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JEC 5038
- akins@rpi.edu
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518-276-3244
- 0000-0002-3644-7133
About
Dr. Semih Akin joined the Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering Department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Spring 2024. He earned his Dr. Akin leads the Smart Engineering and Manufacturing Intelligence (SEMI) Lab, where his research integrates advanced manufacturing, smart surface engineering, computational modeling, artificial intelligence, and digital twins. His work focuses on developing intelligent manufacturing processes and smart, multifunctional systems, with applications in smart and multifunctional structures, 3D-printed electronics, energy devices, cyber-physical manufacturing systems, in-space manufacturing and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). His research has been published in leading journals, including Advanced Materials, Nano Energy, Additive Manufacturing, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, and Journal of Manufacturing Processes.
Ph.D., Purdue University, 2022
Research
The research activities conducted by Dr. Akin's group (SEMI Lab) are centered on three major thrusts:
- Smart Engineering: Fundamental understanding and engineering of material–process–structure interactions to enable smart and functional materials, surfaces, and structures.
- Manufacturing Intelligence: Integration of physics-based modeling, artificial intelligence, sensing, and digital twins for process prediction, monitoring, optimization, and control.
- Manufacturing Innovation: Development of next-generation manufacturing technologies and intelligent systems for emerging applications in energy, space, and defense.
- AI-enabled Cyber-Physical Manufacturing
- Smart Convergent Manufacturing
- Sustainable Repairing & Remanufacturing
- Self-powered Sensors & Intelligent Devices
Teaching
By appointment
ENGR 4710: Manufacturing Processes and Systems (MPS) I [Fall 26]
Office hours: By appointment
MANE 6962: Additive Manufacturing [Spring 26]
ENGR 4610/MANE 4610: Manufacturing Processes and Systems (MPS) I [Fall 25]
ENGR 4720/MANE 4620: Manufacturing Processes and Systems (MPS) II [Spring 25]
ENGR 2050: Introduction to Engineering Design [Spring 24]
Recognition
- (2026) Vice-Chair, Manufacturing Equipment and Automation Technical Committee, ASME MED
- (2025) Best paper award, International Workshop on Structural Health Monitoring (IWSHM)
- (2024) Best paper award, Journal of Manufacturing Processes
- (2024) Outstanding Reviewer, Journal of Manufacturing Processes
- (2024) Reviewer of the Year, ASME Journal of Micro and Nano Science and Engineering
- (2024) Best paper award, ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition (IMECE)
- (2024) SigmaXI Scientific Research Honor Society, (Full Member)
- (2023) Outstanding Graduate Student Research Award, Purdue University
- (2023) Italian Packaging Technology Award, Italian Trade Agency
- (2022) Ward A. Lambert Graduate Teaching Fellowship, Purdue University
- (2022) Graduate Teaching Award, Purdue University, CoE
- (2022) Cover article, Advanced Materials
- (2021) Editor’s choice article, Journal of Thermal Spray Technology
- (2021) Best paper award, World Congress on Micro and Nano Manufacturing (WCMNM)
Publications
The following is a selection of recent publications in Scopus. Semih Akin has 46 indexed publications in the subjects of Engineering, Engineering, Materials Science.
Sponsored Projects
- Funding Agency: NSF Engines R&D Awards - New York Energy Storage Engine Projects
Title: "Dry-coating of lithium-ion battery anodes by cold spray"
PI: S. Akin; Co-PI: Nikhil Koratkar
Project term: 01/01/25 - 01/01/26
- Funding Agency: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA): SENSE
Title: "Convergent Manufacturing of Smart Metal Structures with Embedded Sensing Capabilities"
PI: J. Samuel, Co-PIs: S. Akin, F. Kopsaftopoulos, S. Mishra, J. Wen
Project term: 01/22/24 - 01/22/26
News
Dr. Akin was recognized as a co-author of Best Paper Award by the `SME Journal of Manufacturing Processes`.
Dr. Akin was awarded as the Outstanding Reviewer by the `SME Journal of Manufacturing Processes`.
Dr. Akin was recognized as the Reviewer of the Year by the ASME Journal of Micro and Nano Science and Engineering.