Meet the Team

Roger Hilten, Ph.D., Lab Director

Dr. Roger Hilten leads the Research and Instructional Team for the College of Engineering (CENGR) at the University of Georgia (UGA). Dr. Hilten received B.S. (Ecology), M.S. (Biological Engineering), and Ph.D. (Bio and Ag Engineering) degrees from UGA in 2001, 2005, and 2012, respectively. His research focused on sustainable technologies including green roofs, biofuel and green chemical production, and chemical process design.

Dr. Hilten became the Instructional Lab Manager for the College of Engineering in 2015 and now oversees design, fabrication, and instructional labs for all CENGR’s degree programs including electrical, computer systems, mechanical, civil, environmental, biological, biochemical, and agricultural engineering.

George Haynie, Machine Shop Manager

A native of New Jersey, George has worked in manufacturing since his teens, when he first discovered the fascinating world of machining at a neighbor’s garage shop. Having worked in a variety of shop settings over his career, George has found his most rewarding work takes place in the development of research projects and experimental manufacturing, first at SRI, Inc. in Princeton, New Jersey, and now here, at the University of Georgia. George takes pride in sharing his many years of practical experience in the machinist trade with those who are spearheading innovation in today’s high-tech world, and he is excited to be working with the Engineering students, faculty and staff here at UGA. In his spare time, George enjoys outdoor pursuits such as hiking and cycling, as well as spending time with his wife, three children and numerous family pets, including dogs, goats, and rabbits.

Trevor Bowden, Research Fabricator

Trevor is from Boise, ID, but has been a lifelong Dawgs Fan, and finally moved to Athens in 2020. He graduated welding school on the dean's list, has previous welding experience from welding on ranches back home, and he loves building things and working with my hands. He is currently married and has a 2 year old daughter named Maisie. Trevor is our resident in house Welder and helps manage the Fabrication Lab Support Team.

Hunter Bradford, MCHE 2023

Hello! My name is Hunter Bradford, and I am a 4th year Mechanical Engineering student. I currently work with UGA's Small Satellite Research Lab, Robotics Club, and the Heterogeneous Robotics Research Lab. My specialities within the lab are CNC machining, 3D printing, metalworking, woodworking, and a little bit of everything else. Always happy to help and eager to teach others the machines!

Aidan Delliponti, MCHE 2023

I enjoy working at the FabLab because we get to interact with both faculty and students that are working on projects of various complexity throughout the year. We assist in any way we can, including teaching students how to safely use tools they may be unfamiliar with and ensuring that the tools are working properly. It's a great place; come check it out!

Ethan Bowmar, CSEE 2023

I enjoy programming and tinkering with electronics. Since studying engineering, I've had plenty of exposure to 3D printing and circuits which has enabled me to design some awesome projects. I enjoy working for Lab Support because it gives me opportunities to meet new people and learn about new machines and technologies all while heightening my sense of problem solving.

Brannon Browner, MCHE/MBA 2022/2023

I am a Double Dawg who recently graduated from UGA with my Mechanical Engineering degree and have decided to continue my education to receive an MBA. I have worked for the FabLab for a couple of years now and am happy to be back for my final year at UGA. I love working with students and helping solve engineering problems. Feel free to stop by for questions or help anytime!

Dylan Camp, MCHE 2025

I really enjoy working at the FabLab. I was hired during my Freshman year, so I am almost guaranteed a fulfilling part time campus job for all 4 years of school. I mainly work with the Waterjet cutter in 1506, and I plan to learn more about operating all of the other machines we have in order to build experience for my career after college.

Orain Ferguson, CSEE 2023

I like working at the UGA machine shop because it helps me further my education with access to many different machines, and it allows me to share that knowledge with students. I also enjoy working with all the amazing people in the College of Engineering.

Sonya Lloyd, BSBE 2024

I like working at the UGA machine shop because I get to help bring students the ideas and projects to life. So far, I’ve had the opportunity to work with an American Flat Track motorcycle racing team and an engineering consulting company in Spain through summer internships. I also enjoy working on my own motorcycles in my free time; this is what sparked my interests in engineering

Sam Rodriguez, MCHE 2024

I am a 4th year Mechanical Engineering major. I have always enjoyed working with my hands and brain at the same time. Working at the FabLab has allowed me to grow my knowledge with machining, 3D printing, and even working with a team. If you enjoy any of that come check out what we have to offer!                    

                                                             We’re here to help! Please don’t hesitate to ask.