Mehmet Kanik, PhD

  Science | Engineering | Art | Nature 

Creative Innovation, Science in Depth, Artistic Vision

Consultancy Image E mbarking on a journey where science meets art, Dr. Mehmet Kanik stands as an interdisciplinary scientist and engineer committed to bridging the gap between scientific excellence and sustainable technologies. With a Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Sakarya University and another in Mechanical Engineering from the prestigious Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, I culminated my academic pursuits with a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Nanotechnology from Bilkent University, followed by transformative postdoctoral training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). My research passionately navigates the intersections of materials science, electronics, and the vibrant realms of art and music, empowering me to tackle complex challenges with innovative solutions.

Consultancy Image Throughout my career, I have developed high-performance triboelectric and piezoelectric devices, including artificial skin and nano-energy generators. At MIT's Simons Center for the Social Brain, where I received the esteemed Simons Fellowship Award, I discovered fiber-based artificial muscles, which were published in Science Magazine and gained international acclaim across over 500 networks. My transition to industry as a Senior Scientist at Impossible Foods allowed me to pioneer sustainable culinary innovations, demonstrating my commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges. Research Image

Placeholder Image Beyond my professional endeavors, I have a profound passion for creativity. I enjoy crafting intricate 3D models, upgrading vintage automobiles with advanced technologies, and capturing the beauty of nature through photography, particularly in wildlife, landscape, and astrophotography. These hobbies enrich my life and fuel my innovative spirit.

Currently, I provide consultancy for the commercialization of a biochemical product, leveraging my expertise to foster sustainable solutions. I am also skilled in software development and design, utilizing tools such as Python and Adobe Creative Suite. As I continue my journey, I remain committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the scientific community, reflecting resilience and dedication while striving to make a lasting impact in science and technology.

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Experience

Results-driven interdisciplinary scientist and engineer with a PhD in Materials Science and Nanotechnology, specializing in fiber science, sensors, actuators, and energy harvesting. As Tech Lead at Impossible Foods, I developed core technologies such as Kanik’s Theorem of Three Zones, leading to a 3000% increase in production efficiency and 20–40% cost reductions through scalable micro-extrusion methods. My expertise spans advanced materials characterization, cleanroom processes, and R&D, enabling successful transitions from concept to large-scale production. My innovations, including programmable artificial muscles, have been published in top-tier journals like Science and Nature Materials. With a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, I consistently bridge scientific research with practical applications, driving technological innovation and operational excellence.

January 2020

Impossible Foods Project Image

Impossible Foods Image
Senior Scientist / Tech Lead
Impossible Foods Inc., Redwood City, CA
Nov 2024 – Aug 2020
  • Established and led the Advanced Materials Lab, spearheading formulation and development for meat analogs, reducing development cycles by 75%.
  • Scaled up hierarchical fibril-structured plant-protein-based artificial muscle technology, achieving a 3000% increase in production efficiency and cost reductions between 20%–40%.
  • Invented a proprietary extrusion method based on Kanik’s Theorem of Three Zones, enhancing product scalability and texture consistency.
  • Pioneered metal printing with laser sintering for one-step bundled artificial muscle production from plant proteins.
  • Implemented automated characterization methods and finite element analysis, streamlining protein structure assessments.
  • Secured $10M in R&D funding through project proposals.
  • Enhanced R&D workflow efficiency by 30% with a developed database and automated data analysis tools.
  • Integrated machine learning algorithms in collaboration with Google and Cloudwerx.

