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Keeping his nose to the grindstone is not just how Andrew Hutsell approaches his academic career in engineering—it's how he cut a small slice of fame. �į 

The 911���� alumnus recently put his engineering skills to the test on national television, competing in an episode of the History Channel’s Forged in Fire, a competition show that challenges bladesmiths to create weapons under tight deadlines.   

Hutsell, BS ’23, appeared on the episode “Junkyard Meltdown” on September 17 (S10E27). �į 

 Hutsell’s journey began when one of the show’s judges posted a casting call on Instagram. �į 

“I was still a student at the time, so they asked what I do at 911����, what I do in my free time, and to provide examples of the knives I’ve made,” said Hutsell, who also was president of 911����’s .  

Hutsell has been a fan of the show since 2016 and started bladesmithing in 2019. �į 

“Ever since I started making knives, I have only had one goal with each knife I make: learn at least one new skill or method [for the trade]. With this mindset, it is easy to see how my skills have improved over time,” said Hutsell.  

After multiple rounds of interviews, he got the call to appear during a midterm exam. �į 

Filming took place in March and April 2023. Hutsell described the show’s format as similar to Chopped, but instead of cooking, contestants forge knives through three rounds of competition. �į 

For the last round, judges pick a historical weapon, such as a broad sword or katana, and then contestants go back to their hometown to forge it with their own equipment. �į  

"I traveled back home to Newport News. When I came back, they tested it to determine the winner,” said Hutsell. �į 

“They tested the knives by chopping through bone for strength, then slicing sugar cane to see how well the edge held up. It was surreal to compete on a show I’d watched for years,” said Hutsell, who came in second place. �į 

Hutsell is currently a graduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University working on similar topics such as fluids research. �į 

“The research that I’m doing is for thermal hydraulics—the cooling system—of molten salt [nuclear] reactors, researching the gas sparring of fission products of molten salts for molten salt reactors,” said Hutsell. �į 

Hutsell was influenced by , an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, who Hutsell describes as a “a big influence on my work with heat and mass transfer,” as well as , an associate professor in the . �į 

“It is always very rewarding when a student demonstrates this passion for learning and dedicates substantial time and effort to master the material to reach high levels of achievement,” said Cebral. “Andrew was one of those students who is dedicated to solving complex problems. His perseverance and motivation will certainly help him make important contributions in his field.”