RDF Lab FIU

RDF Lab and the Institute of Environment welcomed high school seniors for a Living Shorelines Field Trip focused on 3D printing, 3D modeling, and future-ready design skills.

Students were introduced to basic principles of 3D modeling and 3D printing, engaged in Q&A’s before exploring EcoShores, an RDF Lab developed WebApp that allows students to customize ecological seawall tiles and prepare them for 3D printing.

Through this hands-on exercise, students connected digital fabrication with coastal resilience, design thinking, and environmental innovation.

Team:
Ata Bayraktar, Biayna Bogosian, Jose Tashakori, Ryan Montero, Shahin Vassigh, Sheila Vasco

RDF Lab and the Institute of Environment welcomed high school seniors for a Living Shorelines Field Trip focused on 3D printing, 3D modeling, and future-ready design skills.

Students were introduced to basic principles of 3D modeling and 3D printing, engaged in Q&A’s before exploring EcoShores, an RDF Lab developed WebApp that allows students to customize ecological seawall tiles and prepare them for 3D printing.

Through this hands-on exercise, students connected digital fabrication with coastal resilience, design thinking, and environmental innovation.

On Earth Day at FIU’s Frost Art Museum, Prof. Shahin Vassigh presented the Living Shorelines project to middle and high school students. The session concluded with hands-on activities with institute of Environment, a walk through the fabrication van and a showcase of the RDF Lab’s habitat tiles.

Thanks to Miriam Machado, Director Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum for the invitation.

RDF Team (A-Z):
Alexander Moore, Ata Bayraktar, Bhavleen Kaur, Biayna Bogosian, Giancarlo Perez, Giselle Rivero, Jesus Perez, Jose Tashakori, Julen Asencor, Julio Aparicio, Khadeine Ali, Ryan Montero, Sara Pezeshk, Shahin Vassigh, Sheila Vasco, Sujay Kumarji

RDF Research Lead and visiting Prof. conducted a 2-day Clay 3D Printing Workshop with students and faculty from FIU’s Art Department. The workshop focused on material-driven methods for robotically fabricated clay artifacts. This marks the beginning of what we hope will be many future collaborations with

Congratulations to all participants for their thoughtful and exciting outcomes. Special thanks to Art dept. Chair Tori Arpad-Cotta and Prof. Shahin Vassigh for initiating this collaboration.

Participants: Joseph Canizales, Sage Lever-Russell, Melissa Olivera, Mario Valdes

RDF Team (A-Z): Alexander Moore, Julen Asencor, Julio Aparicio, Sujay Kumarji

March ‘26
At the opening of FIU’s Coastal Conservation Research Lab (CCRL), hosted by the Institute of Environment, the RDF Lab had the opportunity to share our work with Congresswoman Frederica Wilson.

Congresswoman Wilson has been a strong supporter of our living shorelines research, and being able to present our progress directly to her was both meaningful and motivating.

RDF Team (A-Z):
Alexander Moore, Ata Bayraktar, Bhavleen Kaur, Biayna Bogosian, Giancarlo Perez, Giselle Rivero, Jesus Perez, Jose Tashakori, Julen Asencor, Julio Aparicio, Khadeine Ali, Ryan Montero, Sara Pezeshk, Shahin Vassigh, Sheila Vasco, Sujay Kumarji

On February 19-20, FIU brought together leaders from academia, government, and industry to address the evolving challenges of higher education as part of Horizon Summit 2026 hosted at Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

At the Summit, we presented our collaborative work with the Institute of Environment (IOE) on robotically 3D-printed living shorelines project focused on coastal resilience.

RDF Team (A-Z):
Alexander Moore, Ata Bayraktar, Bhavleen Kaur, Biayna Bogosian, Giancarlo Perez, Giselle Rivero, Jesus Perez, Jose Tashakori, Julen Asencor, Julio Aparicio, Khadeine Ali, Ryan Montero, Sara Pezeshk, Shahin Vassigh, Sheila Vasco, Sujay Kumarji

🎨✨ We're Hiring! ✨🎨

The Robotics and Digital Fabrication Lab at FIU is looking for a talented Graphic Designer to join our team! This in-person student position is perfect for FIU students from architecture, design, art, or related fields.

📌 Key Details:

Create stunning infographics, visual documentation, and graphics for research papers & book publications.
Gain hands-on experience in a cutting-edge research environment.
15–20 hours/week commitment.
Knowledge of Adobe Suite, 3D modeling tools, and photography is essential. Video editing skills are a plus!
📩 How to Apply:
Send your resume, portfolio, and a brief cover letter to [email protected].

📅 Deadline to Apply: on or before February 7, 2025

Let’s make innovation look beautiful! 💡✨

Our Ecobox units are crafted with cutting-edge 3D-printed concrete, combining precision and sustainability to safeguard coasts and nurture marine life.

This innovative process produces eco-friendly, nature-inspired designs that boost biodiversity while tackling climate change.

Coming soon to Biscayne Bay!

Last week, the RDF Lab led an exciting workshop for , at the University of Calgary! and taught students to control robotic equipment for tasks like pen plotting, 3D printing, and more. They also explored VR Mixed Reality control, connecting the digital and physical worlds.