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Erman Timurdoğan BS, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, 2010 PhD student, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA (USA) Advisor: Prof. Dr. Hakan Ürey Optical Microsystems Lab. (OML) Journal: 1 International Conference papers: 3 Patent applications: 1 Erman Timurdogan provided important contributions to the project of biosensor development for instant disease diagonosis. He worked in the research laboratory as an undergraduate student and took place as the first author in the paper which was published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics. He is still supporting the partner projects and participating among inventors for a patent application.
Selçuk Atli BS, Computer Engineering, 2006 Graduate Studies MS, Information Technology, 2008 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY, USA Founder at iletken Technologies http://www.iletken.com.tr/ Advisor: Assist. Prof. Serdar Taşıran, Software Verification Research Group I had two great take-aways from my time at Koc University. Working on challenging problems in computer science with valuable professors like Dr. Tasiran and having a well rounded course load in business and marketing had a great impact in my graduate studies and career in software entrepreneurship.
Muzaffer İncekara BS, Industrial Engineering, 2006 Received MBA degree from Boğaziçi University in 2008 Board Member, Intermat Flexible Packaging Advisors: Prof. Süleyman Özekici (Academic) Prof. Ceyda Oğuz (Graduation Project) Heuristic Algorithms on NP-Hard Production Scheduling Problems Koç University bestowed the most important traits that distinguish someone s performance in real life decision-making on me. In addition to exceptional academic guidance from its preeminent faculty, Koç University provided excellent research opportunities for me to become an independent, critical and creative problem solver. I believe that possessing high expectations is indispensable for a successful career. Koç University, with its fascinating atmosphere, accessible faculty and unique philosophy, carries your expectations to a higher level, which is the greatest benefit one can get from any institution.
Deniz Altınbüken BS, Computer Engineering, 2009 Ph.D. candidate in Computer Science at Cornell University, Ithaca NY, USA Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Öznur Özkasap Networked and Distributed Systems Laboratory (NDSL) International conference: 2 In my experience, Koç University stands out by virtue of its commitment to balance and reciprocality. At Koç University, the philosophy based on balance between social and professional life, learning from distinguished scholars and teaching to successful peers, asking questions and internalizing the method of answering them by using analytical thinking skills, emphasis on technical knowledge and social knowledge is preserved with the uttermost importance. This environment provides the perspective and insight that is crucial for a successful career. I m very thankful for my time at Koç University and the guidance I received from my advisor Prof. Öznur Özkasap, as well as other successful professors in the Computer Engineering Department.
Cengiz Öztireli BS, Computer Enginering, 2007 Current Position: PhD candidate, ETH Zurich, Computer Graphics Group Research Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Çağatay Başdoğan Robotics ve Mechatronics Laboratuary (RML) Journal Publications: 1 Inter. Conference Papers: 1 I think that the work-study program at Koç University is great. Working on a research project with an academician at Koç University helped me to sharpen my research and development skills. It was exciting to see that our work was accepted and published in a journal at the time of my graduation, which helped me to get accepted to the Ph.D. Program of a top European University and continue to work in the area of my research interest.
Eda Baykan BS, Computer Enginering 2004 BS, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, 2004 Received PhD from EPFL, Switzerland in Computer Science, 2009 Assist. Prof. Dr. at Department of Software Engineering, Izmir University Advisor: Prof. Dr. Reha Civanlar At Koç University it was a great opportunity to have courses and do projects with academicians who have international reputation in their research areas. Having a B.Sc. degree at Koç University improved my critical thinking and independent study skills which helped me succeed a Ph.D. at a top European University.
H. Gökhan Himmetoğlu BS. Computer Engineering, 2009 MS Computer Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, CANADA Advisor: Assist. Prof. Metin Sezgin, Intelligent User Interfaces Lab. (IUI) Attending Koç University and working with Dr. Sezgin in my senior year was an amazing experience that helped me to prepare for my masters degree. His knowledge and infinite support was invaluable and made a great impact in my studies especially in of sketch recognition.
