Board 2024
Melike Şölen Akın
Vice Chair
BID, Industrial Design, ODTÜ - 2010
MA, Interior Architecture - University of Brighton 2013
User Experience Designer & Strategist focused on Smart Building applications and Smart Cities.
Experienced in AR/VR application development for Architecture-Engineering-Construction sector.
Award-winning designer
Co-founder of METU Design Society
Generative art enthusiast & serial hobbyist
Nur Öztin Kurak
Mentorship
B.Sc. Computer Engineering, ODTÜ – 1987
M.Sc. Computer Engineering, ODTÜ – 1990
M.Sc. Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology, University of Waterloo – 2017
As the founder of Kibele Academy, along with coaching clients individually to improve their careers and their lives, also consulting various Fintechs on payments and open banking.
In parallel, as an educator, has been lecturing in Wilfrid Laurier University & UofT on Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship.
Started her journey in Canada after 20+ years of experience in payments systems across Europe and Turkey.
Mentoring and also fundraising for ODTU students for the past ten years.
Umut Berkay Altıntaş
Secretary-General
B.Sc. Molecular Biology and Genetics, ODTÜ – 2019
M.Sc. Computational Sciences and Engineering, Koç University – 2022
Ph.D. Bioinformatics, University of British Columbia – Expected 2026
Passionate researcher focused on the regulation of gene expression via networks of cis-chromatin interactions.
Professional dreamer, devoted visual artist, and keen travelist!
Aslı Tuba Torun
Membership
B.Sc. Chemistry, ODTÜ – 2007
M.Sc. Chemistry, ODTÜ – 2009
Experienced in account and project management in software and technology solutions.
Volunteered for organizing events and finding sponsorships in many organizations.
Currently working as an Information Security Specialist at TD Bank.
Loves dogs, cooking, and pilates.
Berna Gülmisal
Fundraising Board Chair
B.Sc. Business Administration and Management, ODTÜ – 1994
Master’s Degree, Political Structure of European Union, Istanbul University – 1997
Fundraising Management Post-graduate Certificate Program, Humber College – 2022
Currently working as a Senior Manager, Planned Giving at Plan International Canada.
Result-oriented fundraiser energized by cultivating and sustaining strong relationships with all stakeholders. Driven to bring tactful, mature communication skills and a passion for making a difference in the world.
Diplomatic and strategic professional, able to apply a 15-year career in global administration and organization efficiency to Planned Giving and Stewardship.
Has over ten years of volunteering experience as an official and board chair while raising her children.
Şule Demirel Şanlı
Communications
B.C.P. City and Regional Planning, ODTÜ – 2012
M.C.P. Urban Design, ODTÜ – 2015
Ph.D. City and Regional Planning, ODTÜ – 2023
Apart from working as an urban planner, took part in academic research projects and social responsibility projects to support responses to humanitarian crises and empower crisis-affected communities.
Moved to Canada in April 2023 and currently pursuing post-graduate studies on Business and Project Management at Vancouver Community College, aiming to integrate planning expertise with project management skills.
Passionate about traveling and motorcycling.
Emre İnsel
Treasurer
B.Sc. ODTÜ, Civil Engineering - 2005
M.Sc. University of Wyoming, Civil Engineering - 2007
Ph.D. University of Ottawa, Civil Engineering - Expected 2024
After working as a structural engineer for more than 10 years on projects located in four different continents, worked as a program management consultant in Qatar for the FIFA 2022 World Cup until September 2021.
Moved to Canada with family at October 2021, where Working on Ph.D. research on hardening of existing structures against blast loads at the University of Ottawa.
Licensed Civil Engineer (PE) in Oregon and California and a registered project management professional (PMP).