Burak Basaran

Burak Basaran is an Instructional Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology at the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering, specializing in Mechanical Engineering Technology. He holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from Texas A&M University (2009) and has held roles including Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Kentucky (2009–2011), Visiting Assistant Professor at UH (2011–2012), and Assistant Professor at the University of Turkish Aeronautical Association (2012–2014). His teaching spans courses in engineering graphics, mechanics, materials science, and design.

Education: B.S. Mechanical Engineering (Osmangazi University, 1996), M.S. Mechanical Engineering (Gazi University, 2000), M.S. Mechanical Engineering (Texas A&M, 2003), Ph.D. Materials Science & Engineering (Texas A&M, 2009), and Postdoc at the University of Kentucky (2009–2011).

Research focuses on shape memory alloys, metallurgical phase transformations, and advanced manufacturing. Key areas include thermal-magnetic-mechanical characterization of materials like NiTiHf, NiMnGa, and NiCoMnAl. His work emphasizes applications in aerospace, energy harvesting, and biomedical devices.

Awards include the Fulbright Scholarship (2000), UH College of Technology Teaching Excellence Award (2020), and multiple best paper awards. He has secured grants totaling over $579,000 through NSF-funded initiatives like the RET Site program. Active in professional organizations including ASEE and ASME, he advises the UH Formula SAE Tech student organization and contributes to curriculum development in engineering education.

Technical qualifications include expertise in specimen preparation, advanced microscopy (SEM/TEM), X-ray diffraction, and CAD tools (SolidWorks, ProEngineer). He has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications and presented at international conferences on smart materials and mechanical systems.