Prof. Dr. Sakibe Nalan BÜYÜKKANTARCIOĞLU is a Professor at Çankaya University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Translation and Interpreting Studies (English). She previously served as Professor (2007–2019), Associate Professor (2000–2007), and Assistant Professor (1997–2000) at Hacettepe University, Department of English Linguistics. PhD in English Linguistics (Hacettepe University, 1991) MA in English Language Teaching (Middle East Technical University, 1985) BA in English Teaching (Istanbul University, 1978) Her research spans Linguistics, Cognitive Linguistics, Discourse Analysis, Psycholinguistics, Sociolinguistics, Translation Studies , with a focus on figurative language, interjections, political discourse, and endangered languages. She received the European Language Award (2011) and has supervised numerous PhD and MA theses, including work on Turkish idioms, gender representation, and language awareness. A prolific editor and conference participant, she has contributed to interdisciplinary projects and publications on Turkish sociolinguistics.
Prof. Dr. Kenan Aycan is a Professor of Anatomy at Ahi Evran University's Faculty of Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, where he has served since 2019. He also holds the position of Department Head since 2020. Previously, he worked at Erciyes University as a School Director from 2011-2016. His academic career spans over four decades with significant contributions to anatomical sciences. Dr. Aycan earned his PhD in Basic Medical Sciences from Ege University's Faculty of Medicine (1983-1986) following his Bachelor's degree in Science from Ege University's Faculty of Science (1970-1975). He also holds a Certificate of Use of Experimental Animals from Erciyes University (2008). His research focuses on anatomical morphology, vascular structures, and developmental processes. Dr. Aycan has pioneered anatomical techniques including the 'Aycan's method' for corrosion preparations. His work spans comparative anatomy across various species, morphometric analyses of anatomical structures, and investigations into teratogenic effects and protective agents. He has extensively studied the foramen magnum using golden ratio principles, vascular anatomy of reproductive organs in ruminants, and auditory ossicles in sheep. Analysis of his recent publications (2021-2025) reveals consistent focus on anatomical methodology development, morphometric studies of key anatomical structures, vascular anatomy investigations, and research on developmental processes and teratology. His work often employs plastic injection and corrosion techniques, CT imaging, and comparative approaches across human and animal models. Dr. Aycan has mentored numerous graduate students, serving as primary advisor for over 20 Master's and PhD theses covering diverse anatomical topics from vascular variations to developmental studies. His collaborative network includes researchers like Tufan Ulcay, Burcu Kamaşak, and others across Turkish institutions.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Tutar is a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at Sakarya University . His academic activities include teaching courses such as Organic Chemistry I/II , Organic Synthesis Design , and Stereochemistry , alongside supervising numerous master's theses in organic synthesis and humic substance applications. Research Interests: Focus on bromination reactions , BODIPY dye synthesis , humic/fulvic acid characterization , computational chemistry , and pharmaceutical applications of organic compounds. Key Article Trends: Recent publications emphasize photobromination methods , metal-organic frameworks , and biological activity of brominated derivatives , with keywords spanning organic synthesis , biochemistry , and environmental chemistry . Thesis Supervision: Guided 35+ master's theses (2007-2013) on topics like synthesis of brominated indan derivatives , humic acid extraction , and photobromination of terpenes .
Ali Mostafazadeh is a Professor at the Department of Mathematics, College of Sciences, Koç University. His research spans Mathematical Physics, focusing on Quantum Mechanics, Scattering Theory, and PT-Symmetry. He has made significant contributions to understanding non-Hermitian Hamiltonians, electromagnetic wave propagation, and geometric scattering phenomena. Education: PhD in Physics (1994) from The University of Texas, BA in Physics and Mathematics (1989) from Boğaziçi University His work explores the intersection of mathematics and physics, particularly through spectral singularities, transfer matrix methods, and nonlinear optical systems. Recent publications highlight advancements in broadband directional invisibility, exact Born approximations, and time-dependent Hilbert spaces in quantum systems. 2011 Outstanding Success Award 2007 TÜBİTAK Science Award 2006 Werner-von-Siemens Excellence Award 2001 TÜBA Outstanding Young Scientists Award 2001 Parlar Foundation Research Incentive Award
Umut Aydemir is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Koç University , where he also serves as Director of KUBAM (Koç University Boron Application and Research Center) . His research focuses on Boron-Based High-Tech Materials, 2D Materials, Electrocatalysis, Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting , and Hydrogen Storage . PhD in Chemistry (2012), Dresden University of Technology MSc in Materials Science and Engineering (2006), Koç University BSc in Chemistry and Physics (2004), Koç University Umut’s work addresses structure-property relationships in advanced materials, with a particular emphasis on boron-containing compounds , MXenes , and thermoelectric systems . His recent publications highlight innovations in electrocatalytic water splitting , hydrogen storage materials , and sustainable coating technologies . His research trends include: Development of metal diborides for water splitting Engineering MXene/polymer composites for corrosion resistance Novel approaches to thermoelectric materials like MgAgSb and Zintl phases Designing hydrogenated borophene for environmental applications Awarded the 2024 Koç University College of Science Outstanding Faculty Award and 2019 TÜBA Young Scientist Award , Umut leads high-impact projects in materials science. He advises graduate students in Nanocatalysis and Advanced Material Synthesis and contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives at KUBAM.
