SEMI Laboratory

Laboratory for Surface Engineering and Manufacturing Innovation (SEMI)

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As the world enters the era of the Internet of things (IoT), sensor networks, and in-space manufacturing, a crucial need has become evident for functional smart surfaces for these emerging fields. In SEMI Lab, we aim to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of surface engineering by developing novel manufacturing capabilities. We craft theoretical and fundamental frameworks to push the boundaries of surface manufacturing while targeting innovations in advanced manufacturing and rapid prototyping. These endeavors are geared towards designing and fabricating functional smart surfaces for a wide range of practical applications, including 3-D printed electronics, smart films, energy devices, electronic textiles, healthcare, and product design.

We are committed to humbly and tirelessly tackling intricate surface structures for seamlessly merging surface engineering and advanced manufacturing. If you wish to be a part of this endeavor, please contact Prof. Semih Akin at akins@rpi.edu.

"God made the bulk; the surface was invented by the devil."
-Wolfgang Pauli-

news

Nov 11, 2024 Our work has received the Best Paper Award at the ASME's International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition (IMECE-2024). 👍
Aug 3, 2024 Our collaborative work, titled One-step fabrication of functionalized electrodes on 3D-printed polymers for triboelectric nanogenerators, has been published in the esteemed journal of Nano Energy [Link]. 👍
Feb 1, 2024 Our lab has become a part of DARPA-SENSE project to develop Smart Metallic Structures.
Jan 1, 2024 Dr. Akin has joined Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering.
May 20, 2023 Dr. Akin received the Early Career Travel Award by the NSF to attend NAMRC/MSEC 2023.
Jan 23, 2022 Dr. Akin was selected as one of winners of the Italin Packaging Technology Awards.