Yasemin Ezber | Ocean Interaction | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yasemin Ezber | Ocean Interaction | Best Researcher Award

Faculty Staff from Istanbul Technical University, Turkey

Yasemin Ezber is an accomplished Turkish architect and academic specializing in architectural design, urban studies, and educational methodologies in design. A graduate of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, she has built a career deeply rooted in architectural education and interdisciplinary collaboration. With extensive teaching experience and a focus on integrating theory with practice, Ezber has served in various academic roles, from assistant professor to associate professor at Istanbul Kültür University. Her academic interests revolve around the intersection of urban dynamics, architectural narratives, and pedagogical innovation. Ezber has participated in numerous national and international workshops, exhibitions, and academic conferences. Her contributions reflect a deep commitment to cultivating design thinking and critical inquiry within architectural education. Through scholarly publications and collaborative research, she continues to influence contemporary discussions in architecture and design education. She is fluent in both Turkish and English and is currently involved in coordinating undergraduate architecture programs and developing educational content.

Professional Profile

Education

Yasemin Ezber earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in 1996. Continuing at the same institution, she completed a Master’s Degree in Architecture in 1999, where she began developing her theoretical grounding in design methodologies. In 2007, she earned her Ph.D. in Architecture from the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University Institute of Science and Technology, with a focus on architectural design education. Her doctoral research focused on the design studio’s pedagogical framework and its application in contemporary architectural education. This academic trajectory reflects her dedication to architectural theory, pedagogy, and the evolving dynamics of design education. Her education laid a strong foundation for her later contributions to curriculum development, student mentorship, and architectural criticism. The depth and rigor of her academic background enable her to bridge practice with theory and contribute meaningfully to both scholarly discourse and architectural practice.

Professional Experience

Yasemin Ezber has over 20 years of experience in architecture and academia. She began her academic career as a research assistant at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in 1997. After completing her Ph.D., she joined Istanbul Kültür University as a faculty member in 2007. She progressed to the role of Assistant Professor in 2009 and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2016. At Istanbul Kültür University, she has held several key positions including Vice Chair of the Department of Architecture, Erasmus Coordinator, and Coordinator of the Undergraduate Program. She has also been active in organizing international workshops and collaborative studio projects, often in partnership with European universities. In addition to teaching design studios and theory courses, she has mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate theses. Her career highlights her dedication to architectural education, student development, and curriculum innovation in an increasingly interdisciplinary academic environment.

Research Interests

Yasemin Ezber’s research centers on architectural design education, urban design, and interdisciplinary approaches to architecture. Her main interest lies in how architectural education can adapt to contemporary challenges through innovative pedagogical frameworks. She has explored the dynamics of design studio culture, reflective practices in design, and the impact of spatial narratives on architectural thinking. Ezber also investigates urban identity and transformation, particularly how city spaces shape and are shaped by cultural and social narratives. Her collaborative research projects often focus on comparative educational methodologies and international design studios. She has a particular interest in integrating digital tools and participatory practices in the studio environment. Through workshops, academic publications, and panel discussions, she contributes to evolving conversations on how future architects can be equipped with the tools to think critically and act responsibly in a rapidly urbanizing and technologically evolving world.

Research Skills

Yasemin Ezber possesses a diverse skill set encompassing architectural design, teaching, curriculum development, and academic research. She is proficient in leading design studios, mentoring students, and organizing international collaborative projects. Her strengths include interdisciplinary thinking, conceptual design, and critical analysis of architectural and urban issues. She has strong communication and coordination skills, which she has applied in various leadership roles such as program coordinator and Erasmus Coordinator. She is skilled in using architectural design software, though her focus is more on the theoretical and pedagogical dimensions of design. Additionally, she has experience in publishing academic articles and presenting at conferences. Fluent in Turkish and English, she is also adept at working in multicultural educational environments. Her ability to synthesize theory and practice, lead academic teams, and foster innovative learning environments positions her as a key figure in the academic and professional architecture community.