Mine Uysal is a Researcher at Yıldız Technical University, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering. Her academic journey includes a BSc (2005), MSc (2010), and PhD (2015) in Mechanical Engineering from Pamukkale University and Yıldız Technical University, respectively. She began postdoctoral research at the University of Kentucky (College of Engineering) in 2017. PhD, Mechanical Engineering (2015, Yıldız Technical University) MSc, Mechanical Engineering (2010, Pamukkale University) BSc, Mechanical Engineering (2005, Pamukkale University) Her research focuses on advanced materials behaviors, including functionally graded materials, polymers, adhesively bonded joints, and finite element modeling for engineering systems. Key areas include composite structures, thermal/mechanical loading effects, and sustainable manufacturing techniques like nanofluid-assisted machining. Scientific contributions include 15 recent articles spanning topics such as delamination analysis in bonded beams, sustainable machining optimization, buckling behavior of graded polymers, and fracture mechanics in composite materials. Her work integrates finite element methods with experimental validation for adhesive joints and sandwich structures. Collaborative projects include research funded by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) and international postdoctoral work at the University of Kentucky.
Berat Z. Haznedaroğlu is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Environmental Sciences, Bogazici University, Istanbul, where he has been serving since 2014. He previously held an Assistant Professor position at the Department of Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo, New York (2012–2014), and completed postdoctoral training at Yale University. His research is highly interdisciplinary, bridging environmental engineering, microbiology, and biotechnology. Education: Postdoctoral, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, USA (2012) PhD, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California-Riverside, USA (2010) MS, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University, USA (2005) BS, Biology, Middle East Technical University, Turkey (2003) His research interests include Environmental Microbiology , Microalgae Functional Genomics , Systems Biology , and the Fate and Transport of Pathogens . He is particularly known for his work on microalgae-based solutions for wastewater treatment, biofuel production, and space life support systems. His lab explores the integration of algae-bacteria consortia for sustainable biorefineries and environmental remediation. The recent publications reflect a strong trend toward applied environmental biotechnology, with emphasis on microalgae applications in wastewater treatment, high-value product recovery (e.g., phycocyanin), and thermal processing effects on algal nutritional quality. The work spans from fundamental metabolic pathway analysis to real-world implementation in biorefineries and space missions. Scientific Awards and Grants: INDEPENDENT Project (€6.9M, 2019–2024) – Integrated Biorefinery for Bioeconomy MICRO-JET Project ($448K, 2020–2023) – Algae-Based Bio-Jet Fuel VirALGin Project ($185K, 2022–2024) – Algae-Derived SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitors UzMAn Project ($65K, 2023–2024) – Microalgal Life Support for Space Renew-IST Project ($521K, 2022–2023) – Renewable Energy Center in Istanbul Dr. Haznedaroglu leads a dynamic research group with multiple funded projects and collaborative networks across institutions in Turkey and the U.S. He advises graduate students and has co-authored several book chapters and journal articles with junior researchers. His work is supported by major national and international funding bodies including TUBITAK, TUBITAK-Uzay, and the Ministry of Industry and Technology. Future research directions include closed-loop life support systems for space habitats and commercial-scale algal biorefineries. Laboratories and Research Platforms: His team operates within the CBE Institute at Bogazici University, utilizing facilities for microbial culturing, genomics, and environmental analysis. The INDEPENDENT and UzMAn projects involve advanced bioreactor systems and space-simulated environments.
