time and recently finished a certificate program in Structural Analysis. The first half of her career was mainly focused on composite fabrication, while the last few years of her career have been focused on composite assembly, specifically implementing new technologies that improve quality, safety, rate, and/or ergonomics. Maxine is a SME 30 Under 30 Honoree and heavily supports her local community with engaging hands-on engineering activities with students. Outside of work and community involvement, her main hobbies include her dogs, hiking, trail running, skiing, and camping.

Zachary Bibik specializes in additive manufacturing and applied robotics. Passionate about using manufacturing to improve lives, Zachary envisions a future driven by sustainable technologies, diverse energy resources, and equitable human rights. Their interests include energy development, on-demand manufacturing, and sustainable engineering design. Zachary began his journey with SME as the recipient of the 2015 SME-EF Family Scholarship and has since held multiple leadership and volunteer roles, including SME Member Council Representative (2022–2023, 2025–present), Chair of SME Chapter 354 (2021–2024), member of the SME Joint Nominating Committee (2023), and SME EP Task Group Volunteer (2020). Much of Zachary’s community involvement has been through SME, where he is committed to connecting local professionals and businesses to foster collaboration and innovation.

Meet David Sulli, a dynamic force driving manufacturing innovation in San Diego. As SME San Diego Chapter 44's Treasurer and Newsletter editor, he fosters exploration and collaboration through transformative company tours and partnerships. David's 30-year career as a manufacturing engineer spans diverse sectors from marine to medical, and his multidisciplinary contributions include chairmanship, mentoring, and expertise in process manufacturing and quality control. His additional expertise includes running a small business that involves mechanical design, testing, assembly, vendor collaboration, sales, packaging, and customer service. Rooted in mechanical engineering, his journey from Connecticut to California is a testament to dedication and engineering excellence, shaping a legacy of empowerment and innovation. Outside of work, David enjoys driving his 45th Anniversary GR Supra and Mazda Miata around Southern California and to many cars & coffee events. Lately, he has been creating, editing, and posting videos.

Rishi Ramesh is a mechanical engineer with experience in manufacturing, process optimization, and equipment validation. Currently working as a Principal Manufacturing Engineer, he has led initiatives to improve throughput, quality, and scalability in high-volume production environments. Rishi is passionate about mentoring students and early-career engineers, offering practical guidance on career growth, industry expectations, and real-world problem solving. Rishi is a member of the local sme chapter in Los Angeles. Outside of work, he enjoys automotive projects, off-road driving, staying active through fitness, and keeping up with emerging technology. Rishi is excited to help mentees bridge the gap between academics and industry, learn practical problem-solving strategies, career guidance, and navigate resumes, interviews, and early career decisions with confidence.

Ryan Zeng is the Founding Partner and Principal Consultant/Coach of Stream Consulting, LLC, specializing in Operational Excellence and Project Management. Before this, he spent over 17 years at Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, serving as the Global Director of Project Management and Continuous Improvement. Ryan is the current Chapter President for the Puget Sound PMI, President of AME West Region, and Executive Director of the AME Seattle Lean Consortium. He holds certifications in PMI PMP, PgMP, SME LBC, LSC, LGC, and ASQ CSSBB. Ryan earned his MBA and MS in Strategic Management from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. His expertise includes career coaching, strategy development, leadership coaching, problem-solving, and Kaizen methodology. Ryan now enjoys spending time with his 4-year-old daughter.

Shakil Pogaku brings over 26 years of software and aerospace experience, beginning as a developer of CAD/CAM/AE products using C, C++, VC++, COM, MFC, Perl, and Python, and working with geometric kernels and toolsets such as ACIS, Parasolid, ITIPDELib, and Pro/ENGINEER. He developed more than 15 applications for a Wing Automation Tools suite in Python and has over 18 years of project, program, and portfolio management experience. For 23+ years at Boeing, Shakil has contributed across Structures (KBE), SDT/SMA, Payloads, Loads & Dynamics, Interiors, Equipment & Tool Engineering, Supplier Management, IT, and Software Engineering. He holds PMP, CSM, and SAFe Agilist (PO/PM) certifications, and has participated in Lean festivals, contributed to a Manufacturing Leadership white paper, and twice received Manufacturing Leadership 100 awards. He is deeply committed to community service, having served multiple non-profit organizations and held leadership roles. Shakil looks forward to supporting his mentee with career decisions, resumes, interviews, time management, and work–life balance.