Shaping Future Leaders: Professor Burcu Akinci Receives Outstanding Mentoring Award
In a significant recognition of her outstanding commitment to mentorship, Professor Burcu Akinci has been awarded the prestigious Outstanding Mentoring Award from the College of Engineering. This award recognizes her exceptional dedication to nurturing the talents of students and junior faculty members within CEE.
Since she arrived in the department in 2009, Akinci has diligently guided and mentored 21 PhD students and 21 thesis/project MS students, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. Her mentorship extends beyond the confines of academia, encompassing personal well-being and life balance, ensuring her mentees thrive on all fronts.
Former students and mentees attest to the profound impact of her mentorship. They describe her not just as an advisor but as a compassionate and dedicated mentor who consistently provides guidance and unwavering support. Her influence transcends the academic realm, leaving a lasting impression on both their personal and professional lives.
“She is also a role model to many young female academics,” says former student Fernanda Leite. “I have spoken to colleagues from various institutions on how they look up to her. Yes, she is a thought leader in the field of Computing in Civil Engineering ... She is also an example of a successful female faculty in the male-dominated field of Construction Engineering that we can all look up to.”
Her counsel extends to junior faculty as well. “Her unique leadership in supervising and teaching at multiple levels has influenced many new mentors and professionals across the world,” says former student and current CEE Associate Professor Pingbo Tang. “Her unique leadership in supervising and teaching at multiple levels has influenced many new mentors and professionals across the world. Using myself as an example, I could not imagine that without Dr. Akinci’s direction in the past 15 years.”
Professor Akinci's journey as an exemplary mentor mirrors her own path to excellence. Her educational background includes a BS in Civil Engineering from Middle East Technical University, an MBA from Bilkent University, and a series of degrees culminating in a PhD in Construction Engineering and Management from Stanford University. This academic journey set the stage for her remarkable career.
In addition to her mentorship, Akinci has garnered numerous accolades for her groundbreaking research. Her work in leveraging technology to enhance facility construction and operation has earned her several awards, including her election to the National Academy of Construction in 2021 and being named an ASCE Fellow in 2023.
Professor Akinci's Outstanding Mentoring Award is a testament to her unwavering dedication to shaping the future of engineers and researchers. Her impact on the academic community extends well beyond her research contributions. She isn't merely an academic leader; she's a mentor whose guidance enriches the lives and careers of those she influences.