2 About the Authors
Peter D. Kazarinoff, Editor
Peter Kazarinoff is a full-time faculty member in Engineering at Portland Community College in Portland, Oregon. Peter earned a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Washington and a BA from Cornell University. He teaches courses in Engineering, Materials Science, and Manufacturing at Portland Community College. Teaching at a community college is his dream job. He is passionate about making college affordable and accessible to all students. In his free time, Peter enjoys ultra-light backpacking and tinkering with cars for off road adventures. Peter lives in Portland, OR with two inquisitive daughters and a wonderful and supportive spouse.
Aaron Howard
Aaron is currently earning his BS majoring in Mechanical Engineering at PSU and currently holds an associates of science in Biomedical Technology from PCC. He was born and raised in Portland, Or. Aaron has always been mechanically inclined and enjoys working on his vehicles in his spare time and has a passion for the outdoors and nature. His goal is to work in the automotive industry and is excited about the opportunities and future this field holds.
Eiman Ahmadi
Eiman is currently a student at Portland Community College (PCC). He intends to transfer to Portland State University (PSU) in the fall of 2025 and continue his education and obtain his bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. He was born and raised in Herat, Afghanistan, and moved to the U.S. with his family back in 2015 at the age of 9 years old. He lives with his two parents and older brother. During free time, Eiman likes to play chess, either against other people or bots.
Zan Bauer
Zane is a full time student pursuing an engineering degree. He is currently enrolled at Portland Community College and plans on transferring to Portland State University to finish a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has been living in the Portland area most of his life. In his free time, Zane enjoys rock climbing and backpacking.
Andres Echeverria
Andres Echeverria is a part-time student at Portland Community College, completing his Associates of Science to transfer into the Mechanical Engineering program at Portland State University. He works at Acumed Headquarters, specializing in the mechanical finishing of orthopedic titanium implants, where he has gained experience in tumbling, polishing, and deburring techniques to ensure product safety. With a passion for hands-on work, Andres enjoys fixing cars and improving mechanical systems. He looks forward to expanding his knowledge of manufacturing processes to prepare for a future career in engineering.
Michael Hawkey
Michael is an Engineering Student and Manufacturing Operations Technician. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Portland State University. He took the first half of his coursework through Portland Community Colleges, 90’s sporty & compact cars. Michael lives in Hillsboro with his many cats and girlfriend.
Stephen Risk
Stephen is a mechanical engineering student at Portland Community College who also works as a technician for Intel in Hillsboro, Oregon. He graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and brings his expertise in design thinking and visual communication in all of his projects. In his spare time, Stephen is an avid hiker, photographer, motorcycle enthusiast, and tinkerer and loves live music. He hopes to complete his masters in Mechanical Engineering and eventually work in the defense or aerospace industry.
Evan Smith
Evan is a Mechanical Engineering student at Portland Community College. He was born and raised in Portland, Oregon where he still lives today. He started his engineering journey in the automotive technology program at Benson Polytechnic High School in northeast Portland. In his free time, Evan enjoys working on cars and exercising. In the future, Evan plans to earn a bachelors of science in Mechanical Engineering and go on to work in the automotive industry.
Chris
Chris is currently a student at Portland Community College (PCC) taking engineering courses. He is planning to secure a job in an engineering field that has him working with his hands to physically make or design products. Currently, Chris is planning to go into mechanical engineering. Chris is passionate about 3D modeling and design as well as problem solving different things. He lives with his family so he can try to find the right field of engineering as well as to save money for school.
