Jason Bruns, BSME, MBA

Director
Phone: 507-389-1309
jason.bruns@mnsu.edu

Jason Bruns is the Director of the Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence. He received his B.S from the University of Minnesota, Institute of Technology in Mechanical Engineering, and a Master of Business Administration from Minnesota State University Mankato. He spent 20+ years in the industry successfully serving in engineering, operations, and manufacturing leadership roles at various companies including GE. Mr. Bruns now directs the Center’s activities as it pertains to engineering education, industry connections, and program collaborations. He enjoys spending time with his wife and his four daughters, along with their youth social events.

Melissa Huppert, Ph.D.

STEM Outreach Director
Phone: 507-389-2110
melissa.huppert@mnsu.edu

Melissa Huppert, Ph.D., oversees various grant and program development projects for the Center, as well as serves on several regional and statewide STEM-related committees. Dr. Huppert has over ten years of experience in program development and research, working primarily with STEM outreach programming, and has had research related to her work published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at the international level. She currently serves as a member of the SciMathMN Board of Directors. Dr. Huppert earned her Ph.D. from Purdue University in Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication.

Loralea Baldwin

Administrative Assistant
Phone: 507-389-1201 
loralea.baldwin@mnsu.edu

Loralea Baldwin is the Administrative Assistant for the Center. She received her B.S. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies; Communications, Graphic Design and Sociology and Graphic Design Certificate from Minnesota State University, Mankato. If you are looking to partner with the Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence, or find out more what we do, please reach out to Loralea. She would be happy to help in connecting you with Center resources.

Graduate Students

Smriti Manandhar

Marketing Graduate Assistant
Phone: 507-389-1201
smriti.manandhar@mnsu.edu

Smriti Manandhar is an Information Technology graduate student. Over the course of her career, she has worked as a SEO analyst, product designer, and counselor for admissions. In addition, she runs a small clothing online business called “Tisa Wosa”. Growing that business on an international level is one of her goals. She enjoys singing with her ukelele and going on adventures.

Student Workers

Mason Nelson

Work-Study Student
Phone: 507-389-1201
mason.nelson@mnsu.edu

Mason Nelson is a work-study student for the Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence. Currently, he is deciding between majoring in either Marketing or Business as a freshman at MSU. Mason enjoys sports (especially basketball), fashion and music.

Zain Jandal

Work-Study Student
Phone: 507-389-1201
zain.jandal@mnsu.edu

Zain Jandal, is a work-study student for the Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence Currently, she is a sophomore Chemistry major at Minnesota State, combines a passion for science. Beyond her studies, she enjoys volleyball and playing the violin.

Dulce Salazar

Work-Study Student
Phone: 507-389-1201
Dulce.Salazar@mnsu.edu

Dulce Salazar is a work-study student for the Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence. She is currently a sophomore and majoring in nursing. She is also a learning community coordinator for the nursing learning community and is a part of the Maverick Machine as a member of the color guard. Outside of school, Dulce enjoys hanging out with her friends and family, shopping, and getting sweet treats!