Research

Research in the Manufacturing Engineering Department is concentrated in three interdisciplinary areas that we classify broadly as microsystems, materials, and systems. In each of these core areas, our scholarly and academic achievements have earned international repute while advancing fundamental knowledge and enriching the Department's academic program.  Our microsystems engineering research includes pioneering work on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and automation, particularly for use in photonic and biological applications. Our materials research includes control of complex high-temperature deposition processes, solid-oxide fuel cell manufacturing, environmentally benign (green) processes for metal synthesis, and biocompatible polymer mechanics. Our systems engineering research, conducted primarily through the Center for Information and Systems Engineering (CISE), addresses critical problems related to manufacturing systems and fundamental research issues in information and sensor networks, operations research, and management science.

Through the Department's affiliation with the Fraunhofer Center for Manufacturing Innovation, we have established a way to bridge the gap between fundamental research and industrial practice. This partnership allows rapid translation of innovative research into modern manufacturing engineering applications.  At Fraunhofer, students work alongside practicing engineers.

-- Tom Bifano, Fraunhofer Professor and Chairman