Semih AkinView profile
Assistant Professor
Dr. Semih Akin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), joining in Spring 2024. His research focuses on multi-scale additive manufacturing, surface engineering, and smart manufacturing, with applications in 3D-printed electronics, electronic textiles, energy devices, and self-powered sensors. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in 2022, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship there before transitioning to RPI. Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 2022 Research Interests: Dr. Akin’s work emphasizes innovative manufacturing techniques such as cold spray technology, functional coatings, and smart materials. His studies bridge the gap between theoretical modeling and practical applications, including energy harvesting systems (e.g., triboelectric nanogenerators), wearable electronics, and biomedical implants. Recent advancements include composite materials for enhanced energy efficiency and flexible, conductive surfaces for multifunctional devices. Publications Trends: His recent work (2024–2025) highlights breakthroughs in cold spray processes, real-time manufacturing monitoring, and the integration of AI in powder flow diagnostics. Key themes include functional surface engineering, predictive modeling, and scalable production of electronic textiles. Awards: 2024 Reviewers of the Year (Awarded 2025) for outstanding contributions to academic peer review. Advising & Labs: While no formal advisees are listed, Dr. Akin leads the Semilab-RPI , a research group advancing additive manufacturing and smart materials. His projects often involve collaborations in energy, biomedical, and wearable technology domains. Labs/Teams: The Semilab-RPI focuses on experimental and computational studies of advanced manufacturing systems, functional materials, and their industrial applications.








