Prof. Bright's research is in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology with integrated sensing, control, and actuation. To build nano-scale systems, Prof. Bright's research integrates semiconductor microfabrication and advanced electronics packaging, combined with modeling and simulation. Applications of this work are in novel materials, microelectronics, microwave and optical communications, mechanical signal processing, sensors for extreme environments, and bioengineering. Educational component of this work includes development of low cost micro-scale instrumentation for laboratory experiments to provide a novel hands-on approach in teaching traditional engineering disciplines. Prof. Bright's research group is multidisciplinary, composed of students with diverse backgrounds in engineering, physics, chemistry, and biology.
keywords
electronics manufacturing, microsensors, microactuators, micro- and millimeter-scale mechanisms and systems, opto-electronics, optical, magnetic and RF microsystems, atomic-layer deposited (ALD) materials, nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS), micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), N/MEMS and electronics reliability, electronics packaging
MCEN 5636 - Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems 1
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2024 / Fall 2025
Addresses issues of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) modeling, design, and fabrication. Emphasizes the design and fabrication of sensors and actuators due to significance of these devices in optics, medical instruments, navigation components, communications, and robotics. Department consent required.
MCEN 5930 - Professional Internship
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2026
This class provides a structure for Mechanical Engineering graduate students to receive academic credit for internships with industry partners that have an academic component to them suitable for graduate-level work. Participation in the program will consist of an internship agreement between a student and an industry partner who will employ the student in a role that supports the academic goals of the internship. Instructor participation will include facilitation of mid-term and final assessments of student performance as well as support for any academic-related issues that may arise during the internship period. May be taken during any term following initial enrollment and participation in ME graduate programs. Department permission required to enroll. May be repeated up to 12 total credit hours.
