NAU WindJax 2025 Team

Meet the Team!

Jacob Branstetter

Project Development: Financial Manager & Power Transmission

Major: Mechanical Engineering

About Me

I am a Senior at NAU on track to graduate in Spring of 2025. On the Project Development team I am tasked with ensuring that our finished product is affordable and properly financed. I am also responsible for maintaining the team's website that you see before you now! 

When I'm not in class, I work at the local firing range as a Range Safety Officer and Firearms Safety Instructor. I use my acquired engineering knowledge to help others better understand how their firearms operate and solve problems that may arise from malfunctions or malpractice. 

Following graduation, I plan to stay local to my hometown of Flagstaff, AZ while pursuing employment opportunities across the state and nation.

Contact Info: 

jdb725@nau.edu

Kevin Bruns

Wind Turbine: Project Manager, Electromechanical Systems

Major: Mechanical Engineering

About Me

I am a senior mechanical engineering student at NAU minoring in physical chemistry. I have prior experience in industries including biomedical engineering at Roche Tissue Diagnostics as an intern, working on-campus in a robotics lab, and performing research related to direct air capture technology on-campus.

After I graduate, I am searching for a job in the renewable energy industry with hands-on engineering and getting involved with the larger green community as a whole.  

Fun Fact: I am secretly not a blonde. 

Blaine D'Ambrosio

Project Development: Logistics Manager

Majors: Mechanical Engineering & Mathematics

About Me

I am a senior at Northern Arizona University, pursuing a dual degree in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering. With a background in biomedical engineering, I am now expanding my expertise into renewable energy technologies. I am passionate about the transition to sustainable energy systems and am seeking opportunities to apply my skills in the renewable energy field after graduation. 


Contact Info: 

bd586@nau.edu 

Ava English

Wind Turbine: Manufacturing Engineer

Major: Mechanical Engineering

About Me

I am studying mechanical engineering and want to use engineering knowledge to pursue innovation and improving lives. I want to be able to work in the field of biomedical engineering and reneable energy.


Leonardo Girardi

Wind Turbine: Budget Lead, Anchoring 

Major: Mechanical Engineering

About Me

I am an international student and senior mechanical engineering major at NAU, with experience in two solar energy internships. I’m passionate about renewable energy and excited to use the Collegiate Wind Competition (CWC) to further my involvement in this field.  

Krista Markle

Project Development: Project Manager

Major: Multidisciplinary Engineering - Emphasis: Sustainable Engineering  

About Me

I am a senior studying Multidisciplinary Engineering at NAU with an emphasis on sustainable engineering. I have experience in underground utility construction and functional mine design at an engineering firm. I find renewable energy interesting because of its upcoming prominence in the energy industry.  

Jack Shea

Wind Turbine: Test Engineer

Project Development: Software Engineer

Major: Mechanical Engineering

About Me

I am a mechanical engineering senior at Northern Arizona University. My roles for the CWC ‘25 project include being the test engineer for the turbine design team and the software engineer for the project development team. My interests in the engineering industry include the aerospace and renewable energy industries.

Contact Me: 

Jts442@nau.edu

Garrett Siemann

Wind Turbine: Logistics Manager

Major: Mechanical Engineering

About Me


I am seeking a mechanical engineering degree at Northern Arizona University. I am focusing on rotor optimization for the WindJax turbine. I am an active member of ASME and am interested in machine design. After college, I would be interested in pursuing work in the roller coaster engineering and design industry. 

Contact Me:

 Gzs2@nau.edu  

Natasha Waddell

Wind Turbine: CAD Design Engineer

Major: Multidisciplinary Engineering - Emphasis: Design

About Me:


I am a senior at Northern Arizona University pursuing a degree in Multidisciplinary Engineering with an emphasis in Design and a certificate in Innovative Thinking. 

I am currently part of the NAU Collegiate Wind Competition 2025 team, where I am the lead CAD Design Engineer. I am also responsible for the detailed design of the nacelle and tower components of the wind turbine. My passion for design and problem-solving drives me to develop sustainable technologies that can have a lasting impact. In addition to my coursework, I have hands-on experience in CAD modeling, machining, and prototyping. I am excited to develop these skills further throughout the competition. 

Contact Me:

 njw99@nau.edu

Jake Wall

Wind Tunnel: Project Manager

Major: Mechanical Engineering

About Me:


I am a senior mechanical engineering student at Northern Arizona University and Project Manager of the Wind Tunnel design project. My duties include the design, parts selection and manufacturing coordination of the NAU wind tunnel. In the engineering industry, I am interested in additive/subtractive manufacturing and renewable energy.

Contact Me:

 Jw2648@nau.edu 

Click Here for Our Electrical Engineering Teammates!

 Technical Advisor

David Willy

Senior Lecturer of Mechanical Engineering at Northern Arizona University 

About Me

"I teach courses in Thermal-Fluid Sciences, Design, and Renewable Energy. I advise the Collegiate Wind Competition, the NAU Energy Club, and SAE Baja."

Contact Me: 

David.Willy@nau.eduÂ