Dr. Ming C. Leu is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he is also a Curators’ Distinguished Professor and the Keith & Pat Bailey Missouri Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. At Missouri S&T, he founded the Center for Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies in 2004 and served as its director until 2016, and he served as the Director of the Intelligent Systems Center from 2003 to 2020. Prior to joining Missouri S&T in 1999, he was a Program Director at the National Science Foundation, 1996-1999, the State Chair Professor in Manufacturing Productivity at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, 1987-1996, and an Assistant Professor at Cornell University, 1981-1987. Dr. Leu obtained his Ph.D. degree in 1981 from the University of California at Berkeley, his M.S. degree in 1977 from the Pennsylvania State University, and his B.S. degree in 1972 from the National Taiwan University, all in Mechanical Engineering.  

Dr. Aaron Birt is a leading expert in various fields of machine learning, materials, and manufacturing with a passion for using technology to develop solutions to critical problems faced around the globe. Today his energies are focused on building the Solvus team to tackle key challenges in the field of advanced manufacturing. Aaron’s passion and commitment to driving technical solutions into real-world commercial applications is the underlying foundation of Solvus Global itself. With a focus on growing people and solving challenges, Aaron is devoted to making Solvus Global a place where top engineers, thinkers, and creatives can come together to fulfill their own ambitious goals. Aaron has grown Solvus from the ground up to 100 employees across four locations in Massachusetts and a shared facility at the Missouri University of Science and Technology Protoplex. Under his leadership, Solvus has also successfully spun out three independent companies: VALIS, Powders on Demand, and Mammoth Metalworks where he now serves on the advisory board. Through the work of Aaron and his co-founders Sean Kelly and Diran Apelian, Solvus has been recognized on the Inc. 5000, as SBA Manufacturer of the Year, and as a WBJ Rising Star in Manufacturing.

Dr. Robert Burns is vice president and co-founder of Patriot Machine, Inc. He and his wife launched the business in 1991. Headquartered in St. Charles, Mo., the company has grown to almost 200 employees and occupies 277,000 square feet of aerospace manufacturing and office space. Patriot Machine adopts leading edge technologies, invests in research and development, and fosters a culture of continuous innovation.

Burns has spent his entire career in aerospace manufacturing. He earned an Executive MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, a master’s in engineering management from the University of Colorado-Boulder, and a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University.

Chad Myers is an entrepreneur and manufacturing leader with deep roots on the factory floor. A Purdue graduate, Chad began his career at world-class operations including Navistar, Chrysler, and Meritor before building his own business. In 2010, he joined SRC, rising to lead SRC Heavy Duty and later overseeing multiple SRC divisions. Under his leadership, his teams more than doubled revenue and added over 200 jobs, embracing the principles of the Great Game of Business. Today, Chad serves on multiple manufacturing and community boards and is passionate about developing the next generation of manufacturing leaders.

Tyler Kemp | Founder & CEO, MK Machining

Tyler Kemp is the founder and CEO of MK Machining, a Mid-Missouri advanced manufacturing company he started while attending the University of Missouri. A member of the Class of 2014, Kemp began his studies in mechanical engineering before transitioning to the business school, combining an early interest in engineering and manufacturing with entrepreneurship.

MK Machining began 3D printing products initially to fund prototype billet-machined products.

That practical introduction to additive manufacturing evolved into a long-term strategy focused on industrial 3D printing and advanced manufacturing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MK Machining invested significantly in industrial additive manufacturing equipment and, operating as a critical business, immediately produced emergency PPE components and COVID-19 test swabs.

Over the past decade, Kemp grew MK Machining from a self-funded undergraduate venture to more than $4 million in annual revenue without outside equity investment or an outside sales force. In 2024, he led the company’s expansion into direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) technology, continually reinvesting operating cash flow into advanced manufacturing capabilities. MK Machining now operates four metal additive manufacturing systems, with three additional EOS systems scheduled to enter service in September 2026. This expansion includes equipment financed in part by significant SBA-backed 504 financing.

Kemp was named Hallsville Business of the Year in 2025, SBA Missouri Small Business Person of the Year in 2026, Second Runner-Up for SBA National Small Business Person of the Year in 2026, and is a 2026 University of Missouri Recent Alumni Honoree.

MK Machining remains a family-led business with minimal turnover. Kemp works alongside his wife, Morgan Kemp, who plays an important administrative role of order intake and production scheduling in the company, while they raise their young daughter, Rhiannon, in Mid-Missouri.