Ertuğrul Deniz Akbay BSc., Mechanical Engineering, 2007 Advisor in Koç University: Asc.Prof. Dr. İsmail Lazoğlu, Manufacturing and Automation Research Center (MARC) Projects at Koç University: -Residual Stress Estimation after Machining -Analysis of Artificial Heart Valve -Vertical Flying / Landing Vehicle Received the MS degree in Computer Aided Conceptions and Production, RWTH Aachen, Germany, 2010 Calibration Engineer in Turkey Office of AVL Research and Engineering After having a strong academic background in Mechanical Engineering Department of Koç University, with a sincere academic guidance and support, I could manage to attend to the graduate program in RWTH Aachen. With the vision and the invaluable knowledge that I gained in Koç University and RWTH Aachen, I would like to take part in the industrial achievements of Turkey. Therefore, I have started to participate to the research and engineering projects that are conducted in AVL R&E Turkey which supports and consults engineering projects in automotive industry.
Özge Kökçü BS, Computer Engineering, 2008 Received MS in Management, Technology and Economics from ETH Zurich, 2010 Google AdSense, Publisher Support Account Associate, Dublin, Ireland Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Öznur Özkasap Networked and Distributed Systems Laboratory (NDSL) If you asked me Where do you see yourself within 8 years? when I graduated from high school, I am sure I could not image that far. When you are a student, you do not really realize how much Koç University broadens your perspective. However, now I know that if it was not Koç, it would be much harder for me to take an MSc in one of the best universities of Europe and then find a job in maybe the best company to work for. It is not just the high quality courses, labs, trainings you get in your field but also how much progress you have in your communication and personal skills. Koç University was the first and best choice I have ever made in my life and the rest just followed.
Arif Emre Çağlar BS, Computer Engineering, 2007 Received MS, Computer Science from University of Ottawa, 2009 Business Intelligence Developer at Aecon, Toronto, ON, Canada. Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Öznur Özkasap Networked and Distributed Systems Laboratory (NDSL) Koç University not only provided me an excellent Computer Engineering education, but also gave me the cultural foundation to become a successful researcher and a young professional in the international arena. As I advance through my career, I realize how important the university education is, and I am thankful to the faculty and administrative staff of Koç University for their commitment to ensure the success of their students.
Övünç Yılmaz BS, Industrial Engineering, 2010 PhD Candidate in Statistics and Operations Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Advisors: Assoc. Prof. Metin Türkay (Academic) Prof. Ceyda Oğuz (Graduation Project) As one of the top universities in Turkey, Koc offers unsurpassed opportunities and resources for the student, as well as instruction from leading scholars in their fields. As a result, I received the strongest possible background from which to further my education and scholarly interests. The greatest aspect of Koc is the variety of courses offered, from diverse humanities and arts to the hard sciences. Thus, I was able to gain experience and develop problem-solving skills over the widest possible array of disciplines. This preparation allows me to meet any new challenge with the tools and confidence I need to succeed.
Hasan Tuncer B.S. in Computer Engineering, 2007 Ph.D. candidate in Computing and Information Sciences at Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Öznur Özkasap Networked and Distributed Systems Laboratory (NDSL) At the first sight, I m impressed with the amazingly beautiful campus and the state-of-the-art facilities designed for the excellent research and education. During my undergraduate study, I did not only take courses from world-class faculty but also I had opportunity to learn more from them during the research and teaching assistantships, independent studies, and the preparation to world-wide software competitions. The inspiring and visionary faculty also has a great contribution to my decision of pursuing graduate study. Furthermore, in the graduate school, I once more realized how solid technical education given at Koç University.
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Ferda Ofli PhD, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, 2010 BS, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, BS, Computer Engineering, 2005 Advisors: A. Murat Tekalp, Yucel Yemez and Engin Erzin, Multimedia, Vision and Graphics Laboratory (MVGL) Journal Publications: 2 International Conference Papers: 10 Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA Koc University provided me with everything I would want from a university: livable campus, strong faculty, solid educational background and sophisticated research atmosphere. Besides seeking excellence in scientific education and research, Koc University cherishes also the quality of students life, knowing that living a happy life is crucial for having a successful career. And, I have lived a truly happy life at Koc University!
Ümit Demirbaş MS, Materials Science & Engineering, 2006 BS, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, 2004 BS, Physics, 2004 Completed his PhD in Electrical Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA Advisor: Prof. Dr. Alphan Sennaroglu, Laser Research Laboratory (LRL) Book Chapter: 1 Journal Articles: 10 International Conference Papers: 10 National Conference Papers: 4 Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Konstanz University, Germany During 2000-2006, I had the chance to work at Koc University Laser Research Laboratory (LRL), first as a work-study student, and then as master of science student. My work at LRL has provided me a broad exposure to the field of solid state lasers, and enabled me to gain valuable hands-on research experience. These years have been really crucial in developing myself as an independent researcher with self-motivation and commitment. I will be always thankful to Koc University for providing me a world class education, and to my advisors Prof. Sennaroglu, Adnan Kurt, Prof. Somer, Prof. Yilgor and Prof. Dereli for their lifelong support to my career.
