Todd Letcher

Todd Letcher is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at South Dakota State University (SDSU). He holds additional roles as Associate Director of the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium and teaches core courses like Engineering Design Methods and Mechanical Systems Design. His research focuses on additive manufacturing, space robotics, and engineering entrepreneurship, with notable contributions to 3D printing materials and in-space manufacturing challenges.

Education:

• B.S. Mechanical Engineering, SDSU (2005)
• M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University (2008)
• Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University (2012)

Research Interests: Dr. Letcher’s work spans additive manufacturing technologies, including 3D printer hardware and material development, as well as space robotics and engineering entrepreneurship. His recent projects include NASA-funded initiatives like Lunar Transport Vehicle design and Break the Ice challenges. He emphasizes practical applications, such as designing materials for extreme environments and fostering student innovation through senior design projects.

Key Achievements:

• Recipient of multiple NASA awards, including 1st Place in NASA RASC-AL (2023)
• Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering Young Investigator of the Year (2020)
• Lead researcher in gamma irradiation effects on 3D-printed materials

Teaching & Mentorship: Dr. Letcher advises senior design projects, independent studies, and graduate students. He actively promotes engineering entrepreneurship through NSF I-Corps and collaborates on grants like the “Living and Working in Space” museum exhibit.

Grants & Committees:

• Lead over 20 grants, including NASA EPSCoR and Sun Grant programs
• Member of the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory Committee and College of Engineering Promotion Committee

Labs & Teams: Associated with the Materials Evaluation and Testing Laboratory (METLAB) and the SDSU CubeSat Club, fostering hands-on research in advanced materials and space systems.