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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. 

OUR LEADERSHIP

Meet Our Executive Team

Cat Knox

Chief Executive Officer

As CEO, Catherine spearheads key decision-making and executes critical initiatives. Catherine directs all executive board operations and oversees all cross-functional programs and system teams.  Outside of Fusion, Catherine is a part of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu Team at Vanderbilt. 

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Tommy Pennington

President

As the President, 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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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WHO WE ARE

Meet Our Team

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Trevor Xing-Xie

Engineer

Major: CS & Neuroscience

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Trent Bendar

Engineer

Major: Physics & Applied Mathematics

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Sean Confoy

Engineer

Major: Mechanical Engineering

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Ron Asoulin-Handelman

Engineer

Major: Computer Science

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Natalie Carrión

Engineer

Major: Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science

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Megan Landis

Engineer

Major: Mechanical Engineering

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Mason Anton

Engineer

Major: Computer Science and Physics

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John Hague

Engineer

Major: History & English

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James Danis

Engineer

Major: Mechanical Engineering

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Isabella Nelson

Engineer

Major: Computer Science

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Isabel Madrid

Engineer

Major: Civil Engineering

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Farouk Ramzan

Engineer

Major: Psychology & Economics

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Charlotte Ordish

Engineer

Major: Engineering Science

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Carson Felton

Engineer

Major: Chemical Engineering and Data Science

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Bryce Ware

Engineer

Major: Electrical & Computer Engineering

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Brett Payne

Engineer

Major: Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry

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Engineer

Major: CS & Math

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Ella Provancher

Engineer

Major: Biomedical Engineering

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Ishan Mahajan

Business Operations

Major: MHS & Economics 

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Bucky Aboud-Hall

Engineer

Major: Biomedical Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering 

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Camile Gowda

Engineer

Major: Electrical & Computer Engineering

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Ghita Sahbi

Engineer

Major: Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

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Jonathan Wilson

Engineer

Major: Mechanical Engineering 

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Penelope 

Fries

Engineer

Major: Engineering Science

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Engineer

Major: Mechanical Engineering

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Engineer

Major: Mechanical Engineering

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Samuel Thompson

Engineer

Major: Biomedical and Computer Engineering

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Blake Layman

Business Operations

Major: Human & Organizational Development and Computer Science

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Brooke Byrne

Engineer

Major: Biomedical Engineering

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Duncan Grimes

Engineer

Major: Applied Math & Computer Science

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Eli Pruzan

Engineer

Major: Chemical Engineering

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Henry Coleman

Engineer

Major: Engineering Science

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Julia DeMeritt

Engineer

Major: Biomedical Engineering