KENNESAW, Ga. | Jun 17, 2026

What began as a childhood spent working on cars with his father and older brother has led Matthew Azaroff to one of the nation’s premier research institutions.

The Kennesaw State University doctoral student has been selected for a summer research internship at Savannah River National Laboratory, where he will conduct advanced manufacturing research alongside leading scientists and engineers.

Azaroff, a student in the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering program in Kennesaw State's Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SPCEET), will spend the summer researching additive manufacturing technologies, an approach more commonly known as 3D printing. The experience will allow him to work alongside researchers at Savannah River National Laboratory, a federally funded research and development center that supports inquiries into energy, advanced manufacturing, environmental stewardship, and national security.

“Matthew’s success demonstrates what is possible when talented students combine curiosity, hands-on experience, and rigorous research training,” said SPCEET Dean Lawrence Whitman. “We are proud to see him represent Kennesaw State at one of the nation's premier research laboratories and look forward to seeing the impact he will make in advanced manufacturing.”

The opportunity builds on years of hands-on experience and research for Azaroff, whose interest in engineering began long before he entered a college classroom.

“From a young age, I always enjoyed tinkering with stuff and understanding how it works,” Azaroff said. “I spent a lot of time working on cars with my dad and my older brother.”

That passion eventually evolved into an interest in custom fabrication and manufacturing. Outside of his academic work, Azaroff remains active in automotive fabrication and drifting, applying engineering concepts to custom vehicle projects and designs.

“My hobby gave me a way to stay connected to what first made me interested in engineering,” Azaroff said. “I've made parts for my cars, done a lot of CAD work and used many of the things I've learned in my classes.”

A Woodstock native and graduate of Sequoyah High School, Azaroff earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology from Kennesaw State before continuing directly into the Ph.D. program. He credits faculty members, particularly his advisor, Professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology Aaron Adams, with encouraging him to pursue research opportunities beyond the classroom.

“Professor Adams saw a lot of potential in me and invited me to do some research with him during my undergraduate years,” Azaroff said.  “He really pushed for me to continue into my Ph.D.”

At Savannah River National Laboratory, Azaroff will work on projects involving laser powder bed fusion, an additive manufacturing process that uses lasers to fuse powdered materials into finished components. One project focuses on researching a palladium-silver alloy that has never been successfully produced through 3D printing.

“We are printing palladium silver, which is an alloy and a precious metal,” Azaroff said. “It’s never been 3D printed before, so we're doing a lot of research to see if we can actually 3D print it and put it into application use.”

Additive manufacturing allows engineers to create complex parts that would be difficult or costly to produce through traditional manufacturing methods. The technology is increasingly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing, defense, and energy production.

“A lot of industries can benefit from additive manufacturing,” Azaroff said. “Industries where time, money, performance, and complex geometries matter definitely benefit because traditional manufacturing can be very costly and time-consuming.”

Azaroff said the opportunity will allow him to apply the skills he has developed at Kennesaw State while learning how advanced research is conducted in a national laboratory environment.

“I think it’s important because it gives me a chance to work in a national lab environment and see how advanced research is done outside of a classroom,” Azaroff said. “It also connects directly to my future goals because I want to build experience in research and advanced manufacturing.”

After completing his doctorate, Azaroff hopes to continue conducting research at a national laboratory or in industry before eventually returning to academia, helping guide the next generation of engineers.

– Story by Raynard Churchwell

Photo provided

 

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.