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.
Troy Butler, Electronics Technician
Our in-house, jack-of-all-trades, Troy Butler, has been with the College for 30 years helping students, faculty, and staff complete hundreds of projects. Troy was formerly employed at Lecto Products prior to coming to UGA. There he worked on cable signal conditioning equipment. Examples of his experience at UGA and beyond include farm projects involving an Israeli-made tractor, an electrostatic spraying machine, and water runoff collection systems. Originally trained as an industrial electrician, Troy can do all types of building maintenance including plumbing, electrical, painting, and anything in between.
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.
Bryce Schuebert, MCHE 2020
I am a 5th year Mechanical Engineering student. I have been working as the Fabrication Laboratory student worker for the past two years, and I most enjoy working with other students & troubleshooting broken machinery! Outside of engineering, I enjoy being outdoors, and trying out new things that I have no business trying.
Reese Macdonald, MCHE 2021
My name is Reese Macdonald and I am a 2nd Mechanical Engineering student at UGA. I have around 5 years of metals/fabrication experience and love working with my hands. I enjoy riding my dirt bike and anything outdoors. Working in the student labs has been amazing because I can interact with other students and spread my knowledge about welding!
Reames Clark, MCHE 2020
Hey, my name is Reames Clark and I'm a fourth year Mechanical Engineering student. I'm interested in heavy machinery and automotive design. In my spare time I enjoy building cars and spending time outdoors either hunting or fishing. I'm looking forward to my time working with students in the fabrication labs this semester!
Griffin Keesling, MCHE 2021
Hey, my name is Griffin Keesling! I am a mechanical engineering major. I love to build and work with my hands. I also play guitar and the mandolin.
Jamie Ni, CSEE 2022
Hi, I am a 2nd year Computer Systems Engineering student. I enjoy helping students with hands-on projects around the lab such as laser cutting and 3d-printing. In my spare time, I enjoy lifting weights and helping friends with their mini film/photography projects.
We’re here to help! Please don’t hesitate to ask.