10 Questions with Takudzwa Tendere

Our PhDs are playing a significant role within our program, and in the broader industry.

Takudzwa  Tendere is a PhD candidate in Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Sydney, researching advanced metal matrix composites, laser-directed energy deposition, and AI-driven manufacturing optimisation.

He holds a Master's degree in Industrial Engineering from Stellenbosch University and has experience in both academia and industry.

His work focuses on developing intelligent manufacturing systems that improve quality, efficiency, and sustainability in advanced engineering applications. 

Q1. Under which ACM CRC Research Program does your PhD project sit? 

My PhD sits primarily within the Manufacturing Processes Research Program (RP2), with strong connections to composite materials.

My research focuses on developing smarter ways to manufacture advanced metal matrix composites using laser-directed energy deposition, while applying machine learning to optimise the process and improve material performance.

The project aligns closely with ACM CRC's vision of advancing intelligent manufacturing and digital technologies to support the next generation of composites manufacturing. 

Q2. What is the focus of your PhD?  

My PhD focuses on developing multilayer metal matrix composites (MMCs) using an automated manufacturing system that combines laser deposition and thermal spray technologies. These advanced materials are being designed for demanding applications in industries such as mining, defence and marine engineering. 

A key aspect of my research is the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimise manufacturing parameters, improve material quality and reduce defects. Ultimately, the goal is to create smarter manufacturing systems that can consistently produce high-performance composite materials in a more efficient and reliable way. 

Q3. When did you become interested in this field?  

My interest started during my undergraduate studies in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering. I was fascinated by how manufacturing transforms raw materials into products that solve real-world problems. 

That curiosity continued to grow through my Master's research in additive manufacturing and eventually led me to pursue a PhD. Today, I'm fortunate to work in a field that brings together advanced manufacturing, materials engineering and artificial intelligence. 

Q4. What made you interested in it? 

I've always enjoyed solving complex problems and finding better ways to do things. Manufacturing is particularly exciting because it has a direct impact on the technologies and products people use every day. 

What really drew me to this area was the opportunity to combine manufacturing with artificial intelligence. Instead of relying purely on trial and error, we can use data to understand processes, predict outcomes and make smarter decisions. I believe that combination will play a major role in shaping the future of manufacturing.

Q5. What do you hope to achieve through your PhD? What challenges are you hoping to solve? 

Through my PhD, I hope to develop intelligent manufacturing methods that make the production of advanced metal matrix composites more reliable, efficient and practical for industry.

Some of the key challenges I'm working on include improving material quality, reducing defects such as porosity and inconsistent deposition, and shortening the time required to optimise manufacturing processes. By applying machine learning techniques, I aim to create systems that can make faster, data-driven decisions and consistently produce higher-quality components. 

Ultimately, I want to help bridge the gap between advanced research and real-world manufacturing applications.

Q6. What are your long-term goals/ambitions? 

My long-term goal is to become a leading researcher and innovator in advanced manufacturing and intelligent materials engineering.

I'm passionate about translating research into practical solutions that deliver real industry impact. I would like to contribute to strengthening Australia's advanced manufacturing capability while collaborating with researchers and industry partners around the world to develop smarter and more sustainable manufacturing technologies.

I also hope to mentor future engineers and researchers and help build collaborative networks that drive innovation in manufacturing and composite materials.

Q7. What’s the best thing about being an ACM CRC PhD student? 

The best part is being part of a research environment that's closely connected to industry. It's rewarding to know that the work I'm doing is addressing real challenges and has the potential to create meaningful impact beyond the university setting.

ACM CRC provides an excellent opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers and industry partners, which helps ensure that my research remains relevant, practical and focused on solving real-world problems.

It's exciting to contribute to projects that can strengthen Australia's manufacturing future while developing valuable skills along the way.

Q8. What one piece of advice would you give to people thinking of undertaking a PhD in the composites manufacturing area? 

Stay curious and keep an open mind. Modern composites manufacturing is highly multidisciplinary. Success often comes from understanding not only materials and manufacturing processes, but also areas like automation, data science and artificial intelligence.

Being willing to learn from different fields and work with people from diverse backgrounds will open up many opportunities. Most importantly, be patient and persistent.

Research is rarely about one big breakthrough. More often, it's about solving a series of small challenges that eventually lead to meaningful progress.

Q.9 Tell us something about you that would surprise/impress people. 

People are often surprised by how much my research combines manufacturing engineering, materials science and artificial intelligence.

Outside of my PhD, I'm passionate about using technology to solve practical problems. I enjoy developing AI-powered tools and digital solutions that improve engineering and manufacturing workflows and help organisations make better use of data.

What motivates me most is taking an idea from concept to reality. Whether it's developing new materials, building software solutions or exploring innovative technologies, I enjoy creating things that have a tangible impact and deliver real value.

Q.10 Anything to add? 

Undertaking this PhD has reinforced my belief that the biggest breakthroughs happen when people from different disciplines work towards a common goal.

I'm thankful to everyone who has supported my journey—from my supervisors and industry partners to fellow researchers.

I hope my work not only contributes to advances in composites manufacturing but also inspires other young engineers, particularly those from developing countries, to pursue research that creates meaningful impact.