About Us

OMIC R&D is a collaborative innovation center with a mission: Advancing industry by providing manufacturing solutions while empowering and educating the workforce.

We conduct applied research to enhance the ability of industry to manufacture products better, faster, greener, and less expensively. We assist industry in developing new ways to make use of existing technology and pave the way for industry to use new and emerging technologies.

By convening those who teach and train existing and future manufacturing employees, we seek to inspire a new generation of learners, enable them to garner competence in industry critical skills and hone and renew the skills of those already engaged in manufacturing so they can engage in new opportunities for themselves and their employers.

As a trusted and knowledgeable third party, we engage decision makers and policy developers by giving thoughtful and knowledgeable voice to industry’s business, manufacturing and workforce development needs and opportunities.

Our Team

Don Hendrickson

Executive Director

Don was named Executive Director of Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center on May 1st, 2024. His goal is to continue the OMIC R&D primary objective of promoting applied research in manufacturing through collaborative efforts with industry, academia, government, and philanthropic organizations.

Urmaze Naterwalla

Director of Research Operations

Urmaze Naterwalla serves as the Director of Research Operations, an integral role shepherded by an accomplished professional with diverse experience in manufacturing and project management. With a comprehensive understanding of a range of industry sectors, Urmaze has expertise in machining, aerospace, automotive, die & mold, and crankshaft machining.

Michele Vitali

Operations and Policy Advisor

Michele Vitali is the Operations and Policy Advisor at OMIC R&D, as well as a former Trustee with the Oregon Tech Board of Trustees.

Mark Mitchell

Director of Facilities

Mark Mitchel is the Facilities Manager at OMIC R&D, a role he assumed in July 2023. With a background in heavy industrial maintenance, Mark specialized in the management of rotating specialized machinery and employs predictive maintenance techniques to ensure the optimal health of machinery. His expertise was honed in the steel mill industry, marking the beginning of his distinguished career in industrial maintenance.

Jen Kammerman

Research Administrative Manager

Jen Kammerman is a Research Administrative Manager at OMIC R&D. With over a decade of experience as an Executive Assistant and Executive Secretary, Jen has navigated both the private and public sectors.

Steven King

Research Project Manager

2025

Jon Elias

Director of Marketing & Communications

Jon Elias is the Director of Marketing and Communications at OMIC R&D. Coming from a long background in the Pacific Northwest, Jon got his start delivering for food carts by bicycle in Portland.

Dr. Chuankai Song

Research Associate

2024

Dr. Chuankai Song is a Research Associate at OMIC R&D with a robust background in additive manufacturing gained during his Ph.D. studies at Oregon State University. He specialized in Mechanical Engineering, with minors in Materials Science and Industrial Engineering, and has extensively engaged in laser-based additive manufacturing technologies, including Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and Laser-Directed Energy Deposition (LDED).

Dr. Devyn Duryea

Research Associate

Dr. Devyn Duryea is a Research Associate at OMIC R&D, and brings expertise in optics and photonics, with a strong research background in laser manufacturing. During his PhD at Oregon State University, he worked in a laser manufacturing lab, using ultrafast lasers to create nanoparticle and 2D nanomaterial colloids—pioneering research aimed at developing inks for printed electronics. His contributions to the field include two first-author publications and three conference papers, reflecting his commitment to advancing laser-based materials science.

Cody Apple

Senior Machining Solutions Researcher

Cody is a Senior Machine Solutions Researcher at OMIC R&D. Having an extensive background working in the Aerospace industry, Cody brings with him a unique background that is instrumental to the work being done on the machining floor. Cody is well known in the field for being an innovative, out-of-the-box thinker.

Taylor Schaming

Associate Manufacturing Solutions Researcher

Taylor Schaming is an Associate Manufacturing Solutions Researcher (AMSR) and has a passion for manufacturing and a drive for innovation. She is currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Machine Manufacturing Technology, further deepening her knowledge in the field.

Pablo Jimenez-Arenas

Machine Operator / Research Assistant

Pablo Jimenez-Arenas joined OMIC R&D in 2025 as a CNC Operator and Research Assistant. A Scappoose native, Pablo first discovered his passion for advanced manufacturing just across the street at the OMIC PCC Training Center, where he began his career and continues to teach today. His dual role as both practitioner and educator reflects his commitment to helping strengthen the local workforce while contributing directly to cutting-edge research and development projects at OMIC R&D.

John Timmerman

Machine Operator/Research Assistant

John Timmerman joined as a CNC Operator/ Research Assistant at OMIC R&D. John brings a new perspective into the world of manufacturing. Earning an associate degree in Machine Manufacturing Technology and an associates in science from PCC- John brings an analytical and scientific skillset to the world of applied research.

Trent LaMont

Manufacturing Solutions Researcher

Trent LaMont is a Manufacturing Solutions Researcher. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Trent graduated magna cum laude and was a distinguished member of Oregon Tech’s Honors Program.

Kyle McGann

Manufacturing Solutions Researcher

Kyle McGann is a Manufacturing Solutions Researcher with a background in mechanical engineering and a passion for additive manufacturing. He holds a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Explosive Ordnance Disposal.

Sierra Repp

Associate Manufacturing Solutions Researcher

2024

Sierra Repp is an Associate MSR in Additive at OMIC R&D. She holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Portland, where she actively contributed to research, hands-on learning, and student mentorship. As part of the MECOP program, Sierra completed two six-month internships at Consolidated Metco (ConMet) and Acumed, gaining experience in research, testing, and multidisciplinary projects.

Dave Eames

Associate Manufacturing Solutions Researcher

Dave Eames is an Associate Manufacturing Solutions Researcher specializing in additive manufacturing and metrological inspection at OMIC R&D. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Portland State University and an Associate of Science in Baking and Restaurant Management from the Oregon Culinary Institute.

Will Watts

Associate Manufacturing Solutions Researcher

2024

Nick Patton

Facilities Associate

2025

Nick Patton joins Oregon Tech as a Facilities Associate at OMIC R&D. He received his BFA in illustration from Columbus College of Art and Design in 2005, and his MFA in Visual Studies from Pacific Northwest College of Art in 2015.