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For Rayne native Blake Hussey, the University of �޻���ֱ�� at Lafayette’s  had a dual appeal.

“I felt like it would give me better job opportunities, and I wanted to complete more research into composite materials,” says Hussey.

As an undergrad, Hussey had the opportunity to work under College of Engineering Dean Dr. Ahmed Khattab in the Department of Industrial Technology’s Laboratory for Composite Materials. Hussey saw the opportunity to keep exploring the capabilities of 3D-printed materials by enrolling in the Master of Systems Technology. 

Hussey leveraged that interest into his thesis, creating a lightweight, self-interlocking polymer structure using 3D printing and advanced materials. Hussey then scaled the structure to test its energy efficiency performance while analyzing its tensile and compression properties, or how it withstands compression force.

That material, he says, could have aerospace applications.

In addition to having the opportunity to complete research into those materials, Hussey says completing his thesis was an opportunity to challenge himself. 

"It was rewarding for me because I'm not a strong writer,” he says. “Additionally, I was able to collaborate with other students and faculty members from different departments on my research.”

The M.S. in Systems Technology online degree program is unique in its approach, combining business course electives with systems technology courses covering lean manufacturing, design processes, project management, and other concepts to help students excel in energy, manufacturing, chemical production, and aerospace industries. 

Hussey says he was able to gain a holistic perspective of both the design life cycle and associated impacts. 

“We researched manufacturing processes from the beginning of the product lifecycle all the way to the end — cradle to grave,” says Hussey. “We had to see what the environmental impact of each process was, including carbon emissions and how it affected the environment. 

"It was challenging but rewarding.”

With graduation around the corner, Hussey is looking to grow within Acadiana’s manufacturing industry, possibly as an automation process engineer or project coordinator.