Christopher Lewis
Associate Professor, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Tech
Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Technology
College of Engineering Technology
585-475-6848
Office Location
Christopher Lewis
Associate Professor, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Tech
Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Technology
College of Engineering Technology
Education
BS, Pennsylvania College of Technology; MS, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Ph.D., University of Rochester
585-475-6848
Select Scholarship
Journal Paper
Bhattacharya, Swapnil, Richard Hailstone, and Christopher L. Lewis. "Thermoplastic Blend Exhibiting Shape Memory-Assisted Self-Healing Functionality." ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces 12. 41 (2020): 46733-46742. Print.
Lewis, Christopher L., et al. "Mechanical, Rheological and Anaerobic Biodegradation Behavior of a Poly(lactic acid) blend containing a Poly(lactic acid)-co-poly(glycolic acid) Copolymer." Polymer Degradation and Stability 170. December 2019 (2019): Article 109018, p.1-12. Print.
Pratchayanan, Danaya, et al. "Thermomechanical Insight into the Reconfiguration of Diels—Alder Networks." Journal of Rheology 61. 6 (2017): 1359-1367. Print.
Lewis, Christopher L. and Elizabeth M. Dell. "A Review of Shape Memory Polymers Bearing Reversible Binding Groups." JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE, PART B: POLYMER PHYSICS 54. 14 (2016): 1340—1364. Print.
Meng, Yuan, et al. "Photoinscription of Chain Anisotropy into Polymer Networks." Macromolecules 49. 23 (2016): 9100—9107. Print.
Lewis, Christopher L., Yuan Meng, and Mitchell Anthamatten. "Well-Defined Shape-Memory Networks with High Elastic Energy Capacity." MACROMOLECULES 48. 14 (2015): 4918-4926. Print.
Published Conference Proceedings
Bhattacharya, Swapnil, Richard Hailstone, and Christopher L. Lewis. "Thermoplastic Elastomer Blend Exhibitting Combined Shape Memory and Self-healing Functionality." Proceedings of the Society of Plastics Engineers Annual Technical Conference (Virtual Edition). Ed. M. Spalding. San Antonio, TX: n.p., Print.
Hegde, Swati, et al. "Development of a Biodegradable Thermoformed Tray for Food Waste Handling." Proceedings of the 29th IAPRI Symposium on Packaging 2019. Ed. Roland ten Klooster. Enschede, The Netherlands: University of Twente, Enschede, 2019. Print.
Samadi, Kosar, et al. "Mechanical Behavior and Anaerobic Biodegradation of a Poly(lactic acid) blend containing a Poly(lactic acid)-co-Poly(glycolic acid) Copolymer." Proceedings of the Society of Plastics Engineers ANTEC 2018. Ed. Margaret J Sobkowicz (Bioplastics Technical Program Chairman). Orlando, FL: n.p., 2018. Web.
Nunziato, Ryan, et al. "Mechanical Properties and Anaerobic Biodegradation of Thermoplastic Starch/Polycaprolactone Blends." Proceedings of the 21st IAPRI World Conference on Packaging. Ed. Zhi-Wei Wang. Zhuhai, China: n.p., 2018. Web.
Hegde, Swati, et al. "Anaerobic Biodegradation of Bioplastic Packaging Materials." Proceedings of the 21st IAPRI World Conference on Packaging. Ed. Zhi-Wei Wang. Zhuhai, China: n.p., 2018. Web.
Bruce, Austin C. and Christopher L. Lewis. "Influence of Glass Transition Temperature on Mechanical and Self-Healing Behavior of Polymers Bearing Hindered Urea Bonds." Proceedings of the SPE ANTEC® Anaheim 2017 (May 8-10, 2017). Ed. Edwin Tam (ANTEC® Technical Program Chair). Anaheim, CA: n.p., Web.
Invited Keynote/Presentation
Lewis, Christopher L. "Anaerobic Biodegradation of a Poly (lactic acid) Blend Containing a Poly (lactic acid)-co-Poly (glycolic acid) Copolymer." 2020 Sustainable Packaging Symposium (SPS). American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE). Virtual Conference, N.A.. 2 Jul. 2020. Conference Presentation.
Lewis, Christopher L. "Biodegradable Plastics: Rethinking the Fate of Single-Use Products." Bausch and Lomb R&D Seminar Series. Bausch and Lomb. Rochester, New York. 25 Oct. 2019. Guest Lecture.
Chang, Shu and Christopher L. Lewis. "A Method to Quantify the Influence of Fused Deposition Modeling Process Variables on Print Quality." ASQRS Rochester Annual Meeting 2018: Future of Quality – What’s Next? The American Society for Quality, Rochester Section (ASQRS). Henrietta, NY. 26 Sep. 2018. Conference Presentation.