Prof. Dr. Saim Özkar is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, Turkey. He earned his BS (1972) and MSc (1972) from the Technical University of Istanbul and his PhD (1976) from the Technical University of Munich, Germany. His career includes roles as Assistant Professor (1979–1982), Associate Professor (1982–1988), and full Professor (1988–present) at METU, with visiting positions at the University of Toronto and Colorado State University. His research focuses on homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis , transition metal nanoparticles , hydrogen storage materials , and organometallic chemistry . Key areas include catalytic hydrogen release from solid-state storage systems and nanoparticle synthesis for sustainable energy solutions. Özkar has published extensively on nanocatalysts for hydrogen generation, with recent work emphasizing ruthenium, rhodium, and nickel nanoparticles. His articles consistently explore catalytic efficiency, stability, and applications in green energy. Awards & Grants: Science Prize, Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (1996) Permanent Member, Turkish Academy of Sciences (1996) Fulbright Scholarship (2000), Volkswagen Foundation Grants (1982–1984, 1992–1994), NATO Research Grant (1981–1983) He has mentored students including Prof. Dr. Yalçın Tonbul and Dr. Joydev Manna. His lab specializes in advanced nanocatalyst design and collaborates with international institutions like Colorado State University.
Associate Professor Mustafa GulTekin serves at Gaziantep University in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences , affiliated with both the Department of Turkish Language and Literature and the Department of Turkish Folklore . He holds a Doctorate in Turkish Folklorics (2010) from Ege University and has been teaching since 2004. Education: PhD in Turkish Folklorics, Ege University (2004-2010) MA in Turkish Language and Literature, Gaziantep University (2002-2004) Bachelor in Turkish Language and Literature, Balikesir University (1997-2001) Research Focus: Specializes in Turkic world fairy tales, oral literature analysis, minstrelsy traditions, and intangible cultural heritage. His work intersects folklore methodology with performance studies and cultural anthropology. Projects: Led/managed national projects including TUBITAK-funded research on Diyarbakir Alevi ocaks (2013-2016), Uzbek cultural studies in Gaziantep (2012-2015), and applied Karagöz education programs (2009-2010). Administrative Roles: Head of Department (2014-2017, 2012-present) Deputy Head of Department (2017-present, 2011-2012) Director of Research and Application Center (2012-2016)
Doç. Dr. Muhammed Aras is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Baskent University (Başkent Üniversitesi), with a research focus on sustainable machining processes, tool wear monitoring, and surface roughness optimization. His work spans advanced manufacturing technologies, energy storage systems, and biomedical device design. PhD in Manufacturing Engineering (2018), Gazi Üniversitesi MSc in Mechanical Education (2013), Gazi Üniversitesi BSc in Mechanical Engineering (2010), Tabriz Islamic Azad University Research interests include sustainable machining (dry/hard turning, cooling-lubrication strategies), tool wear analysis (CBN, ceramic and coated inserts), and surface integrity optimization using AI-based methods (firefly algorithm, TOPSIS, Grey Relational Analysis). His 15 most recent articles (2017-2024) examine topics like: Surface roughness prediction in dry hard turning Energy storage technology viability assessments Cutting parameter optimization for various steels Acoustic/vibration monitoring in machining He has received scientific awards including the Teşvik Ödülü (Encouragement Award, 2015). His patent on an automatic orthognathic surgery articulator and book chapters on tool monitoring systems demonstrate his multidisciplinary impact.
Prof. Sadettin Emre Alptekin is a full Professor of Industrial Engineering at Galatasaray University, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, where he also serves as Vice Dean. Since joining the university as a research assistant in 2000, he has steadily advanced through the academic ranks, becoming an Assistant Professor (2006–2010), Associate Professor (2010–2023), and finally Professor in 2023. Education: PhD (Dr), Industrial Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Institute of Science and Technology, 2001–2006 MSc, Industrial Engineering, Galatasaray University, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, 1999–2001 BSc, Industrial Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Management, 1995–1999 Languages: Advanced English (C1), Upper-Intermediate French (B2), Advanced German (C1) Research Interests: Prof. Alptekin’s research focuses on Computer Learning , Fuzzy Sets and Systems , and Decision Support Systems . His work integrates artificial intelligence, machine learning, and soft-computing techniques to solve complex industrial and managerial problems in areas such as supply chain management, quality function deployment, blockchain adoption, and mental-health prediction. Publication Trends: Across more than 50 refereed publications, Prof. Alptekin has consistently explored hybrid intelligent models that combine fuzzy logic, machine learning, and multi-criteria decision-making. Recent articles emphasize deep-learning-based anomaly detection in industrial time-series data, blockchain adoption in supply chains, and machine-learning applications in subjective well-being and mental-health modeling. Scientific Awards & Honors: No specific awards or medals are listed in the provided documents. Research Leadership & Funding: Since 2008 he has been the principal investigator (executive) of 12 nationally funded projects, covering topics such as Industry 4.0 sub-system design, Internet of Things applications, artificial neural networks in organizational decision-making, big-data analytics, and strategic decision processes. Graduate Advising: He has formally supervised at least 8 master’s theses and numerous undergraduate projects. Representative thesis titles include Gaussian-process-regression-based man-hour prediction, machine-learning-driven human-behavior modeling, recommender-system design for e-commerce, thyroid-nodule diagnosis from scintigraphic images, software-effort estimation via neural networks, spreadsheet heuristics for joint-replenishment problems, cross-selling decision systems in insurance, and profitability analyses of Turkish banks under disinflation. Laboratories & Teams: While no dedicated laboratory name is disclosed, his continuous role as Vice Dean and principal investigator implies active leadership of the Industrial Engineering department’s research clusters in intelligent systems and decision support technologies.