Awards and Honors

Yasemin Ezber has received several recognitions throughout her career for her contributions to architectural education and practice. She was awarded her Associate Professorship in 2016, a significant academic milestone recognizing her scholarly productivity and teaching excellence. While specific award titles are not detailed in the CV, her extensive involvement in workshops, symposiums, and Erasmus projects underscores her standing in both national and international academic circles. She has been invited as a guest lecturer and keynote speaker at various institutions and events, reflecting the esteem of her peers in architectural academia. Her participation in juries, panels, and exhibitions further highlights her expertise and recognition in design and education. Her roles as coordinator and team leader in cross-cultural educational projects and her consistent publication record also signal a career distinguished by active engagement, leadership, and a commitment to advancing the discourse in architecture and design education.

Conclusion

Dr. Yasemin Ezber presents a strong candidacy for the Best Researcher Award. Her interdisciplinary research on sustainable architecture and urban planning, prolific publication record, and commitment to international collaboration demonstrate her excellence and impact in her field. With some enhancement in quantifying research impact and extending outreach, she can be positioned as an even more compelling nominee. As it stands, she is well-suited for recognition under this award.

Publications Top Notes

📄 Climatic effects of urbanization in Istanbul: a statistical and modeling analysis
👥 Authors: Y. Ezber, O. Lutfi Sen, T. Kindap, M. Karaca
📊 Citations: 192
📅 Year: 2007

📄 The making of the New European Wind Atlas, Part 1: Model sensitivity
👥 Authors: A.N. Hahmann, T. Sile, B. Witha, N.N. Davis, M. Dörenkämper, Y. Ezber, et al.
📊 Citations: 135
📅 Year: 2020

📄 The making of the New European Wind Atlas, Part 2: Production and evaluation
👥 Authors: M. Dörenkämper, B.T. Olsen, B. Witha, A.N. Hahmann, N.N. Davis, J. Barcons, Y. Ezber, et al.
📊 Citations: 134
📅 Year: 2020

📄 Report on WRF model sensitivity studies and specifications for the mesoscale wind atlas production runs: Deliverable D4.3
👥 Authors: B. Witha, A.N. Hahmann, T. Sile, M. Dörenkämper, Y. Ezber, E.G. Bustamante, et al.
📊 Citations: 46
📅 Year: 2019

📄 The making of the New European Wind Atlas – Part 1: Model sensitivity
👥 Authors: A.N. Hahmann, T. Sıle, B. Witha, N.N. Davis, M. Dörenkämper, Y. Ezber, et al.
📊 Citations: 44
📅 Year: 2020

📄 The making of the New European Wind Atlas – Part 2: Production and evaluation
👥 Authors: M. Dörenkämper, B.T. Olsen, B. Witha, A.N. Hahmann, N.N. Davis, J. Barcons, Y. Ezber, et al.
📊 Citations: 39
📅 Year: 2020

📄 Influence of African atmospheric rivers on precipitation and snowmelt in the Near East’s highlands
👥 Authors: D. Bozkurt, O.L. Sen, Y. Ezber, B. Guan, M. Viale, F. Caglar
📊 Citations: 28
📅 Year: 2021

📄 Risk assessment of atmospheric emissions using machine learning
👥 Authors: G. Cervone, P. Franzese, Y. Ezber, Z. Boybeyi
📊 Citations: 25
📅 Year: 2008

📄 Role of the East Asian trough on the eastern Mediterranean temperature variability in early spring and the extreme case of 2004 warm spell
👥 Authors: D. Bozkurt, Y. Ezber, O.L. Sen
📊 Citations: 20
📅 Year: 2019

📄 Euro-Mediterranean climate variability in boreal winter: a potential role of the East Asian trough
👥 Authors: O.L. Sen, Y. Ezber, D. Bozkurt
📊 Citations: 19
📅 Year: 2019

📄 Characterization of atmospheric mechanisms that cause the transport of Arabian dust particles to the southeastern region of Turkey
👥 Authors: H. Baltaci, Y. Ezber
📊 Citations: 13
📅 Year: 2022