Currently Teaching
MCET-210
Foundations of Non-Metallic Materials
2 Credits
This course will cover the process of selecting a best material for a given design application with a focus on polymeric materials. To support this process material families, strengthening mechanisms, and degradation mechanisms and prevention will be studied. The materials selection process will include economic, ecological, and ethical considerations. An emphasis is placed on the interrelationship of structure, process, and properties. This class expands upon concepts presented in MCET-110.
MCET-574
Plastics and Composites Materials
2 Credits
Study of advanced polymeric materials including their preparation, processing and application design. Topics will include both long and short fiber reinforced composites. Industrial modification of polymers into plastics compounds including polymer blends and additives will also be discussed. Students may receive credit for only this course or MCET-674, not both.
MCET-575
Plastics and Composites Materials Laboratory
1 Credit
Laboratory exercises involving polymeric materials (e.g. composites, polymers blends) including their preparation, processing and application design. Students may receive credit for only this course or MCET-675, not both.
MCET-630
Polymer Engineering Research
3 Credits
This course introduces new graduate students to the fundamental concepts and skills relevant to plastics and polymer engineering research. Students will learn concepts in the chemistry and physics of polymeric materials and the essential techniques used to characterize them. Laboratory skills in the preparation of polymers, polymer blends, their fabrication into useful test specimens and their characterization will be emphasized. Following the successful completion of this course students will be prepared to carry out graduate level polymer engineering research.
MCET-674
Plastics and Composites Materials
2 Credits
Study of advanced polymeric materials including their preparation, processing and application design. Topics will include both long and short fiber reinforced composites. Industrial modification of polymers into plastics compounds including polymer blends and additives will also be discussed. Students will complete a literature review of a current topic in advanced polymers. Students may receive credit for only this course or MCET-574, not both.
MCET-675
Plastics and Composites Materials Laboratory
1 Credit
Laboratory exercises involving polymeric materials (e.g. composites, polymers blends) including their preparation, processing and application design. Conduct a research-oriented project including writing up the results as a conference paper/journal article submission. Students may receive credit for only this course or MCET-575, not both.
MTSE-790
Research & Thesis
1-9 Credits
Dissertation research by the candidate for an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor.
MTSE-793
Continuation of Thesis
0 Credits
Continuation of Thesis
RMET-600
MMSI Graduate Seminar
0 Credits
This course provides students that are new to the MMSI program an opportunity to develop an understanding of the department’s research activities. The students will become more knowledgeable about the Manufacturing & Mechanical Systems Integration program, career options, the capstone and thesis project process (finding an advisor, required documentation and policies regarding completing a project on co-op) and department policies and procedures related to successful completion of the MMSI program.
RMET-788
Thesis Planning
3 Credits
Students will rigorously develop their thesis research ideas, conduct literature reviews, identify and plan methodologies, prepare schedules, and gain a clear understanding of the expectations of the faculty and the discipline. Each student will be required to prepare a committee approved thesis research proposal and may begin work on their thesis.
RMET-797
Capstone Project
3 Credits
This course provides the MMSI graduate students an opportunity to complete their degree requirements by addressing a practical real-world challenge using the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their studies. This course is not only the culmination of a student's course work but also an indicator of the student's ability to use diverse knowledge to provide a tangible solution to a problem. The capstone project topic can be in the areas of product development, manufacturing automation, management system, quality management or electronics packaging. The course requires a comprehensive project report and a final presentation.
RMET-798
Continuation of Capstone
0 Credits
Continuation of Capstone
In the News
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February 17, 2026
RIT researchers formulate a new “recipe” for stronger bio-printed tissue
Researchers have developed a solution to finding a compatible gel medium to host human cells and a device that can print the delicate cells safely.
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October 15, 2025
Researchers develop self-healing materials to improve 3D-printing processes
Self-healing materials are being developed by RIT researchers to further improve additive manufacturing, specifically 3D-printed products, to make them stronger and more resilient.
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May 22, 2025
RIT researchers develop self-healing photopolymers for 3D printing to enhance part longevity and sustainability
3D Printing Industry discusses the research of Christopher Lewis, associate professor in the Department of Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology; graduate student Vincent Mei; and biomedical and chemical engineering Ph.D. student Kory Schimmelpfenning, which focuses on self-healing photopolymers for 3D printing that should enhance part longevity and sustainability.
Featured Work
Faculty and undergrads formulate a new “recipe” for stronger bio-printed tissue
MD Ahasan Habib, Christopher Lewis Undergraduate students Riley Rohauer and Perrin Woods work with Assistant Professor Ahasan Habib to develop hybrid hydrogels that can produce bio-scaffolds for tissue engineering using a novel hybrid...
Read More about Faculty and undergrads formulate a new “recipe” for stronger bio-printed tissue
Faculty-researcher is pioneering self-healing materials for 3D printing
Christopher Lewis Imagine a 3D-printed part that never needs replacement! We're pioneering self-healing materials for 3D printing. This groundbreaking technology, led by CET faculty researcher Dr. Christopher Lewis,...
Read More about Faculty-researcher is pioneering self-healing materials for 3D printing