Engin Kurutepe MS, Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2006 BS, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, 2004 Ph.D. Candidate Technical University Berlin Managing Partner Fifteen Jugglers Software Advisors: Prof. Dr. Murat Tekalp and Reha Civanlar Multimedia, Vision and Graphics Laboratory (MVGL) Journal Publications: 2 Inter. Conference Papers: 6 After having got to know the world-class faculty at Koç University during my undergrad years, it was an easy decision for me to stay for my graduate studies. The insightful academic guidance and support from my thesis advisors combined with independent research opportunities and responsibility in various international projects allowed me to develop myself academically and gather invaluable experience.
Tenzile Berkin Cilingiroglu MS, Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2008 BS, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, 2006. Ph.D. candidate in Electrical Engineering at Boston University, Boston MA, USA Advisors: Prof. Dr. Murat Tekalp Multimedia, Vision and Graphics Laboratory (MVGL) Koc University stands out with its top-quality education, research environment and worldwide known faculty members. With the guidance of Prof. Tekalp and other faculty members at Koc University, I learned how to conduct systematic research and easily adapt to international laboratories abroad. Journal Publications: 1 Inter. Conference Papers: 2 National Conference Papers: 1
Özgür S. Öğüz MS, Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2010 BS, Computer Engineering, 2007 Advisors: Asst. Prof. MetinT. Sezgin and Assoc. Prof. Çağatay Başdoğan Intelligent User Interfaces Lab (IUI) & Robotics and Mechatronics Lab (RML) Journal Publications: 2 Inter. Conference Papers: 1 PhD candidate, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, CA As an MS graduate, the knowledge and experience that I acquired during my academic life at Koç University exceeded my expectations. Thanks to my advisors, I learned how to engage in top-quality international research studies.
Serhan Işıkman MS, Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2008 BS, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, 2006 PhD candidate, UCLA (USA) Advisor: Prof. Dr. Hakan Ürey Optical Microsystems Laboratory (OML) Journal: 4 International conference: 7 Patent: 2 USA patents Koc University has a very privileged engineering education with the leader researchers of their own fields and highlevel laboratories given to the students starting from the undergraduate years. I think that I am living a very efficient and fast-developing graduate study with the accelaration I gained during my undergraduate period. The expreience I gained in the international projects which were meeting industy and university, and the multinational teamworking capability are playing important role for me to take responsibility easily and to strenghten my self-confidence.
Hüseyin Rahmi Seren MS, Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2009 BS, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, 2007 PhD candidate, Boston University (USA) Advisor: Prof. Dr. Hakan Ürey Optical Microsystems Laboratory (OML) Journal: 4 International Conference: 7 Koc University is giving more importance and contributing more to research and development day by day. Both academical studies and industrial cooperation are providing new and vast vision for the students careers. I started working in Prof. Hakan Uvey s in the 3rd year of my undergraduate education. I completed my MS here and graduated with so many experiences and competences after the industrial projects I participated in. These experiences and competences are guiding me through my Ph D. Study in Boston University and making me advantageous against other Ph. D. Candidates from all over the world.
Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Çağatay Başdoğan Robotics ve Mechatronics Laboratuary (RML) Journal Publications: 3 Inter. Conference Papers: 2 Mert Sedef MS, Computational Science and Engineering, 2008 BS, Computer Enginering 2005 Received MS degree from UNC Computer Science Department Software Engineer, Mimic Technologies, USA, http://mimic.ws/ I received my BS and MS. Degrees from Koç University. I feel fortunate to have excellent instructors and a great research advisor at Koç. After graduation, I completed my MS studies in Computer Science in USA and joined a hightech company. At Mimic Technologies, we are developing a surgical simulator for training surgeons and medical students in virtual environments.
