CHRIS MATTSON - Lab co- director
“Pure and simple, I love to create things.” Chris is a professor of mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University and performs research in engineering for global development. The research Chris performs has led to products like the Village Drill and World Cart. Chris has also been the recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, as well as the National Science Foundation CAREER award.
John Salmon - Lab Co-director
Although not a student, John is a student of design - there is always more to learn and apply. John is an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University. His research interests include systems engineering, design, and integration, multi-disciplinary optimization, operations research, visual and data analytics, modeling and simulation, multi-agent multi-objective decision making, sports analytics, virtual reality, and uncertainty analysis. He thinks innovation and creativity are the highest forms of intelligence and he believes design is at the core of making the world and oneself better.
PH.D. STUDENTS
Tevin Dickerson
Tevin is an PhD candidate in mechanical engineering. He's from Cottonwood Heights, UT and is emphasizing in aerospace. On the team, he has worked on the airship project and traveling salesman. He likes to waterski and rock climb as well. His thoughts on engineering are, “to make the impossible, possible”.
Samuel McKinnon
Samuel is a people person who likes knowing how things work. Put those two ideas together, and it’s not a surprise he’s gotten into mechanical design. He researches predictive modeling and design methods for social impact and former editor for BYU Design Review. During his undergrad, Samuel worked on codesign projects in Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru with BYU’s Global Engineering Outreach Program. Samuel hopes to create a more sustainable world through good design practices.
Scott rice
Scott Rice is a PhD student in mechanical engineering and ten-year veteran of the U.S Army where he served as an Engineer Officer. He is currently researching methods to help people make the best decisions possible early in the design process. Scott believes strongly in helping others turn their new ideas into useful products that function well. "Many people have great ideas, but few know how to make them work well in reality. I want to help them achieve that."
Master’s STUDENTS
jacob broadbent
Jacob is passionate about solving human-centered problems with physical solutions. As a dual MBA and MS Mechanical Engineering student at BYU, he focuses on bridging gaps—between teams, disciplines, and the transition from research to real-world impact. With experience in consumer products and medical device manufacturing, he has seen the need for technically grounded leadership that aligns business, engineering, and customer needs. His interests include product development, negotiation, and interdisciplinary collaboration—helping people work together to create meaningful solutions. He believes the best innovations come from understanding both people and technology and using that knowledge to leave the world, and the people in it, better than he found it.
TYson humphrey
Tyson is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, focusing primarily on studying product architecture methods. He completed his undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at BYU. His career goal is to secure a product design/development position focused on creating direct-to-consumer products. Tyson finds solace in the support of his wife, who serves as his biggest advocate. In his free time, Tyson can be found exploring the great outdoors hiking, engaging in intramural football matches, or channeling his creativity through 3D-printing and painting costume pieces. With a diverse range of interests and a dedication to excellence, Tyson is poised to make a significant impact in the field of mechanical engineering.
benjamin sannar
Benjamin Sannar is a Mechanical Engineering Masters student from Northern California. He grew up inspired by a heritage of ingenuity and surrounded by the processes that put fruit and vegetables onto tables around the world. “I love noticing the little things that would make life better and finding a way to set them in motion.” Outside of the lab and school, Ben is a commercial driver and enjoys home-improvement projects, the great outdoors and drawing.
Undergraduate Students
tage burnett
joshua cook
isaac detiege
Spencer Fisher
Spencer Fisher is a Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate from Virginia. In the Design Exploration Group he is researching product impact modeling, specifically working with BYU's Village Drill. He also has experience as a bicycle mechanic, volleyball player, and PC hardware enthusiast. He also enjoys cooking, skiing, playing ultimate, and gaming. After graduation he intends to pursue a PhD with the goal of designing the next generation of PC cooling technology.
Thomas Geilman
Thomas is an undergraduate student in mechanical engineering. He loves learning, which has led to interests and hobbies including 3D printing, reading, and welding as he constantly tries learning new skills. He helped with the cassava peeler project and is excited to continue his work in the lab. He says, “I love how engineering design combines empathy and knowledge to help people around the world. One of my main goals in life is to use my skills to help others, and engineering helps me achieve this goal”.
abigail little
Abigail is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. She's from Alexandria, Virginia and in the Design Exploration Group she is currently working on developing social impact models to improve disaster relief distribution. Outside the lab, she loves hiking, trying cool new restaurants, playing volleyball, and making people laugh.