Additive Manufacturing Expert, Christopher D. Apple Joins FSU InSPIRE

ASTRO America, a partner of Florida State University’s Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education, has hired Christopher Apple to embed at InSPIRE. One of his key priorities includes analyzing industry sourced data to determine advanced manufacturing facility recommendations and equipment specifications. He is also managing the inaugural ASTRO-InSPIRE-ASTM Tech Challenge & Showcase: Actionable In-Situ Awareness.

FSU InSPIRE is in the preliminary stages of developing an advanced manufacturing center of innovation that solves real-world industry challenges in the aerospace, defense, and energy sectors. The center will enable applied research breakthroughs to advance through prototyping, testing and evaluations and then onto production very quickly. By designing complete, end-to-end production facilities, FSU InSPIRE aims to improve national supply chains with high caliber and efficiently produced advanced manufacturing solutions.

“Chris brings valuable experience from his previous role as a Sustainment Engineer at the University of Dayton Research Institute in Warner Robins, Georgia,” said ASTRO America Vice President of AM Forward Technologies, Abdalla Nassar. “He trained Airmen on the operation and qualification of additive manufacturing systems, spearheaded continuous improvement initiatives, and gained experience with ISO 9000 quality management systems—all highly relevant to the InSPIRE initiative.”

Apple is a mechanical engineer experienced in designing parts and troubleshooting processes for additive manufacturing and prototyping. His skills and prior experience in teaching students how to best utilize 3D equipment and processes also aligns with FSU InSPIRE’s goals of student engagement and the development of frontline expertise.

Apple holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Florida. He is currently relocating to Panama City, Florida.