Advisors: Assoc. Prof. Advisor: Çağatay Başdoğan Assoc. Robotics Prof. and Çağatay Mechatronics Başdoğan Robotics Lab (RML) ve Mechatronics Laboratuary (RML) Publications Journal Publications: Koç University: 3 Journal Inter. Conference Publications: Papers: 3 1 Inter. Conference Papers: 2 Aydın Mert Varol Sedef MS, BS, Mechanical Computer Enginering Engineering, 2005 2008 BS, MS, Mechanical Computational Engineering Science and BS, Engineering, Computer Engineering, 2008 2006 Received MS degree from UNC Computer Science Department PhD candidate, EPFL, Switzerland Software Engineer, Mimic Technologies, USA, http://mimic.ws/ During I received my undergraduate my BS and MS. years, Degrees I worked fromatkoç Robotics University. and I Mechatronics feel fortunate Laboratory have(rml) excellent as a work-study instructors student and a and great participated research advisor into several at Koç. research Afterprojects. graduation, After I completed graduation, my I decided MS studies to stayinincomputer the samescience lab as a in graduate USA and student. joinednow, a hightech back company. and seeat that Mimic my education Technologies, and research we are developing experience a I look at surgical Koç University simulator helped for training my careeer surgeons and and personal medical development a great deal. students in virtual environments.
Mustafa Kaymakçı MS, Mechanical Engineering, 2007 BS, Mechanical Engineering, 2005 Research Engineer, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada Advisor: Assoc. Prof. İsmail Lazoğlu Manufacturing and Automation Research Center (MARC) Journal Publications: 3 Inter. Conference Papers: 2 Koc University provided me with a highest quality research atmosphere and technical background, allowing me to tackle most difficult theoretical and practical problems. The most important advantage of studying at Koc University is to have unlimited access to research facilities and support from professors. I spent 7 amazing years both academically and socially and I am extremely glad that I joined Koc University.
İstemi Ekin Akkuş MS, Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2007 BS, Mechanical Engineering & Computer Engineering, 2005 Received MASc, Electrical and Computer Engineering from University of Toronto, 2009 Advisors: Prof. Dr. Reha Civanlar and Öznur Özkasap Networked and Distributed Systems Laboratory (NDSL) Journal Publications: 1 Conference Papers: 5 Ph.D. student, Max Planck Institute for Software Systems, Kaiserslautern-Saarbrücken My graduate studies at Koç University have given me the opportunity to work with faculty whose high quality research spanned a lot of exciting fields. They were patient and helpful as I tried to see different perspectives into different areas. I have gained tremendous insights on technical thinking which helped me develop myself as a researcher.
Emre Atsan M.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2007 B.S., Computer Engineering, 2005 Ph.D. Candidate at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Öznur Özkasap Networked and Distributed Systems Laboratory (NDSL) Journal Publications: 2 Conference Papers: 6 Koç University was a great home for me during all my graduate and undergraduate life. It has a nice and lively campus at the north of Istanbul, which makes student's life fun and easy. During my graduate studies, I have gained invaluable research and teaching experience with the support of world renowned faculty. I always appreciate the social and academic opportunities given to us at Koç University.
Aytuğ Tunçel MS, Computational Sciences & Engineering, 2007 BS, Molecular Biology & Genetics, 2005 Advisors: Asst. Prof. İ. Halil Kavaklı and Assoc. Prof. Özlem Keskin Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Lab & Computational Systems Biology Group (COSBI) Journal Publications: 2 Inter. Conference Papers: 1 PhD candidate, Washington State University, Washington, USA As an MS graduate, I had the great opportunity to study both experimental and computational biology at Koç University. The academic experience provided me with a strong degree and helped me to develop my future career. 27
Kamil Buğra Toga MS, Materials Science and Engineering, 2008 BS, Mechanical Engineering, 2005 PhD candidate, Polymer Science & Engineering University of Massachusetts, Amherst Advisor: B. Erdem Alaca Journal Publications: 2 Koc University has been the first and the most significant step in my life gaining skills towards becoming a globally competent researcher. As an undergraduate, I benefited extremely well from the flexibility of curriculum formation choosing the fundamental courses required to be trained as a materials engineer. Not surprisingly, I started to harvest the benefits of this flexibility in a top-notch materials science institution where I had a chance to compare myself with peers from all around the globe. I also consider myself one of the luckiest students who could pursue a fruitful graduate level degree in their own college. In that way, I had the chance to work with people inspiring and encouraging me towards a higher-level degree.