Mustafa Taha Koçyiğit is a Full-time Assistant Professor at Bogazici University. His research focuses on Deep Learning, Self-supervised learning, Efficient training of deep learning methods, Computer vision, Efficient training of large language models, and Language grounded vision models. His recent work addresses computational efficiency in training methods and novel applications of deep learning across domains like aerospace defect detection and computer vision. His publications span advancements in self-supervised learning strategies (2023), efficient training for computer vision tasks (2023), and theoretical contributions like unsupervised batch normalization (2020). The 2025 work demonstrates cross-disciplinary impact in aerospace engineering through AI-driven defect detection via X-ray tomography. Notable Contributions: Bridging efficiency and accuracy in deep learning pipelines Technical Strengths: Neural architecture design, optimization strategies, and domain-specific model adaptation
Fatih Ecevit is Full Professor of Mathematics at Boğaziçi University, serving as Vice Chair of the Mathematics Department. Former research associate at Max-Planck-Institut für Mathematik in den Naturwissenschaften, Leipzig (2005-2007). Research develops computational methods for high-frequency scattering problems, including: Boundary element methods for wave propagation Asymptotic analysis of scattering phenomena Galerkin formulations for integral equations Lattice sum evaluations in graph theory Principal investigator for TÜBİTAK-funded project: 'Hybrid integral equation methods for high-frequency scattering problems' (2017-2020). Teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in numerical analysis, partial differential equations, and real analysis.
Onur Varol is an Assistant Professor at Sabanci University's Computer Science Department and leads the VIRAL Lab, which focuses on computational social science, network science, and machine learning. He has affiliations with the Center of Excellence for Data Analytics. His research spans social bot detection, misinformation analysis, and online behavior modeling.
Prof. Müge AKKAR ERCAN is a Professor in the Department of City and Regional Planning at Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara. She holds a PhD in Urban Design from the University of Newcastle, UK, alongside B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in City and Regional Planning from METU. Her academic roles include teaching courses on urban design studios, planning strategies, and thesis supervision. She specializes in urban design, public space analysis, urban regeneration, and sustainable community development with a focus on historic neighborhoods in Turkey and post-industrial cities. **Education:** B.Sc., City and Regional Planning (METU, 1994) M.Sc., Urban Policy Planning and Local Governments (METU, 1997) Ph.D., Urban Design (University of Newcastle, 2003) **Research Interests:** Her work investigates evolving roles of public spaces in post-industrial cities, challenges in balancing community needs with conservation policies, and sustainable urban regeneration strategies. Notable projects include studies on Ankara’s Gençlik Park, Istanbul’s historic neighborhoods, and walkability models for urban revitalization. She contributes to international journals like Journal of Urban Design and Urban Design International , and co-edits books on heritage valuation and urban planning discourses. **Recent Research Trends:** Her publications (2010–2020) emphasize spatial inclusivity in public spaces, heritage-led regeneration, and micro-scale urban interventions. Recent work explores place-making roles in China’s heritage contexts and EU-funded projects on underground cultural heritage and middle-class housing. **Grants & Projects:** Currently involved in EU-funded projects CA18110 (underground heritage valorization) and CA18137 (European middle-class housing analysis). Her work bridges academic research with policy implementation in Turkey and globally. **Labs/Teams:** Leads METU’s urban design research through her department’s studios and collaborates internationally on heritage conservation and urban dynamics initiatives.
