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
MBA – Master of Business Administration, University of Essex, United Kingdom – 2018
M.Sc. – Petroleum Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, United Kingdom – 2015
B.Sc. – Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, Middle East Technical University (METU), Turkey – 2010
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. ODTU, 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 on four continents, I worked as a program management consultant in Qatar for the FIFA 2022 World Cup until 2021. I have been in Canada since 2021, and about to complete my PhD in Civil Engineering at the University of Ottawa. Currently, I work at the National Research Council Canada (NRC) as a Research Associate.
I am a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario (P.Eng.) and in Oregon and California (PE). I am also a registered project management professional (PMP).
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.
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. I began my career as a resource geologist working in mining operations across Africa and Europe before transitioning into data analytics and digital solutions. I later founded a data analytics startup focused on decision-support systems for businesses. Since moving to Canada in 2021, I have been working in the telecom sector while continuing to develop analytics platforms for the retail industry.
Having lived and worked across four continents, I am passionate about traveling, exploring history, and following global politics.