Zachary Trimble

Zachary Trimble is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the RIP Lab at the University of Hawaii's College of Engineering. He holds a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2010). His research focuses on autonomous systems, energy harvesting, precision engineering, renewable energy, and industrial automation. Trimble leads the RIP Lab, which develops innovative solutions in robotics, energy systems, and advanced manufacturing. He has collaborated on projects ranging from CubeSat ADCS testing to magnetic compression medical devices and autonomous underwater vehicles.

His research interests emphasize practical applications of mechanical engineering principles, including vibration energy harvesting systems, additive manufacturing processes, and multidisciplinary project integration. Trimble has presented at major conferences such as the AIAA/USU Small Satellites Conference and the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting.

Key contributions include the design of low-cost manufacturing tools, development of multifunctional nanocomposites via 3D printing, and experimental validation of energy harvesting models. He actively engages in educational initiatives like vertically integrated projects to bridge academic and real-world engineering challenges.

Trimble’s work integrates mechanical design, materials science, and automation, addressing both technical and environmental challenges such as marine chemical plume tracking and pumped hydro reverse osmosis systems. His research has been published in journals like Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials and International Oil Spill Conference Proceedings.