Zeynep B. Bundur

Dr. Zeynep B. Bundur serves as an Assistant Professor within the Department of Civil Engineering at Ozyegin University in Istanbul, Turkey. She leads the Construction Materials Laboratory and directs the Sustainable and Adaptive Materials (SAM) Research Group, focusing on pioneering sustainable solutions for the construction industry through innovative material development.

Educational Background:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Civil Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 2013. Dissertation focused on self-healing bio-mortar under Professor Raissa D. Ferron.

Research Focus: Dr. Bundur's work centers on sustainable construction materials, with emphasis on self-healing concrete systems using bacterial calcification, bio-based additives derived from natural sources, and advanced 3D concrete printing technologies. Her group actively develops mineral admixtures for rheology control, waste-derived binders from industrial by-products, and adaptive materials that respond to environmental stresses. Current projects target the integration of biological processes with material science to reduce carbon emissions and enhance structural longevity.

Publication Trends: Analysis of her 2023-2025 publications reveals concentrated advancements in 3D concrete printing, particularly through bio-mineralized rheology modifiers and high-volume supplementary cementitious materials. A dominant theme involves synergistic combinations of bacterial cells, clays, and industrial wastes (fly ash, biomass ashes) to improve printability while advancing sustainability goals. Research consistently addresses self-healing mechanisms and rheological optimization for extrusion-based processes, positioning her work at the intersection of biotechnology and construction innovation.

Research Infrastructure: The SAM Research Group operates advanced facilities within Ozyegin University's Construction Materials Laboratory, maintaining capabilities for material synthesis, rheological testing, 3D printing, and microstructural analysis. The group actively collaborates with industry partners to translate laboratory innovations into practical construction applications, with ongoing projects aligned with global sustainability initiatives in the built environment.