AMUG announces 2019 scholarship recipients

The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG), based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, has announced the recipients of its 2019 scholarships. Wenchao Zhou, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Engineering at the University of Arkansas has been awarded the Randy Stevens Scholarship. Victoria Sears, who is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Bioengineering at the University of Michigan has been awarded the Guy E Bourdeau Scholarship.

The scholarships are designed to offer recognition to students having ‘a passion for AM’, both as a student and as an educator. Brett Charlton, Chair of the AMUG Scholarship Committee, commented, “Dr Zhou and Ms Sears perfectly reflect what our scholarships seek to reward. Our pool of candidates was large, and the quality of the applicants was quite high. These factors made it a challenge to select the right individuals, but I believe that both of our recipients are truly deserving of this honour.”

Zhou has multiple roles within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at University of Arkansas, including roles as assistant professor, lab director and researcher. Beyond the university, he helps K12 students learn about AM through a community service-oriented and project-based organisation called EAST Initiative. Dr Darin Nutter, University of Arkansas professor and Department Head for Mechanical Engineering, commented, “I sincerely believe that Dr Zhou’s efforts in AM education and research will broaden the uses and applications of AM and promote the expansion of the AM community.”

Zhou was recruited by the university in 2014. In his first year, he developed an AM course which was later selected as a winner of the AM Curricula Challenge sponsored by America Makes. He went on to found, and now direct, the university’s AM3 Lab, which has invented new technologies such as Swarm 3D Printing and Assembly, Microheater Array Powder Sintering (MAPS), and high-frequency inkjet printing.

Zhou stated, “With a decade of dedication to the field of AM, my commitment in learning, promoting, and contributing to AM has never been stronger. Attending the AMUG Conference will provide me a great opportunity to communicate with a broader AM user community and gain new perspectives on the uses and applications of AM technologies.”

Sears’ research for her Master’s Degree is on bioink for AM. Her goal is to optimise the bioprintability and study the resulting regenerative properties of the ink. She first developed a passion for AM through internships, working in AM research and development at 3D Systems and Ford Motor Company, where she acquired firsthand experience with several AM processes. She also became actively involved in the AM community during an internship at SME, where she supported the Medical Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing Work Group.

The Guy E Bourdeau Scholarship, founded by his wife, Renee Bourdeau, and financially supported by Cimquest, Inc., is awarded annually to one college student. The Randy Stevens Scholarship, founded by Randy’s employer, In’Tech Industries, is awarded annually to one educator that emphasises or focuses on AM.

The AMUG Conference 2019 will be held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, from March 31–April 4.