As a landscape architect, academic and educator, I explore how human settlements can build a healthier relationship with nature. I connect ecological planning with geospatial technologies, artificial intelligence and disaster resilience, with a commitment to research that informs practice and education that makes a difference.
After Ankara Anadolu High School, I studied landscape architecture at Ankara University. I completed two master’s degrees, in environmental management and landscape architecture, followed by a doctorate. Work at Ankara University, the University of Massachusetts Amherst on a World Bank scholarship, TÜBİTAK, American Geomatics Group and Geotech shaped my integrated view of design, technology and the environment.
I have served as department chair, institute director and dean at Anadolu University, and as dean and vice rector at Eskişehir Technical University. Today, as Director of its Earth and Space Sciences Institute, I work to advance research, education and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The European Union projects EPD-NET and EMERGE, which I actively coordinate, give this work an international dimension. EPD-NET develops an ecological planning and design learning network for disaster-resilient and sustainable cities. EMERGE brings architecture, engineering and ecological planning together to establish the foundations of an international master’s programme in Emergency Architecture.
The Nature-Based Intelligence (NBI) and Nature Cities Alliances (NCA) approaches I have developed place learning from nature and thinking together about the future of cities at their heart. Through my Nature-Based Intelligence and EPD-Assist AI tools, I aim to make ecological planning knowledge, nature-based solutions and learning support more accessible.
I served as Chair of the Board of the Design and Planning Accreditation Association (TAPLAK) for its 2nd and 3rd terms. At the Turkish Chamber of Landscape Architects, I served as Chair of the Honorary Board for the 15th and 16th terms and am a Member of the Executive Board for the 17th term. I see professional responsibility as a commitment to educational quality, collaboration and a planning culture that serves the public.
I value teaching, mentoring and learning together. My aim is to help nurture generations who respect nature and contribute to the more resilient, equitable and liveable future they will create.