Vanderbilt's Premier Student Engineering Organization

OUR INITIATIVE

Transformative Student-led Engineering Research.

The Vanderbilt Fusion Project is Vanderbilt University's premier student-led research initiative and engineering project team. Together, we're on a mission to make history at Vanderbilt by building a functional nuclear fusion reactor. Besides serving as a cross-disciplinary research test platform for innovative research, our reactor will be a powerful tool to inspire others. We'll be able to showcase the power of the stars in a safe, stable system about the size of a soccer ball. From jets of brilliant purple plasma to the glow of deuterium-deuterium nuclei fusing, our reactor is designed to inspire.

At the Vanderbilt Fusion Project, we’re building a community of innovators and problem solvers working together to accomplish something incredible. When we succeed, we’ll have fused atoms together at hundreds of millions of degrees Celsius, created a cutting-edge research platform, and formed a team of next-generation leaders. The Vanderbilt Fusion Project represents the culture of intersectionality and real-world research that makes Vanderbilt stand out today, all while embodying the spirit of innovation that’s driving our university forward into the future. The Vanderbilt Fusion Project embraces the motto “dare to grow,” as we push ourselves to explore, innovate, and create.

Interdisciplinary DNA.

Cutting-edge research and engineering should be possible for everyone. It's this simple belief that kickstarted the Vanderbilt Fusion Project. Our founders wanted to create a project that wouldn't only enable next-generation research for new labs and groups, but would also prove that anyone can create something incredible when they work with a team.

Once completed, our reactor platform will open up new research paradigms with applications ranging from nanotechnology to renewable energy. Nuclear Fusion provides the extreme environment and unique particle source conditions necessary to expand the frontiers of science, and our miniature, low-cost reactor will let any research group explore these new horizons.

Additionally, the Vanderbilt Fusion Project's role as an interdisciplinary project team has been woven into its DNA since day one. For our team, the journey is just as important as the atom-smashing destination, and we strive to create an environment where our team members can grow, innovate, and explore. The Vanderbilt Fusion Project is a unique, hands-on learning environment, and provides unmatched real-world experiences to our team members. From plasma physics to business communications, our team members gain the skills and experiences they need to excel as engineers, innovators, and leaders.

WHO WE ARE

Meet Our Executive Team

Tommy Pennington

Chief Executive Officer

As the CEO, Tommy leads the initiative at an executive level and directs University relations. He directly interfaces with all system teams and manages the project. Outside of Fusion, Tommy's experiences include running a fabrication business and serving as a founder and CEO for a tech startup.

Logan Glazier

Chief Operating Officer

As the COO, Logan directs the system teams and ensures the Vanderbilt Fusion Project operates smoothly. Logan is a Civil Engineering student and is dedicated to making an impact. Outside of Fusion, Logan is passionate about sustainability and is converting a school bus into an off-grid micro-home.

Cat Knox

Chief People Officer

As CPO, Catherine serves as our people officer and manages community relations. From coordinating team-building events to providing professional resources for our members, Catherine ensures a top-quality experience. Outside of Fusion, Catherine is a part of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu Team at Vanderbilt.

Anders Westermann

Chief Strategy Officer

As the head of strategy, Anders directs the long-term vision of the Vanderbilt Fusion Project, working with industry stakeholders and the university. He also manages our online presence, alumni outreach, and fundraising. Outside of Fusion, Anders loves exploring the outdoors and speaking Spanish whenever possible.

Alli Hoying

co-Chief Safety Officer

As the co-Chief Safety Officer, Alli directs our comprehensive safety program, inculding vacuum, gas, electrical, and radiation safety. Additionally, Alli ensures compliance with University, State of Tennessee, and Federal regulations. Outside of Fusion, Alli loves to explore passions, including rehabilitative tech and tap dance.

Emma Bufkin

co-Chief Safety Officer

As the co-Chief Safety Officer, Emma directs our comprehensive safety program, inculding vacuum, gas, electrical, and radiation safety. Additionally, Emma ensures compliance with University, State of Tennessee, and Federal regulations. Outside of Fusion, Emma is interested in international law and is building a 2-person boat.

Brayden Edman

Chief Technology Officer

As the CTO, Brayden directs our integrated electrical and controls system and oversees the cross-disciplinary engineering program. Additionally, Brayden runs our Computational Physics program and our applied AI and ML initiative. Outside of Fusion, Brayden is an All-American Olympic Weightlifter, and enjoys Philosophy.

Shrey Chande

Chief Financial Officer

As the CFO, Shrey helps direct the business operations team and oversees organizational finances. Shrey is highly involved with our fundraising operations and works to manage our operational assets and long-term growth strategy. Outside of Fusion, Shrey is an Ingram Scholar and passionate about volunteer work.

Jackson Singer

Vice President of Engineering

As a Vice President of Engineering, Jackson co-leads the integrated development of fusion systems. Jackson specializes in Vacuum & Gas system design, and product manages design sprints. Additionally, Jackson plays a key role in managing VFP suppliers. Outside of Fusion, Jackson plays Club Rugby at Vanderbilt University.

Jackson Cornett

Vice President of Engineering

As a Vice President of Engineering, Jackson co-leads the integrated development of fusion systems. Jackson specializes in Vacuum & Gas system design, and ensures that all systems are compatible with the chamber design and operating parameters. Outside of Fusion, Jackson is an avid outdoorsman and traveler.

Gerard Monteiro

Vice President of Strategic Initiatives

As Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Gerard spearheads University and Government Relations for the Vanderbilt Fusion Project. Gerard's focus includes major endowed partnerships and gov. policy work. Outside of Fusion, Gerard is part of the BhangraDores dance team.