2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Bridging Academia and Defense: Student-Driven Additive Manufacturing for Military Problem Solving

Presented at Innovative Engineering Instruction with Military Service as Context

In modern combat environments, the failure of a powered optic can mean the difference between mission success and weapon inoperability. To address this critical vulnerability, undergraduate Manufacturing Engineering Technology students developed the Printed Reticle Iron Sight Emergency Module (P.R.I.S.E.M.)—a 3D-printed backup sighting system for the M3 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System (Carl Gustav). The project emerged from a real-world problem identified by operational soldiers and challenged students to apply engineering design, additive manufacturing, and materials science to produce a field-ready solution capable of being fabricated in forward-deployed environments using commercial 3D-printing technology already available to sustainment brigades of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell.

Using an agile, student-led design process, the team conducted extensive material testing of carbon-fiber-reinforced filaments and selected ASA-CF (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate with Carbon Fiber) for its combination of high stiffness, thermal stability, and ultraviolet resistance. The material’s matte, non-reflective finish further enhanced its suitability for tactical use. Through iterative prototyping, the students produced a lightweight, modular, and easily manufacturable sight assembly that can be replicated rapidly in austere or resource-limited conditions.

Pedagogically, the P.R.I.S.E.M. initiative demonstrates how mission-driven design transforms classroom learning into applied innovation. Students developed advanced competencies in additive manufacturing, CAD modeling, and material evaluation while gaining practical experience in communication, ethical decision-making, and collaboration with defense professionals. Learning outcomes were mapped to ABET Student Outcomes 1–5, reinforcing technical rigor and professional identity formation. This project illustrates how academic–military partnerships can transform Engineering Technology education—empowering students to become agile, purpose-driven technologists capable of innovating under real-world constraints.

Authors

Mr. Jody L Alberd Austin Peay State University [biography]

Jody L. Alberd is an Assistant Professor of Engineering Technology at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. A retired U.S. Navy Aviation Ordnanceman, he brings over twenty years of military experience to his teaching and research in manufacturing and applied engineering. His work focuses on additive manufacturing, industry collaboration, and experiential learning through defense-oriented and community-based projects. Professor Alberd mentors senior capstone teams in partnership with military and industrial sponsors, emphasizing the integration of design, innovation, and professional identity development in Engineering Technology education.
Dr. Mahesh Kumar Pallikonda Austin Peay State University [biography]

Dr. Mahesh Kumar Pallikonda is an Assistant Professor of Engineering Technology at Austin Peay State University. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and has prior industry experience in manufacturing, new product development, and process control. His professional interests include manufacturing systems, robotics and automation, operations management, quality engineering, and Industry 4.0 technologies. His work is situated within an Engineering Technology program that emphasizes applied, workforce-aligned education and serves a diverse student population, including non-traditional learners, supporting hands-on, practice-oriented applied engineering and engineering technology education.
Jordan Ryan Kublickis Austin Peay State University [biography]

Jordan Kublickis is a graduate of the Engineering Technology program at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. He served five years in the United States Marine Corps as an Airframes Mechanic for the MV-22 Osprey, where he developed a strong foundation in aircraft structural systems, maintenance practices, and mission-critical operations. He has a strong passion for the defense industry, which complements his professional interests in additive manufacturing, as well as design and CAD software, with a focus on developing innovative solutions for aerospace and military applications.
Simona Rose Vest Austin Peay State University [biography]

Simona Vest is a graduate of the Engineering Technology program at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. She has hands on experience in Lean Six Sigma, CAD modeling, and process optimization. Through engineering roles at Jostens and Hankook Tire, Simona has contributed to improvements in safety, standardization, and overall process efficiency across multiple manufacturing departments. With strengths in data analysis, 3D modeling, and continuous improvement, she is passionate about using engineering and rapid prototyping to solve real world manufacturing challenges.

Download paper (582 KB)

Are you a researcher? Would you like to cite this paper? Visit the ASEE document repository at peer.asee.org for more tools and easy citations.

» Download paper

« View session

For those interested in:

Academia-Industry Connections
engineering technology
Faculty
undergraduate
veterans