Board Members 2025-2026
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.
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
Innovative researcher exploring genome architecture and gene regulation. Blending science, creative art, and problem-solving with big-picture thinking. Passionate, analytical, and always curious—both in research and life.
Aslı Tuba Torun
Treasurer
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 a Senior Business Manager 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
A highly ethical and result-oriented Charitable Gift Planner energized by cultivating and sustaining trust-based relationships with all stakeholders. Driven to bring tactful, mature communication skills and a passion for making a difference in the world.
Hardworking and strategic professional, able to apply a fast-paced 15-year career in management, finance, and organization skills to Gift Planning and Stewardship.
Has 10+ years of volunteering experience as an official in Swimming Canada and OAAC board chair while raising her children.
Şule Demirel Şanlı
Communications
B.C.P. City and Regional Planning, ODTÜ – 2012
M.Sc. 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 in Business and Project Management at Vancouver Community College, aiming to integrate planning expertise with project management skills.
Passionate about traveling and motorcycling.
Mustafa Kaplan
Membership
B.Sc. Geological Engineering, ODTÜ – 2011
M.Sc. Geological Engineering, ODTÜ – 2014
Worked as a Teaching Assistant at ODTÜ after graduation, where he had a chance to extend his enjoyment of the campus. Moved to Canada in 2024 and is now a Senior Geologist at SRK Consulting in the mining sector.
Passionate about football, interested in history, and always eager to explore new destinations.
Nursel Balhan
Corporate Affairs
B.Sc. Food Engineering, ODTÜ – 1993
Following three years of experience in Banking, took a role in the senior management team of a worldwide multinational company as Head of Finance and Treasury for 19 years in Istanbul.
Also took volunteering roles as a Trainer and Mentor in the Company.
Moved to Vancouver in August 2016.
Has been using her skills and experience from Corporate Life combined with caring nature to serve as a Licensed Real Estate Agent since 2022.
Nature lover and has a passion for human psychology and holistic wellness.
Zeynep Yılmaz Ünlü
Events
B.I.D. Industrial Design, ODTÜ – 2018
M.Sc. Industrial Design, ODTÜ – 2022
Worked as a Research Assistant at ODTÜ for several years, then joined Turkish Airlines to design products for diverse platforms. Moved to Canada in 2023 and is pursuing a UX Design career in Ottawa.
Detail-oriented and research-driven designer, passionate about creating seamless user experiences.
Enjoys photography, loves planting, and cycling.