CEAT faculty member named among SME’s 30 Under 30

CEAT faculty member named among SME's 30 Under 30

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Media Contact: Desa James | Communications Coordinator | 405 744 2669 | [email protected]

Rather than simply improving machines, Dr. Akash Deep is teaching them to learn - a step that could redefine how industries design, build and innovate.

Deep, assistant professor for the School of Industrial Engineering and Management, has been named to the Society of Manufacturing Engineers 30 Under 30 Class of 2025, recognizing emerging leaders transforming the future of advanced manufacturing.

For Deep, the recognition is both grounding and inspiring.

"Personally, the recognition is truly humbling," Deep said. "Professionally, it motivates me even further to grow my research and impact on smart manufacturing."

At Oklahoma State University, Deep's research lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and smart manufacturing systems. Technologies, he believes, are converging to redefine how modern factories operate. His work advances data-driven and domain-aware methodologies that help manufacturing systems evolve and self-correct in real time.

"A self-aware manufacturing system can sense its environment, learn from the data and adjust its operations in real time," Deep explained. "Rather than just collecting data, it actively optimizes production, making processes smarter, more reliable and more sustainable."

While the possibilities of smart manufacturing are immense, Deep emphasizes the importance of bridging research and practice to ensure innovation translates effectively from the lab to the factory floor.

"A major challenge is the disconnect between technology design and its real-world deployment, where domain expertise may get overlooked," he said. "My research focuses on domain-aware, context-sensitive solution that integrate these elements."

His recent work includes a National Science Foundation project that uses industrial data analytics and transfer learning to reduce production time in biofabrication, enabling faster, patient-specific health care solutions. Deep also collaborates with colleagues across OSU to connect machine learning research with practical manufacturing applications - work he said reflects OSU's strength in multidisciplinary innovation.

Beyond research, Deep is passionate about education and mentorship. He involves undergraduate students in hands-on projects integrating sensors, IoT systems and 3D printing, helping them see how theory connects with real-world applications.

"I want students to see how data, design and hardware come together to solve meaningful engineering problems - and to have fun while doing it," Deep said.

His recognition by SME underscores OSU's growing impact in the field of advanced and resilient manufacturing, which is a national priority for economic growth and technological competitiveness.

"Even though my research is largely methodological, it develops frameworks that support smarter and more resilient next-generation manufacturing systems," Deep said. "That's the direction our field - and our future workforce - must continue to grow."

Founded in 1932, SME is a leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing manufacturing through workforce development, innovation and collaboration between academia and industry. Its 30 Under 30 program highlights young professionals and researchers making exceptional contributions to manufacturing technology, sustainability and education.