📄 Numerical simulation and sensitivity study of a severe hailstorm over Istanbul
👥 Authors: E. Toker, Y. Ezber, O.L. Sen
📊 Citations: 13
📅 Year: 2021

📄 Assessment of the changes in the Etesians in the EURO-CORDEX regional model projections
👥 Author: Y. Ezber
📊 Citations: 11
📅 Year: 2019

📄 Investigation of local flow features in Istanbul. Part I: High-resolution sensitivity simulations
👥 Authors: Y. Ezber, O.L. Sen, Z. Boybeyi, M. Karaca
📊 Citations: 8
📅 Year: 2015

📄 Risk assessment of atmospheric hazard releases using k-means clustering
👥 Authors: G. Cervone, P. Franzese, Y. Ezber, Z. Boybeyi
📊 Citations: 7
📅 Year: 2008

📄 WRF sensitivity simulations of a dense advection fog event in Istanbul
👥 Authors: Y. Ezber, O.L. Sen
📊 Citations: 6
📅 Year: 2022

📄 Anadolu’nun İklim Tarihinin Son 500 Yılı: Dendroklimatoloji Yöntemleriyle Rökonstrüksiyonlar ve Uzay-Zaman Analizleri
👥 Authors: N. Dalfes, Ü. Akkemik, N. Köse, M. Karaca, E. Kahya, Y. Ezber
📊 Citations: 6
📅 Year: 2006

Mehdi Hasan Rafi | Weather & Atmosphere | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mehdi Hasan Rafi | Weather & Atmosphere | Best Researcher Award

PhD Scholar of Full-Time Ph.D. Researcher, Bangladesh.

Mehdi Hasan Rafi is a distinguished researcher with notable expertise in geospatial data analysis and weather forecasting. His recent accolade, the Best Paper Award at the 6th International Conference on Electrical Engineering and Information & Communication Technology (ICEEICT), highlights his significant contributions to the field. Rafi is proficient in programming languages like Python, R, and MATLAB, and excels in data manipulation, visualization, and mining, utilizing advanced techniques in machine learning and deep learning. His research, including journal publications and conference presentations, demonstrates a strong impact on atmospheric studies and ionospheric research. Currently serving as a Senior Executive in Research & Development at FIFOTech, he combines practical industry experience with his academic background. Despite his impressive achievements, expanding his research scope and increasing public engagement could further enhance his impact. Rafi’s strong technical skills and recognized contributions make him a compelling candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award.

Profile
Education

Mehdi Hasan Rafi’s educational journey reflects a strong foundation in electrical and electronic engineering. He completed his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Daffodil International University (DIU) in 2014, where he earned a CGPA of 3.46 out of 4.00. His academic excellence continued with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in the same field from Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) in 2023, achieving a CGPA of 3.08 out of 4.00. Rafi’s early education includes a robust science background, having completed his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and Secondary School Certificate (SSC) from Khulna Government Model School & College and Saint Joseph’s High School, respectively. His strong academic performance, underscored by high GPAs, laid the groundwork for his research and professional achievements in atmospheric data analysis and geospatial research.

Professional Experience

Mehdi Hasan Rafi brings a wealth of experience in atmospheric research and data analysis. Currently, he serves as a Senior Executive in Research & Development at FIFOTech, where he leads market and industry research, manages projects, and develops innovative strategies. His role involves analyzing data, preparing reports, and representing the company at industry conferences. Previously, Rafi was a co-investigator at Frederick University, Cyprus, focusing on atmospheric research projects, including the Rate of Total Electron Content Index (ROTI) of the ionosphere. His academic background includes degrees in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) and Daffodil International University, with a notable track record in geospatial data analysis, programming, and machine learning. His work is recognized through prestigious awards, including the Best Paper Award at the 6th International Conference on Electrical Engineering and Information & Communication Technology (ICEEICT).

