Prof. Aynur Özcan is a faculty member in the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Gazi University, where she has been promoted to Professor in 2022. She holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Gazi University and has been continuously affiliated with the institution since 1997. Her academic career includes roles as Research Assistant, Associate Professor, and currently Professor, along with administrative responsibilities as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Science since 2023 and former Deputy Head of Department (2017–2022). Her educational background includes a B.Sc. in Physics Teaching from Selcuk University (1994), M.Sc. in Physics from Manisa Celal Bayar University (1997), and Ph.D. in Physics from Gazi University (2005). B.Sc.: Selcuk University, Faculty of Education, Physics Teaching (1990–1994) M.Sc.: Manisa Celal Bayar University, Institute of Science, Physics (1994–1997) Ph.D.: Gazi University, Institute of Science, Physics (1998–2005) Prof. Özcan's research is centered on nuclear and computational physics, with a focus on materials for nuclear applications, radiation shielding, and first-principles modeling of structural, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of compounds such as uranium, thorium, and rare-earth borides and carbides. Her work bridges theoretical simulations and experimental analysis, particularly in gamma-ray shielding using Monte Carlo methods and ab-initio calculations. Her recent publications (2022–2023) emphasize gamma shielding properties of lanthanum and cerium hexaborides, gold analysis via ED-XRF, and atomic structures of novel boron compounds. Earlier works (2010–2017) focus on thorium and uranium-based materials, transition metal nitrides, and MAX-phase compounds, demonstrating consistent expertise in computational materials science for nuclear and engineering applications. The research spans disciplines including condensed matter physics, nuclear engineering, and materials science, with subfields such as electronic structure, mechanical properties, and radiation interaction. She has led multiple funded projects, including: Investigation of gamma shielding properties of LaB6 and CeB6 (2021–2023) Physical properties of boron-based uranium compounds (2012–2015) Structural and electronic properties of ThC, UC, PaC (2010–2013) She has served as a consultant for postgraduate theses on RF cavity design and level density parameter dependency in nuclear cross sections. While no formal scientific awards are listed, her sustained research output and leadership in funded projects reflect significant scholarly contribution. She is also active in national and international conferences, presenting on nuclear materials and shielding. Prof. Özcan is part of research teams focused on nuclear materials and radiation shielding at Gazi University, contributing to both theoretical modeling and experimental validation. Her lab integrates computational tools like density functional theory (DFT) and Monte Carlo simulations with material synthesis and characterization efforts.
