PhD Candidate at Seoul National University, South Korea
Cigdem Caglayan is an accomplished Aerospace Engineer and a PhD candidate at Seoul National University, specializing in cutting-edge research on dynamic combinational epoxy vitrimers, recyclable carbon fiber vitrimer composites, and self-healing mechano-luminescent (ML) coatings for structural health monitoring (SHM). Her work focuses on developing cost-effective solutions for detecting and visualizing stress distribution in structural components, advancing sustainability through recyclable composite materials. With a strong foundation in polymer science and composite technologies, her research journey spans innovative material design, advanced manufacturing techniques, and extensive collaboration with international institutions. Cigdem is highly skilled in project management, technical reporting, and material characterization, with several publications in high-impact journals. Her global academic contributions and passion for sustainability position her as a leader in the aerospace and materials research domains.
Professional Profile
Education
Cigdem is currently pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering at Seoul National University, expected in February 2025. Her doctoral research focuses on self-healing epoxy vitrimers and ML coatings. She earned her MSc in Aerospace Engineering from Istanbul Technical University, where her thesis emphasized nano-reinforced polyurethane foams and polymer foam core sandwich composites. She graduated with a GPA of 4.00/4.30 in 2019. Her BSc in Aerospace Engineering, also from Istanbul Technical University, focused on the design and testing of advanced composites, graduating in 2016 with a GPA of 3.69/4.00. Her academic achievements have been supported by prestigious scholarships and her commitment to advancing composite technologies.
Professional Experience
Cigdem has extensive experience as a researcher, starting her career at Istanbul Technical University’s Aerospace Research Center (2016–2019), where she led projects on nano-reinforced polyurethane foams and polymer foam core sandwich composites. Currently, she is a researcher at Seoul National University, where she develops self-healing stress sensors and recyclable carbon fiber composites, contributing to advancements in structural health monitoring and sustainability. Cigdem has been instrumental in laboratory setup and operations, utilizing advanced equipment and techniques. Her teaching experience includes mentoring undergraduate students in subjects like composite materials and aerospace engineering, further showcasing her leadership and technical expertise.
Research Interests
Cigdem’s research interests focus on developing sustainable and innovative materials for aerospace and structural applications. Her work in self-healing mechano-luminescent (ML) coatings and recyclable epoxy vitrimer composites aims to revolutionize structural health monitoring (SHM) by enabling non-contact stress detection and visualization. She is passionate about composite manufacturing techniques, including vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) and hot pressing, with a keen focus on enhancing sustainability through recyclable materials. Her interests also extend to understanding material failure under various conditions, making her research pivotal for industries like aerospace and defense.
Research Skills
Cigdem is proficient in advanced composite manufacturing and characterization techniques, including VARTM, hot pressing, and ASTM-standard testing methods like flexural fatigue and impact analysis. Her expertise extends to characterization tools such as FTIR, NMR, and SEM, and she is skilled in data analysis using MATLAB and 3D CAD/CAM software like CATIA. Additionally, she excels in laboratory management, experimental design, and technical reporting, with strong soft skills in teamwork and communication. Cigdem’s ability to innovate and lead makes her a valuable contributor to complex research projects.
Awards and Honors
Cigdem has been recognized globally for her academic and research excellence. She is a recipient of the prestigious Global Korean Scholarship (2019–2023) and has been honored with the Korean Government Invitation Program award for top students. Her outstanding presentation at the International Conference on Active Materials and Soft Mechatronics in 2024 earned her an Excellent Presentation Award. As one of Turkey’s top students, she has also received multiple scholarships and participated in international exchange programs, highlighting her dedication and achievements in aerospace engineering.
Conclusion
Cigdem Caglayan is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award due to her innovative research, extensive technical expertise, and global academic contributions. Her work in self-healing composites and recyclable materials directly addresses contemporary challenges in sustainability and advanced materials science, aligning with the award’s objectives. By broadening the application of her research and increasing leadership roles in professional communities, she can further enhance her academic and professional impact.
Publications Top Notes
- Reprocessable carbon fiber vitrimer composites: Reclamation and reformatting of carbon fibers for second-generation composite materials
Authors: Sharma, H., Bender, M., Kim, G., Kumar, A., Rana, S.
Journal: Journal of Applied Polymer Science
Year: 2024
- Epoxy-Based Catalyst-Free Self-Healing Elastomers at Room Temperature Employing Aromatic Disulfide and Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Kim, G., Caglayan, C., Yun, G.J.
Journal: ACS Omega
Year: 2022
Citations: 13
- CNT-Reinforced Self-Healable Epoxy Dynamic Networks Based on Disulfide Bond Exchange
Authors: Caglayan, C., Kim, G., Yun, G.J.
Journal: ACS Omega
Year: 2022
Citations: 5
- Impact response of shear thickening fluid filled polyurethane foam core sandwich composites
Authors: Caglayan, C., Osken, I., Ataalp, A., Turkmen, H.S., Cebeci, H.
Journal: Composite Structures
Year: 2020
Citations: 51
- The effect of CNT-reinforced polyurethane foam cores to flexural properties of sandwich composites
Authors: Caglayan, C., Gurkan, I., Gungor, S., Cebeci, H.
Journal: Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Year: 2018
Citations: 53
- Flexural behaviours of nanophased rigid polyurethane foam core sandwich composites
Authors: Çağlayan, Ç., Demir, E., Gürkan, İ., Cebeci, H.
Conference: ICCM International Conferences on Composite Materials
Year: 2017
Citations: 1