Meet The Team

President
Tyler DiFranco
Operations Management
Tyler is a third-year Operations Management student. Tyler loves the industry; Summer 2023 he interned in Guest Experience Operations at Cedar Point, and he has attended the IAPPA Conference in Orlando in the past. Tyler joined TPEG, "to learn and build more connections and relationships in an industry I care so much about." His goal is to work in Operations in the themed entertainment industry.

Project Manager
& Vice President
Audrey Nelson
Mechanical Engineering
Audrey is a third-year Mechanical Engineering major, previously Media Chair last year but happy to serve as Vice President and Project Manager this year. Audrey has loved going to theme parks her whole life and has always been interested in the development of them. TPEG was the perfect opportunity; she has made so many friendships and connections with people who love the same things as her as well as people who want to be involved in the industry. This year, she led and introduced a brand new and successful project, ParaMORRILL, a haunted house at Morrill Tower. In addition, she led the annual Light Up the Lake show before winter break, led Ohio State's TMTDC team at Universal Orlando, and looks forward to continuing to lead projects in TPEG. She is very grateful to every single one of the project team members who have helped contribute to successful projects! Audrey also participated in the Disney College Program last spring, which opened her eyes to operations in theme parks. She continues to go back and visit for industry conferences, including IAAPA, SkyNext, and the AIMS International Safety Seminar. Audrey is interested in specializing in design in the themed entertainment industry.

Industry Chair
Jack Manzo
Mechanical Engineering
Entertainment Design and Technology
​Jack Manzo is a second-year Mechanical Engineering major with a minor in Entertainment Design and Technology. He currently serves as the Industry Chair and has been a SITE Coordinator for the last two years. Jack is very involved in the club; he co-founded ParaMORRILL, Ohio State's first on-campus haunted house, and regularly participates in trips and events. Most of all, he enjoys connecting with other passionate students and professionals. Jack hopes to work in creative design for the themed entertainment industry.

Treasurer
Arianna DiMenna
Mechanical Engineering
Professional Writing
Arianna is a third-year Mechanical Engineering major with a minor in Professional Writing. Ever since Disney Parks trips when she was little, she knew the themed entertainment industry was for her. Arianna's involvement in TPEG spans a number of projects and roles, currently serving as Treasurer. She completed the Disney College Program in Spring 2023 and is back as an intern with their Facilities Asset Management team. During her time in TPEG since freshman year, she has made so many friendships and connections with people that share the same passions and goals as her. "TPEG has given me many magical opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Opportunities that I am forever grateful for." After graduating, Arianna hopes to take her technical skills to the industry - using them to create memories and tell stories.

Secretary
Jamison Butz
Architecture
Entertainment Design and Technology
Jamison is currently a second year Architecture Major with a minor in Entertainment Design and Technology. She is now serving as TPEG’s secretary. She previously worked for Dorney Park and has always had a love for roller coasters and themed attractions thanks to her older brother. Through TPEG, Jamison has found a sense of belonging through friendships and connections made with people who share the same niche!

Media Chair
Kaitlyn Struckel
Biomedical Engineering
Kaitlyn is a second-year Biomedical Engineering major. She worked on the Business and Marketing team for ParaMORRILL and is excited to be the Media Chair and a SITE Coordinator. Kaitlyn has worked at a small amusement park for the past 4 years as the rides supervisor and thought joining TPEG would be a beneficial addition to her experience. Having a love for learning, Kaitlyn enjoys the mechanics and engineering behind rides. She is interested in ride and park safety, all while maintaining a positive guest experience. Kaitlyn's goal is to work in the medical device industry or the engineering safety industry.

Social Chair
Ryan Balogh
Mechanical Engineering
Ryan is a third-year mechanical engineering major here at Ohio State. He has always had a passion for the themed entertainment industry ever since he was little. "Having the opportunity to visit amusement parks and theme parks such as Cedar Point, Kings Island, and Disney World has created a spark to learn more about the themed entertainment industry and how engineering is capable of creating many of the unique experiences that we know and love." In an effort to learn more about this, Ryan joined TPEG and has met several people with the same interests and has created his closest friendships. "Not only has TPEG become a great place for socializing but has also become a fantastic resource for professional development; there is an abundance of resources to help my dreams become a reality. From professional development meetings with industry leaders to our annual SITE event, TPEG strives to assist in building your career and future. TPEG has continued to provide a tightly knit community of talented students aspiring to chase their dreams and I cannot wait to see how TPEG grows over the years." He hopes to make a career in themed entertainment.

E-Board Representative
Aaron Ligator
Mechanical Engineering
Humanitarian Engineering
Entertainment Design and Technology
Aaron is a second-year Mechanical Engineering Major with minors in Humanitarian Engineering and Entertainment Design and Technology. He currently serves as the E-Council Representative and is involved in many club projects such as Light Up The Lake, ParaMORRILL, and the Toronto Metropolitan University Thrill Design Competition. During the summer of 2024, he was an intern at Cedar Point where he worked Ride Maintenance. Aaron knew TPEG was the number one club he wanted to join when coming to Ohio State due to his passion for theme parks. Since joining he has learned so much about the industry and has had many opportunities to network and work with professionals, along with making many memories and friends he will never forget. When Aaron was young, he used to be terrified of roller coasters. But after trying them out and going out of his comfort zone, he learned his love and passion for them. Ever since Aaron has worked to expand his knowledge to be involved in the sphere of themed entertainment. In the future, Aaron's goal is to work in the themed entertainment industry, where he wants to create joy, laughter, and memorable experiences for guests.