Rethinking 3D Printing Leads to Student-Professor Research Project

Liam Lambert noticed some inefficiencies with 3D printers with lots of arm movement without printing. He and Dr. Saoub discussed using graph theory to explore more efficient and cost saving algorithms for 3D printers to utilize. In essence, this is the heart of engineering science -- using the findings and knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences in creative ways to refine processes in cost-saving or energy-efficient ways.  Lambert, who was one of the valedictorians for the Class of 2019 and a Goldwater Scholar, is now studying aerospace engineering at Virginia Tech in a doctoral program.