Ilgar Şafak

Ilgar Şafak is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Istanbul Bilgi University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida and has extensive research experience in coastal and ocean hydrodynamics through fellowships at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and postdoctoral work at the University of Virginia.

Education:

• Ph.D., Civil Engineering, University of Florida, USA (2006–2010)
• M.Sc., Civil Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Turkey (2004–2006)
• B.Sc., Civil Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Turkey (1999–2003)
• Mendenhall Fellow, USGS, Woods Hole, MA (2012–2016)
• Post-Doc, Coastal and Ocean Hydrodynamics, University of Virginia, USA (2010–2012)

His research focuses on coastal and ocean physics, including waves, hurricanes, currents, tides, sediment transport, turbulence, and morphodynamic evolution. He specializes in numerical modeling and simulation of hydrodynamic systems and developing nature-based solutions such as living shorelines to adapt aquatic systems to climate change and anthropogenic stressors. His work integrates field experiments, data analysis, and advanced computational models.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in coastal resilience, storm impact modeling, and ecological engineering. His research spans hurricane impacts, shoreline change prediction, tidal flat stability, and sustainable coastal infrastructure, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach combining civil engineering, oceanography, and environmental science.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions:

• Mendenhall Research Fellowship, USGS
• Project Investigation Award, USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Program
• Outstanding Reviewer Award, Journal of Ocean Modelling
• Outstanding Reviewer Award, Continental Shelf Research
• NAUI SCUBA Diver Certification (Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, Nitrox, Scientific Research)

Dr. Şafak has been actively involved in advising and securing research grants from major national and international agencies including NSF, USGS, ONR, TÜBİTAK, and Florida FWC. He has served on Ph.D. committees, reviewed proposals for NSF and TÜBİTAK, and contributed to academic accreditation through MÜDEK. His leadership roles include Vice Dean and member of strategic planning boards, reflecting strong institutional engagement.

He collaborates with leading institutions such as Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of Florida, and Yildiz Technical University. He leads and participates in field and modeling projects on living shorelines, hurricane impacts, and sediment dynamics, often involving interdisciplinary teams and long-term ecological research initiatives.