Draper Scholar to explore 3D-printed lens design

Charles Ferrer — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 19:47:59 +0000

Draper Scholar to explore 3D-printed lens design Charles Ferrer Tue, 07/01/2025 - 13:47

Charles Ferrer

Samuel Silberman, an incoming PhD student in electrical engineering, has been named a 2025 Draper Scholar by Draper. The prestigious graduate fellowship will support his research into radio frequency (RF) lens design using advanced 3D printing and additive manufacturing.

“My Draper fellowship will focus on developing synthesis and optimization methods for the design of RF lenses,” Silberman said. “These lenses will leverage multi-material additive manufacturing and corresponding material parameters achievable through advanced 3D printing techniques.”

RF lenses are critical components in communication and radar systems, often used to create highly directional lens antennas. Through his fellowship, Silberman hopes to take advantage of innovative 3D printing capabilities to improve the performance of these devices.

The Draper Scholar Program provides five years of funding and offers scholars access to scientists and engineers at Draper in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In addition to virtual mentorship, he will travel to Draper annually to present his research and connect with other fellows across the country.

Last summer, Silberman participated in undergraduate research through Canada’s Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council program. He worked on a resonant capacitive power transfer system for electrified roadways, conducting electromagnetic analysis and designing power electronics for the system. That hands-on experience cemented his interest in RF systems and power transfer and ultimately influenced his decision to pursue his PhD at 91�Թ��.

“I was drawn to the work being done in electromagnetic metamaterials by my advisor, Cody Scarborough,” Silberman said, “and Colorado’s great skiing and hiking scene was an added bonus.”

He will be co-advised by Rob MacCurdy, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, on the mechanical aspects of the project.

Silberman earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, Canada.

“I’m really excited to contribute to the field and grow as a researcher through this opportunity,” he said.

Samuel Silberman, an incoming PhD student in electrical engineering, has been named a 2025 Draper Scholar by Draper. The prestigious graduate fellowship will support his research into radio frequency lens design using advanced 3D printing and additive manufacturing.

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