Some say it’s my competitive nature, since I believe in redefining my limitations while putting 100% of my heart and 110% of my effort into the tasks I commit to. I may not always be the loudest in the room, but I have a drive to see to the successful completion of projects. I look forward to any opportunity where I can apply my skills to real-world applications and advance my skills through industry experience.
Hi! I’m Merritt Kendzior, a mechanical engineer originally from Bradenton, FL. In December 2021, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech and I am currently pursuing a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. I currently work for General Motor's Motorsports division as a Project Design Engineer in Pontiac, Michigan.
I have a passion for international motorsports, traveling, the ever-advancing world of 3D printing, cooking, and developing STEM education opportunities for middle and high school students. If you can’t find me studying for classes or working, there’s a good chance I’m either in a new city searching for coffee shops or great food, lost in the world of CAD, or making something.
Moving forward, I aim to further my career within the automotive industry, motorsports, or STEM education non-profit space.
From all across the US to halfway across the world, CO2 racecars opened my eyes to engineering at a young age and took me places. From CAD, CAM, and CFD to raising over $120,000 as a group of teenagers, F1 in Schools and Dragster Design through TSA changed my life and unlocked my passion for engineering and racing.
Now, it's on to the big leagues...
EXPERIENCE
For three summer rotations, I've worked for General Motors in the Performance and Racing Lab (Pontiac, MI), Powertrain Noise and Vibration Validation (Milford, MI) and Instrument Panel Interior Validation (Warren, MI). My assignments ranged from statistical studies of CAE models to reduce physical testing needs, to synthesizing electronic transmission gear ratios for an objective study on perceived "roughness".
During my first three years at Georgia Tech, I worked in the Prototyping and Service Center at the GT Manufacturing Institute (GTMI). Working with my coworker, my role was to design and draft in CAD solutions to prototyping needs for research labs on campus. I also assisted in manufacturing, utilizing our WireEDM, manual mill and lathe, surface grinder, 3D polyjet printer, and metal 3D printers.
As a part of a four person team, I worked with fellow ME and Business undergrads to develop a new backup system for the 777X nacelle PTOS. Our capstone team worked over two semesters to develop our proposed system which was lighter, safer for technicians to operate, and would save an overall estimated $2,601,485 due to weight.
Radiant Power Corp is an industry leader in emergency backup systems for commercial aircraft, including ULBs. Through my experience with Radiant Power, I gained a greater appreciation for aerospace safety and learned many practical skills such as soldering and failure mode analysis.
Press
Florida student makes history with 4th Dragster Design gold, By Science of Speed
US Girls Collect F1 in Schools Women In Motorsports Trophy, FIA Newsletter, page 16
TV Interview: F1 in Schools Slipstream Racing, By Fox News 13
SAE International F1 in Schools U.S. National Champion Announced, By SAE International
Florida Students Race To Finish Line At F1 World Championship, By 83 Degrees Media
Sophomore Takes Her Second Dragster Design Gold! by Tech Directions Magazine