Research Interest

Mehdi Hasan Rafi’s research interests are centered around atmospheric sciences and geospatial data analysis, with a particular focus on ionospheric studies and weather forecasting. His work involves utilizing advanced programming languages such as Python, R, and MATLAB to manipulate and analyze large datasets, employing machine learning and deep learning techniques to extract meaningful insights. Rafi is skilled in data mapping using GIS technologies and has conducted significant research on the Rate of Total Electron Content Index (ROTI) of the ionosphere, exploring variations in electron density over European and North American sectors. His research also encompasses global lightning phenomena and time series modeling of lightning radiance, aiming to enhance the understanding of atmospheric processes. Rafi’s interdisciplinary approach and expertise in both theoretical and practical aspects of atmospheric research contribute to advancements in weather prediction and atmospheric data interpretation.

Research Skills

Mehdi Hasan Rafi demonstrates a robust set of research skills, particularly in the domain of geospatial data analysis and atmospheric research. He excels in programming languages such as Python, R, and MATLAB, which are integral to his work in manipulating and analyzing complex datasets. His proficiency extends to data visualization, mapping, and mining, where he employs GIS techniques to extract meaningful insights from vast data sources. Rafi’s expertise in machine learning and deep learning, including Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), further enhances his capability to develop advanced analytical models. His research on ionospheric phenomena and lightning detection showcases his ability to handle intricate data sets, identify trends, and contribute valuable findings to the field. Rafi’s skills in integrating diverse data sources and utilizing cutting-edge analytical methods underscore his strong research acumen and innovative approach to addressing atmospheric challenges.

Awards and Recognition

Mehdi Hasan Rafi has garnered notable awards and recognition for his significant contributions to the field of atmospheric research. In May 2024, he received the prestigious Best Paper Award (First Prize) at the 6th International Conference on Electrical Engineering and Information & Communication Technology (ICEEICT) for his outstanding research. His academic excellence was further acknowledged with the Dr. Aminul Islam Scholarship, awarded by Daffodil International University in January 2018. Rafi’s research has been published in esteemed journals, including the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres and Atmosphere, showcasing his impact in the field. His contributions extend to various conferences, where he has presented his work, further establishing his reputation in the scientific community. These accolades reflect his commitment to advancing atmospheric research and highlight his role as a leading researcher in his area of expertise.

Conclusion

Mehdi Hasan Rafi is a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to his significant contributions to atmospheric research, technical skills, and industry experience. His accomplishments in data analysis and programming, coupled with his recognized awards and publications, make him a standout nominee. Addressing areas for improvement, such as increasing public engagement and exploring broader research areas, could further strengthen his profile and impact in the research community.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Evaluation of Detection Efficiency of World Wide Lightning Location Network in Southeast Asian Region
    • Authors: M.H. Rafi, R.H. Holzworth, M.G. Mostafa
    • Year: 2024
  2. Correlation of Rate of TEC Index and Spread F over European Ionosondes
    • Authors: K.S. Paul, M.H. Rafi, H. Haralambous, M.G. Mostafa
    • Year: 2024
  3. Space-Based Investigation of the Topside Ionosphere over Bangladesh Including IRI Predictions
    • Authors: N. Fatima, N. Salsabil, M.H. Rafi, M.G. Mostafa
    • Year: 2024
  4. Investigation of Ionospheric Diurnal Double Maxima over Bangladesh
    • Authors: J.F. Preeti, R. Amreen, M.H. Rafi, M.G. Mostafa
    • Year: 2024
  5. Examining the Consistency Between Quality-Assured Radio Occultation Data in Bangladesh and IRI Predictions
    • Authors: S.S. Mahmood, A.H. Shawon, M.H. Rafi, M.G. Mostafa
    • Year: 2024
  6. Time Series Models for Radiated Electromagnetic Energy of Lightning Strokes Detected by World Wide Lightning Location Network
    • Authors: M.H. Rafi, G. Mostafa
    • Year: 2023
  7. Global Lightning Phenomena and Time Series Model of Lightning Flash Radiance
    • Authors: M.H. Rafi, M.G. Mostafa
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 1