Cory Merkel

Cory Merkel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), part of the Kate Gleason College of Engineering. He holds a BS, MS, and Ph.D. in engineering from RIT, completing his Ph.D. in Microsystems Engineering in 2015. Prior to joining RIT in 2018, he worked as a research electronics engineer at the Air Force Research Lab's Information Directorate.

His research focuses on neuromorphic computing, AI hardware design, and energy-efficient systems using memristors and mixed-signal architectures. Key areas include mapping neural networks to novel hardware, brain-inspired computing, and optimizing neuromorphic systems for edge devices. Merkel's work emphasizes practical applications in defense, healthcare, and energy-constrained environments.

Recent articles highlight advancements in quantum computing integration, neuromorphic device scalability, and security against hardware vulnerabilities. His research has been published in Neurocomputing, IEEE journals, and conferences like International Conference on Neuromorphic Systems. Merkel also leads the Brain Lab at RIT, advancing interdisciplinary AI research.

Teaching responsibilities include Digital System Design II, Machine Intelligence, and Special Topics in Computer Engineering. His scholarly contributions bridge theoretical computer science and practical hardware implementation, with a focus on sustainability and performance.