MIT Research Image

MIT Image
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Oct 2015 – Oct 2020
  • Invented programmable artificial muscles using advanced multi-material fiber fabrication techniques.
  • Led testing for method development and materials characterization to ensure ideal material attributes.
  • Optimized material properties and fabrication processes through finite element analysis.
  • Fostered interdisciplinary collaboration by leading a team from Harvard Medical School and MIT.
  • Developed custom fiber towers and cleanroom processes using SolidWorks, enhancing research capabilities.
  • Published in Science and contributed to patents, gaining global media coverage.
  • Presented research at international conferences, increasing visibility and collaborations.
  • Received the Simons Research Fellowship Award for groundbreaking research on neural circuits in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Yenibilge Nanotechnology Image

Yenibilge Nanotechnology Image
Co-founder & CTO
Yenibilge Nanotechnology Inc., Ankara, Türkiye
Oct 2014 – Oct 2016
  • Founded and led Yenibilge Nanotechnology Inc., specializing in thin film coating systems.
  • Developed high-performance Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) systems, increasing precursor efficiency by 25% and reducing material costs.
  • Designed and simulated ALD systems using SolidWorks and COMSOL Multiphysics.
  • Managed production supply chain, ensuring quality and efficiency, leading to a profitable company exit.

Bilkent University Research Image

Bilkent University Image
Research/Project/Teaching Assistant
National Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye
Sep 2009 – Oct 2015
  • Developed advanced thin-film fabrication and nanowire manufacturing methods for sensing applications.
  • Built and led thin film development laboratories, supporting projects like multilayered As2Se3 coatings.
  • Patented a flexible piezoelectric polymer fiber for energy harvesting and artificial hand applications.
  • Constructed industry-scale labs for laser manufacturing and thin-film fabrication, leading as the technical lead for specialized fibers.
  • Created simulation models in COMSOL Multiphysics and ANSYS for various applications.
  • Published in high-impact journals and presented at international conferences.
  • Secured funding by preparing project applications for the European Research Council (ERC).
  • Supervised students and engineers, taught courses, and managed the FTIR and spectroscopy lab.

Skills

  • Energy Harvesting
  • Energy harvesting involves capturing and storing energy from external sources such as solar, thermal, wind, or kinetic energy to power electronic devices without the need for traditional power sources.

  • Piezoelectric and Triboelectric Devices
  • These devices convert mechanical stress into electrical energy using piezoelectric materials and generate electrical charge through triboelectric effects by friction between different materials.

  • Extrusion
  • Extrusion is a process used to create objects of a fixed cross-sectional profile by pushing material through a die. It is commonly used in manufacturing plastic, metal, and composite materials.

  • Fiber Processing (Melt Spinning, Wet Spinning, Solution Blowing, Fiber Drawing)
  • Expertise in various fiber processing techniques such as melt spinning, wet spinning, solution blowing, and fiber drawing to create high-quality fibers for diverse applications.

  • PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)
  • Utilizing Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) methods to apply thin film coatings, enhancing material properties such as hardness, wear resistance, and aesthetic appeal.

  • CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)
  • Implementing Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) techniques for the synthesis of various materials, enabling precise control over composition and structure.

  • Lithography
  • Applying lithography methods for precise patterning and microfabrication in various manufacturing processes.

  • Cleanroom Processes
  • Managing and adhering to cleanroom protocols to ensure controlled environments for sensitive fabrication processes.

  • Nanofabrication Techniques
  • Employing advanced nanofabrication methods to design and produce nanoscale structures and devices.

  • Rapid Prototyping
  • Utilizing rapid prototyping techniques to swiftly develop and iterate design concepts, enhancing the development cycle.

  • 3D Metal Printing
  • Leveraging 3D metal printing technologies to fabricate intricate metal components with exceptional precision and structural integrity.

  • Medical Devices
  • Designing and developing innovative medical devices tailored for diverse healthcare applications.

  • Composites & Polymers (Thermoset and Thermoplastic)
  • Expertise in handling and processing composite and polymer materials, including both thermoset and thermoplastic variants.

  • Electronic Packaging and Bonding
  • Applying electronic packaging and bonding techniques to integrate and secure components within electronic assemblies.

  • AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy)
  • Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a type of scanning probe microscopy with a resolution on the order of fractions of a nanometer, more than 1000 times better than the optical diffraction limit.

  • FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)
  • Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is a technique used to obtain an infrared spectrum of absorption or emission of a solid, liquid, or gas.

  • SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy)
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) provides high-resolution imaging of surfaces, enabling detailed analysis of material structures.

  • TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy)
  • Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) is used to observe the internal structure of samples at very high resolutions.

  • DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry)
  • Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measures the heat flow associated with material transitions as a function of temperature.

  • DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis)
  • Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) assesses material properties such as stiffness and damping under dynamic loading conditions.

  • XRD (X-Ray Diffraction)
  • X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) is used to determine the crystallographic structure of materials.

  • XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence)
  • X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials.

  • TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis)
  • Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) measures changes in weight in relation to change in temperature, useful for studying material decomposition.

  • Profilometry
  • Profilometry measures the surface topography of materials, providing data on surface roughness and texture.

  • Ellipsometry
  • Ellipsometry is used to determine film thickness and optical properties of thin films.

  • Mechanical/Electrical/Piezoelectric Testing
  • Conducting various tests to evaluate mechanical strength, electrical properties, and piezoelectric performance of materials and devices.

  • Rheometer
  • Utilizing rheometers to analyze the flow and deformation behavior of materials under applied forces.

  • FEA with COMSOL, ANSYS, SolidWorks
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a computational technique used to obtain approximate solutions to boundary value problems in engineering. It involves subdividing a large system into smaller, simpler parts called finite elements.

  • Structural, Thermal, Electrical, Microfluidic, and Non-Newtonian Flow Modeling
  • Comprehensive modeling of various physical phenomena including structural integrity, heat transfer, electrical behavior, fluid dynamics in microfluidic systems, and complex fluid flows with non-Newtonian properties.

  • Python
  • Python is a versatile programming language widely used for data analysis, automation, web development, and more. Its extensive libraries and community support make it a preferred choice for many applications.

  • MATLAB
  • MATLAB is a high-performance language for technical computing, integrating computation, visualization, and programming in an easy-to-use environment. It is particularly effective for matrix manipulations, plotting functions, and data analysis.

  • Automation
  • Implementing automation solutions to streamline workflows, reduce manual intervention, and enhance operational efficiency.

  • Data Analysis
  • Applying data analysis methodologies to interpret complex datasets, identify trends, and derive actionable insights.

  • Machine Learning for Product Development and Optimization
  • Leveraging machine learning algorithms to enhance product development processes and optimize performance metrics.

  • Neural Signal Processing
  • Utilizing neural signal processing techniques to analyze and interpret complex biological data for various applications.

  • Full Stack Development
  • Developing comprehensive web applications encompassing both front-end and back-end technologies to deliver seamless user experiences.

  • Google Cloud Solutions
  • Implementing Google Cloud services to build scalable, reliable, and efficient cloud-based applications.

  • API-Based Cloud App Development
  • Developing cloud applications that utilize APIs to integrate diverse services and functionalities, enhancing application capabilities.

  • SolidWorks
  • SolidWorks is a solid modeling computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) computer program. It is used for creating, simulating, and analyzing mechanical designs.

  • Autodesk Inventor
  • Autodesk Inventor is a 3D CAD application for product design and engineering. It allows users to create, visualize, and simulate their designs for maximum efficiency.

  • Die and Mold Design
  • Designing dies and molds essential for various manufacturing processes, ensuring precision and quality in production.

  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects)
  • Utilizing Adobe Creative Suite tools for high-quality graphic design, video editing, and visual effects production.

  • Blender
  • Employing Blender for comprehensive 3D modeling, animation, and rendering tasks, enhancing design visualization.

  • Led Multidisciplinary Teams
  • Experience in guiding and managing teams composed of members from various disciplines to collaborate effectively and achieve common project goals.

  • SBIR/NIH/NSF/ERC Projects
  • Proven ability to oversee and manage research projects funded by prestigious grants such as SBIR, NIH, NSF, and ERC, ensuring compliance and successful outcomes.

  • Product Innovation
  • Leading initiatives to innovate and develop cutting-edge products that meet market demands and advance technological frontiers.

  • Scalability
  • Implementing strategies to ensure projects and products can scale effectively to accommodate growth and expansion.

Education

Patents & Publications

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