About Me

Xander M. Cesari

Welcome! I’m a mechanical engineer, car and motorcycle enthusiast, photographer, and writer. I grew up in rural VT, where I cut my teeth wrenching on a 1972 Plymouth Duster in the driveway. Like a moth to a flame, I followed this passion to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and graduated in 2014 with a mechanical engineering degree. While there I focused on leading the engine and drivetrain group of the Formula SAE team as well as diesel engine combustion research.

After graduation, I moved to the greater Detroit area to consummate my love of the automobile by joining the industry. I’ve spent time in both combustion and electric vehicle groups, from the large OEMs to startups.

Photojournalism

A lifelong love of writing found an outlet on this blog, casually sharing some thoughts and stories from my automotive life.

In 2018 I took a job that would relocate me to California for about a year. I left most of my cars and my shop behind but a new hobby provided me an outlet to interact with the automotive world: photography. My dabbling quickly turned to passion, the first in my life that would rival my obsession for cars. Now I split time between engineering, photography, and writing; all centered around cars and machines.

Why Merriman Industries?

Merriman is an imaginary American company, founded in the heat of the industrial revolution and remaining at the forefront of a variety of industries through the modern day. Its origins and R&D facilities were born in the Connecticut River valley and precision manufacturing centers of New England but a move to the industrial region of the Midwest was inevitable. Current headquarters are in the Detroit area, though Merriman Industries maintains interests throughout the nation.

Merriman is a tribute to a period of amazing scientific and industrial advancement.