Nathan Crane

Nathan Crane is Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Brigham Young University's College of Engineering, with expertise spanning additive manufacturing, microfluidics, and material science. He holds PhD (MIT), MS and BS degrees (BYU) in Mechanical Engineering, complemented by industry experience at Pratt & Whitney and national laboratories.

His research focuses on advanced manufacturing technologies including binder jetting, laser powder bed fusion, and projection sintering. Current projects explore microfluidic actuation, functionally graded materials, and sustainable building technologies. Interdisciplinary work combines material science with thermal analysis and precision engineering.

Crane's publications demonstrate consistent innovation in manufacturing processes. Recent work emphasizes in-situ monitoring techniques and material property optimization. Theoretical contributions include electrowetting models and droplet-powder interaction studies, while applied research targets energy-efficient systems and corrosion-resistant materials.

Significant honors include Fulbright Scholarship (2014), USF Outstanding Faculty Award (2015), and multiple best paper awards. Grant funding exceeds $2 million from NSF and industry partners, supporting research in microfluidic RF devices and binder jetting defect reduction.

He directs the Additive Manufacturing Laboratory, mentoring graduate researchers and teaching undergraduate courses in manufacturing processes and mechanical design. Industrial collaborations include Pratt & Whitney and Sandia National Laboratories.