NEW FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: DR. NEBIL BUYURGAN
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
FROM| Isparta, Turkey
BS| Istanbul Technical University – Industrial Engineering
MS| Missouri University of Science and Technology – Engineering Management
PHD| Missouri University of Science and Technology – Engineering Management
ON WHAT HE’S BEEN UP TO RECENTLY:
1. Teaching
- Introduction to Engineering Design
- Principles of Project Management
- Project Management
2. Researching
- Logistics and supply chain management
- Scheduling and dispatching unmanned aerial vehicles in military surveillance
3. Spending time with his kids
- Taking them to after school activities
4. In his free time
- Learning the aspects of Hydroponics – growing garden plants in a mineral rich solution
ON HIS BACKGROUND:
Growing up, Dr. Buyurgan was always good in math and science, so engineering was “the right fit.” In Turkey, he went to a gifted high school that was geared toward a profession in math and science. After he received all of his degrees, he worked for 9 years at University of Arkansas in the Industrial Engineering program. Later Dr. Buyurgan moved to Connecticut, where he helped start a new Industrial Engineering program in the Engineering Department at Quinnipac University.
ON HIS THOUGHTS ON SPRINGFIELD AND MSU:
Dr. Buyurgan likes Springfield and truly enjoys having everything here. He and his family are still exploring the area, but are very pleased to say that this is truly “a bigger and better version of Fayetteville.” Dr. Buyurgan’s family loves the variety of food that is available here. He says, “We love sushi, but are still looking for our favorite place.”
Missouri State is “excellent” in his opinion and he really likes both that the campus is the “right size” and that the stadium is “so close” to all of the other buildings. He admits that “parking is a problem, but it’s a problem everywhere.” So far, he has encountered many returning students in his classes, which he finds unique. He is excited to help start and be an integral part of the new Mechanical Engineering Technology program. The significance is very important to him.
ON HIS TEACHING STYLE AND ADVICE TO GRADUATES:
Dr. Buyurgan strives to use hands-on, active learning practices in the classroom. “Students learn by doing,” he states. To be successful in his classes, he also suggests students to not only be prepared for class, but to “show up with an open mind.” Dr. Buyurgan recommends that asking questions during class time and attending office hours for extra help are both examples of highly effective students.
Some of the best advice Dr. Buyurgan has been given is that, “Education gives you unlimited opportunities.” He has also learned that one should strive to be flexible and be adaptable. For advice to soon to be graduates, he states. “Go out and see the world. Don’t just look for jobs in your area; get out of your comfort zone! Learn about other cultures, places, and ways of life – broaden your perspective.”