Erdem Alaca

Professor Erdem Alaca is a full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Koç University, Turkey, where he leads research at the intersection of micro/nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) and nanomaterials science.

Education:

• PhD, University of Illinois, 2003
• MSc, University of Illinois, 1999
• BSc, Boğaziçi University, 1997

Research Interests

Professor Alaca’s work focuses on MEMS/NEMS design, nano-patterning and nano-fabrication, mechanical property measurement at micro- and nano-scales, and nano/bio interfaces for molecular diagnostics using MEMS sensors. His laboratory pioneers monolithic integration of suspended sub-micron silicon nanowires with thick MEMS architectures, enabling next-generation physical sensors, force transducers, and biochemical detectors. He combines advanced clean-room microfabrication, high-resolution experimental mechanics, and atomistic-to-continuum modeling to understand size-dependent elasticity, surface stress effects, and intrinsic/extrinsic damping in nanostructures.

Recent Publication Trends

Between 2023 and 2025, his group has intensified efforts on silicon-nanowire-based force sensors, covering multiscale fabrication, hybrid integration, machine-learning-assisted characterization, and application-specific demonstrations in gas-flow sensing and biomechanics. Parallel themes include stencil-based surface functionalization, high-throughput vibrational metrology, and analytical-atomistic modeling of mechanical behavior.

Awards & Recognition

• TÜBA Outstanding Young Scientist Award (2009)

Research Group & Contact

Professor Alaca heads an active research group at Koç University. His laboratory website and further resources can be reached via the university portal. Contact: ealaca@ku.edu.tr, Tel: +90 212 338 1727, Office: ENG 273.