 Bilkent
News interviewed Çağlar Elbüken (EE/04'), a Bilkent Electrical and Electronics
Engineering Department graduate, who is currently a Ph.D. student at the University of
Waterloo, in Ontario, Canada, about his life after graduation.
Bilkent News: Considering your entrance to Bilkent University 6 years
ago, how did you decide to enter Bilkent University?
Çağlar Elbüken: Being a graduate of Ankara Atatürk Anatolian High
School and residing in Ankara, I participated in the campus tours of Bilkent and compared
with other universities, I felt the Bilkent atmosphere was much more scientific and
research-oriented.
Bilkent News: Regarding your department choice, did you intentionally
decide on electrical and electronics engineering?
Çağlar Elbüken: I have always wanted to be an engineer, and in my last
year of high school, I decided to consider electrical and electronics engineering because
this field has a wide range of subfields and topics of specialization. In some other
engineering departments, the scope might be much more narrow compared with my field.
Currently, I am studying for my Ph.D. in mechatronics engineering.
Bilkent News: What was attractive about Bilkent?
Çağlar Elbüken: In my opinion, the library was the greatest advantage
of Bilkent. Also, the campus integrity and compactness enables the students to improve
themselves and provides the opportunity to those who want to study. There was the
entertaining part, too; I was staying in East Campus Dormitories, and it was a good
environment.
Bilkent News: For your graduate study, as far as we know, you first had
chosen telecommunication engineering and superconductivity; then you concentrated on
magnetic levitation. Did Bilkent have an influence on your graduate study adjustments? Or
did you say "I should do my Ph.D. degree on this topic."?
Çağlar Elbüken: Sure. I decided to do my Ph.D. in telecommunication
engineering but, after the crises, since a great many firms closed down, I did not
consider that field. In the long run, since magnetic levitation and microelectronical
mechanical systems is much more advantageous, I chose that field.
Bilkent News: You are working with a Turkish supervisor in your
institution. Is "working with a Turkish supervisor" an advantage, or a
disadvantage?
Çağlar Elbüken: It is an advantage, because a Turkish researcher knows
about the education system and also your background whereas a supervisor of another origin
might be unfamiliar with your background.
Bilkent News: Lastly, producing scientific articles is important in
engineering. How do you perceive the importance of articles, and what is the main point of
article production?
Çağlar Elbüken: Writing an article, especially if you have an ongoing
research project, is not that difficult. But, the first article can be really frustrating
because it is a different talent, especially if you do not know the formats of the
journals in your field it can be difficult. Everyone reading your article must understand
your research and studies, and it should be addressed to anyone interested in your field.
Bilkent News: Do you want to add anything or offer any recommendations to
Bilkent Electrical and Electronics Engineering students?
Çağlar Elbüken: My recommendation is, they should be aware of the
value of their department. They should also enjoy their university studies but they should
also be able to use what they learned in Bilkent, because in the international market,
they are unrivaled.
Bilkent News: Thanks very much for this enlightening interview.
Erkan Bayır (MBG/III)
|
