MEM Industry Advisory Board members serve the MEM major by offering valuable insights into emerging trends in manufacturing and industry in Connecticut, specifically with regards to how these trends may impact MEM graduates and how we can strengthen the major to continue to meet the demands of a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry.

Current Board Members

Leo Veilleux is Director of Engineering, Design Assurance within Collins Aerospace, Power and Controls Business. In this role, he is responsible for technical adequacy and product health of engine and aircraft systems including Engine Control Systems and Air Management Systems. Leo began his career as a Mechanical Design Engineer at Hamilton Standard and has since held several positions of increased responsibility, including project engineering roles for mechanical and electronic products, electronic design manager, system integration manager, technology manager, safety chair, and chief engineer. Within the Power and Controls business, Leo support the development of advanced technology-leveraging systems for aircraft such as the Airbus A320, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and Joint Strike fighter. He is the inventor of over 50 patents.

Leo is a recipient of the ASME Distinguished Engineer of the Year Award, a member of the UConn Academy of Distinguished Engineers, and is active on UConn’s Management and Engineering for Manufacturing Industrial Advisory Board and the Electrical and Computer Engineering Industrial Advisory Board. Leo holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA from the University of Connecticut and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Tim Sasur is an accomplished leader whose passion for product development and ability to blend engineering rigor with business acumen have driven significant impact in precision manufacturing industries. As Director of Engineering at Gems-Setra, a Ralliant Company, he oversees all aspects of the product lifecycle within the Industrial Solutions Business Unit—including new product development, sustaining engineering, engineering services, and strategic technology roadmaps.

Previously, Tim served as Vice President at HORST Engineering, where his expertise spanned engineering, operations, quality assurance, and business development. In this role, he empowered high-performing teams to innovate new processes in advanced manufacturing and aerospace. His earlier leadership roles at Dymax Corporation and Stanadyne Corporation broadened his impact across diverse industries, giving him deep cross-functional experience and a track record of engineering and commercial success.

Throughout his career, Tim has launched multiple successful new products, improved cross-functional collaboration, and developed scalable engineering processes that enhanced product quality, short time-to-market cycles, and drove measurable business results. He holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hartford.

Victoria Marino is currently employed as an Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead at Ensign-Bickford Aerospace and Defense in Simsbury, CT. She is responsible for leading a cross-functional team through the development process of electronics systems. She serves as a technical project manager ensuring that project deliverables are translated into daily tasks and communicates project progress to stakeholders. Prior to this, Victoria had several roles of increasing responsibility at Kaman Precision Products and Kaman Air Vehicles completing an 18-month multi-functional Leadership Development Program, New Product Development and Project Engineering. Victoria has a passion for mentorship, and has mentored women through her collegiate and professional organizations throughout her career. Victoria graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2019 Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Management and Engineering for Manufacturing. She has obtained a Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

Bob Hersh is National Managing Partner for Manufacturing at Grant Thornton LLP. Bob has over 35 years of consulting and industry experience assisting his clients improve their operational and financial performance. His practice areas of expertise include System Implementation, IT Strategy and Planning, Process Analysis and Design, Strategic Planning and Operations Management. His current focus is on advanced manufacturing topics including additive manufacturing, distributed manufacturing, and enterprise asset management, including machine monitoring and predictive analytics. Bob has worked with a diverse set of clients, from pre-revenue startups to Fortune 50 global manufacturers. His client list includes Pratt & Whitney, Akzo-Nobel, Parker Hannifin, Coca-Cola, Nissan, P&G, and Lockheed Martin. However, he finds that the greatest reward comes from working with mid-market manufacturers. Bob graduated from UCONN in 1986 as a Chemical Engineer and in 1990 from Notre Dame with an MBA. He is a member of the UCONN Academy of Distinguished Engineers and serves as a Board Member for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).

Rachel Santos is a Design Engineer at Pratt & Whitney, where she participates in the MSEN Engineering Development Program (EDP). This 26-month rotational program provides members technical training and career field exposure through rotations in three distinct roles.

 As a Designer, she develops robust solutions using NX software, ensuring adherence to program schedule milestones and requirements. Teamcenter, a PLM software, and Ansys, an FEA program, are part of her arsenal of tools for analysis and data management.

Rachel holds a double bachelor's degree in Management & Engineering for Manufacturing (MEM) from the University of Connecticut's College of Engineering and School of Business.