Ryan Lemker


Internship Experience

Manufacturing Engineering Intern

Textron Aviation, Wichita, KS

• Designed wireless surface mounted camera system to aid assemblers in challenging areas. Product helps reduce strain on employees and increase efficiency by allowing visualization of work.
• Performed customer discovery to gauge interest in product and gather ideal use case information.

May 2023 - August 2023

Mechanical Engineering Intern

Textron Arctic Cat, Thief River Falls, MN

• Designed a new winch bumper for the Arctic Cat Wildcat line to encompass a larger winch, increase attack angle, and reduce production cost.
• Quoted newly designed bumper with a reduction in production cost by 74% when compared to current model.
• Communicated and coordinated between multiple departments within Arctic Cat and suppliers. This communication facilitated a bumper that considered material characteristics and availability and supplier and in-house manufacturing capability.

May 2022-Aug 2022

Research Experience

Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines

University of North Dakota

I pursued the chance to perform undergraduate research revolving around rotating detonation rocket engines. This system relies on detonation over deflagration, and is complex to maintain stability. The original goal was to perfom modeling simulations, but had transitioned to gain a better background understanding of the concepts.

Spring 2024

Rocketry Lab - ARC

Performed tasks centered around the research goals of the Advanced Rocketry Club at the University of North Dakota. This includes progress towards the experimental motors program, new lab facilities, post-flight analysis, and more.

Spring 2024

Other Experience

STEM Ambassador

North Dakota Space Grant Consortium, Grand Forks, ND

• Promote STEM activities to inspire youth and peers to pursue a career in STEM.
• Work as a team member to increase outreach and networking options for the program.

September 2023 - Current

Engineering Tutor

University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND

• Utilize communication skills in order to explain complex concepts in various ways to individuals with different learning capabilities.
• Edify greater time management, research, and studying skills to promote individuals’ success throughout college career.

January 2021 - May 2023

Olympia Driver

Mars Lakeview Arena, Duluth, MN

• Operated the ice resurfacing machine and managed a timely transition between customers.
• Cleaned and maintained the building by performing necessary repairs.

January 2019 - August 2020

Salesmen

Shoot and Save Sports, Rochester, MN

• Interacted with customers to promote an engaging and welcoming environment.
• Operated sharpening machine and handled monetary transactions.

September 2018 - December 2018

Education

University of North Dakota

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
Mathematics - minor
Pre-med track

Honors
• Dean's List: Fall 2019 - Present
• President's Honor Roll - Spring 2020 - Present

GPA: 4.0/4.0

August 2019 - May 2024

Skills

Programming Languages & Tools
CAD Software: Creo, SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Onshape
Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Aviation: Private Pilot Certificate, Part 107

Interests

I enjoy spending my free time on pursuits that challenge me physically, intellectually, and creatively. Among my passions is aerospace, both aeronautics and astronautics, which led me to obtain both a pilot's license and a part 107 certification. With these certifications, I am establishing my own company called Aspect Aerial Services(in progress), focused on providing UAS services. I have been a part of the Advanced Rocketry Club at the University of North Dakota for the last four years, and have gained experience in vehicle design and construction, payload design and construction, as well as an intro to experimental motors that I helped establish. Additionally, I find joy in traveling, hiking, and mountain biking, having explored over twenty national parks.


Involvement

Co-President, Advanced Rocketry Club, UND
Aug 2022-Present
Member, UAS Club, UND
Aug 2022-Present
Member, Tau Beta Pi, UND
Nov 2021-Present
Lead Rocket Engineer, Advanced Rocketry Club
Aug 2020-Present
Supply Manager, The Big Event, UND
Aug 2020-May 2023
Member, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, UND
Aug 2020-Present
Member, Nordic Ski Club, UND
Jan 2020-August 2024
Member, Rock Climbing Club, UND
Jan 2020-Aug 2021

Awards & Certifications

  • Lillian Elsinga Outstanding Student Leadership Award
  • Center for Innovation - Runway project
  • EAPC Scholarship Recipient
  • Dean and Mae Wieland Scholarship
  • Dan Dufner Mechanical Engineering Scholarship
  • George & Joi Hase Swiggum Scholarship
  • Kenneth Gunder Harstad Scholarship
  • Michael and Sitney Lodoen Engineering Scholarship
  • Raymond and Edyth Sullivan Mem Engineering Scholarship
  • Robert B. and Sophia Whiteside Scholarship
  • Deans List 2019-Present
  • President's Honor Roll 2020-Present
  • Part 107 - Drone License
  • Private Pilot's License - SEL

Project Portfolio