The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) has announced the recipients of its two 3D printing scholarship’s as Alex Campbell and Phil Rufe.
The awardees will be recognized by the additive manufacturing community at the 2024 AMUG conference at Hilton Chicago between March 10-14, 2024. Campbell and Rufe will take to the stage on March 12 to share their stories and discuss their work.
Campbell is a fourth-year aerospace engineering student at Ohio State University (OHU), and has been awarded the Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship for students in additive manufacturing. Rufe, an Assistant Professor in the School of Engineering at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), received the Randy Stevens Scholarship for educators in additive manufacturing.
Both AMUG scholarships seek to recognize students and educators who demonstrate a passion and vision for additive manufacturing to advance both education and industry.
“The recipients of the scholarships embody a deep-seated enthusiasm for additive manufacturing that originated many years ago and has endured over time,” commented Rajeev Kulkarni, Chair of the AMUG Scholarship Committee.
“Additionally, the committee acknowledged their aspirations to challenge and improve established practices, accompanied by proactive efforts to transform these into reality. Through their mentorship initiatives, they inspire others to contribute to global change.”
Kulkarni added that the high caliber of this year’s scholarship submissions left a positive impression on the AMUG scholarship committee. “As each year passes, selecting the most outstanding scholarship recipients becomes progressively challenging, reflecting the remarkable advancements within the additive manufacturing industry,” Kulkarni said.
AMUG has awarded scholarships to Alex Campbell (left), an aerospace engineering student at Ohio State University, and Phil Rufe, Assistant Professor in the School of Engineering at Eastern Michigan University.
The Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship
This scholarship, named after the notable AMUG supporter and advocate Guy E. Bourdeau, is granted yearly to a university student for their significant contributions to the field of 3D printing in academia.
The scholarship is funded by the CAD/CAM reseller, Cimquest, based in New Jersey. The award offers the chosen student access to the Shared Knowledge at the AMUG 2024 event, along with opportunities to network within the industry. The scholarship also funds all AMUG-related travel and accommodation expenses.
The recipient was introduced to additive manufacturing via a MakerBot 3D printer while in middle school. This initial interest grew into a full-fledged academic pursuit and 3D printing has since become an indispensable part of the recipient’s professional identity.
All the hyperlinks should be modified as below:
<a href="https://cimquest-inc.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cimquest</a>
<a href="https://www.makerbot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MakerBot</a>
At OHU, Campbell is currently studying aerospace engineering with aspirations to enhance the production of rocket engines within the aerospace industry or contribute to intelligent design for upcoming propulsion systems. He has noted the potential benefits of using additive manufacturing in creating combustion chambers and injectors.
Campbell is an undergraduate research assistant in the metal additive manufacturing lab at OHU’s Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME). He has acquired considerable knowledge of LPBF, EBM, SLA, and FDM technologies, and also manages OSU’s liquid engine project in the Buckeye Space Launch Initiative.
In addition to his work at OSU, Campbell undertook an internship at ADDMAN Group company Castheon. During his time there, he created validation and verification processes, assisted in setting up an SLM 280 HL, became familiar with the additive production process, and worked with niobium C-103 material.
Cameron Gygi, the Lead Engineer for OSU’s CDME, complimented Campbell’s dedication and abilities, noting his unique ability to initiate action and readily tackle complex problems. Gygi also appreciated Campbell’s leadership skills which were evidenced by his work ethic and his mentoring of fellow team members.
The Randy Stevens Scholarship
The Randy Stevens Scholarship is financially supported by Minnesota-based manufacturing service bureau In’Tech Industries. The award honors the memory of Randy Stevens, AMUG supporter and advocate, for his dedication and contribution to the additive manufacturing industry.
The annual scholarship aims to recognize one high-school teacher or college professor for their contribution to 3D printing in education and professional development. As with the Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship, this award offers free access to AMUG 2024 and covers related expenses.
Professor Rufe is acknowledged as a Certified Manufacturing Engineer, boasting credentials in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and education. Currently, he brings his expertise to the School of Engineering at EMU.
Helming a variety of courses, Rufe imparts knowledge on manufacturing processes, industrial operations, CAD mechanics, GD&T, lean manufacturing, intellectual property design for assembly (DFMA), and additive manufacturing. Being the point person for the university’s 3D printing/AM lab also comes under his purview.
He remarks, “AM is a tool with manifold applications reaching a diverse audience, based on my study. A readily available class for 3D printing is beneficial indeed, but it doesn’t fully address the requirements of myriad applications or varied audience groups. The paradigm shift in offering AM education to students outside the conventional dedicated-course framework poses a challenge.”
Rufe has earned recognition in his role as an educator for making additive manufacturing approachable. He provides guidance on 3D printing processes, covering their strengths, weaknesses, and key factors. His insights extend to preparing files for 3D printing, and gaining an understanding of cost, time, and quality considerations pertinent to additive manufacturing.
Dr. Vijay Mannari, Interim Director of the School of Engineering at EMU, stated that “Professor Rufe has provided strong leadership in promoting and integrating 3D printing/additive manufacturing within the School of Engineering at EMU.”
“Professor Rufe has integrated 3D printing, in some form, into many of our engineering and engineering technology majors and classes,” added Mannari. “Additionally, he has initiated and maintained strong industrial partnerships resulting in industry-relevant education and equipment for our engineering students.”
Previous AMUG scholarship recipients:
“Why did the 3D printer go to therapy? Because it had too many layers of unresolved issues!”
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