Board Members 2026-2027

Nur Öztin Kurak

Chair and Mentorship Program Lead

B.Sc. Computer Engineering, ODTÜ – 1987
M.Sc. Computer Engineering, ODTÜ – 1990
M.Sc. Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology, University of Waterloo – 2017

Accomplished academic and industry professional with 25+ years of leadership experience in Information Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship in Europe and North America. As the founder of Kibele Academy in Canada, extends her impact by coaching and advising clients and startups.

Passionately, mentoring and fundraising for ODTÜ students, supporting their academic and professional growth, for the past decade.

Outside of work, finds inspiration from the great outdoors in Canada, taking road trips that feed her love for exploration & discovery and capturing moments through photography.

Yağmur Şimşek

Secretary General

B.Sc. Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, ODTÜ, Turkey – 2010
M.Sc. Petroleum Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, United Kingdom – 2015
MBA Master of Business Administration, University of Essex, United Kingdom – 2018

Petroleum Engineer, Peng, PMP with 15+ years of international experience across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. Specialized in terminal operations, pipeline integrity, and regulatory compliance, combining engineering expertise with strategic leadership and governance experience. Analytical, results-driven, and committed to building sustainable systems in both industry and community organizations.

Emre İnsel

Treasurer

B.Sc. Civil Engineering, ODTÜ – 2005
M.Sc. Civil Engineering, University of Wyoming – 2007
Ph.D. Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa – 2026

After working as a structural engineer for more than 10 years on projects located on four continents, worked as a program management consultant in Qatar for the FIFA 2022 World Cup until 2021. Have been in Canada since 2021, and about to complete his PhD in Civil Engineering at the University of Ottawa. Currently, working at the National Research Council Canada (NRC) as a Research Associate.

A licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario (P.Eng.) and in Oregon and California (PE). Also a registered project management professional (PMP).

Buğra Sağlam

Events

B.Sc. Electrical and Electronics Engineering, ODTÜ – 2005
M.Sc. Industrial Engineering, ODTÜ – 2010
Ph.D. Electrical and Comm Engineering, Çankaya Universitesi – 2017

A Senior Lead Engineer specializing in aerospace systems and advanced product development. Has managed the design, integration, and execution of several high‑performance aerospace solutions. His work spans defense and commercial platforms, with a strong emphasis on systems engineering, technical leadership, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration. Outside his professional work, enjoys participating in half marathons and other performance‑oriented races, and often contributes to organizing social and athletic events. His ability to connect with people, foster engagement, and support collective goals reflects his commitment to both professional and community development.

Asaf Koçak

Communications

B.Sc. Geological Engineering, ODTÜ – 2018

Business Analyst in the telecommunications industry with an international background spanning geology, analytics, and technology entrepreneurship. Began a career as a resource geologist working in mining operations across Africa and Europe before transitioning into data analytics and digital solutions. Later founded a data analytics startup focused on decision-support systems for businesses. Since relocating to Canada in 2021, has been working in the telecom sector while continuing to develop analytics platforms for the retail industry.

Having lived and worked across four continents, is passionate about traveling, exploring history, and following global politics.