Kennedy Mihigo

I am an Engineering Professional , who has a passion for design and creation. I am a champion for STEM, especially for under-served groups or communities. Upon receiving my bachelor's degree at Rochester Institute of Technology, I began my professional career at GE Aerospace, first as an intern in Delaware, followed by a full time role in Ohio, where I contributed to the development and design of ceramic matrix composites (CMC) aircraft engine components, running in the record breaking GE9X, which powers the Boeing 777X aircraft, among other accomplishments. During this time, I built custom tools within the UG NX CAD software, which expedited many of the tedious modeling processes needed for CMC part designs and helped grow the transition to Model Based Definition (MBD) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems integration. While working at GE, I also attended the University of Cincinnati on a part time basis, pursuing a masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, with a focus on manufacturing and project management. Before graduating in 2017, I completed my capstone project, titled “CAD modeling for manufacturing consumption”, where I explored how data from CAD models can be directly linked into machine tools in the manufacturing process, and how this integration of data could open opportunities to use machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to enhance quality and efficiency. During the second half of my time at GE Aerospace, I was responsible for designing a fuel and lubrication system necessary for the testing of a new engine under development. I managed the project, from concept, to project planning, procurement, manufacturing, installation and finally testing of the engine.

Outside of work, I enjoy working with local non-profit organizations to organize networking events, symposiums, mentoring programs, as well as leading the creation of Community Development Programs, where community members who own or are interested in starting a business, have the opportunity to learn from successful leaders and other experts in the field. I also volunteer within local schools, where I have mentored and introduced students to the STEM field, through engaging classroom projects.