Gozde Ustuner

Polytechnic Alumni Association - International Board of Directors

Gozde is the acting chair and an assistant professor in the Automotive Technology Department at Farmingdale State College. She is also a researcher at Brookhaven National Laboratory, where she works with the Surface Electrochemistry and Electrocatalyst Group and focuses on optimizing Fuel Cell Technology. Her research is aimed at developing a new electrocatalyst for hydrogen fuel cells that is suitable for application to fuel-cell powered passenger and commercial vehicles, while generating clean electricity. 

Gozde earned her B.S degree in Mechanical Engineering from New York University (2014), where she graduated with high honors, and she continued her studies at Stony Brook University, where she earned an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Material Science and Chemical Engineering.

Prior to her academic experience, Gozde worked as a design engineer in industry, and she has done various research projects funded by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and National Science Foundation (NSF). She has taught at several other universities while actively participating in many committees and organizations. Currently, she is the Vice President LI for SWE New York Professional Section, the external outreach coordinator of ECRG at Brookhaven National Laboratory, and board member of LI Section Leadership Team for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). She is the youngest person to give a TedX talk in her area, and she is the recipient of a Madelyn Orsini Award from Women Economic Developers of Long Island for community service, Clean Energy Technology Transfer Fellowship, UUP Women Scholarship Award, Founders Day Award, and many others. Besides her academic endeavors, she volunteers at many outreach events — conferences, seminars, panels and school science fairs.

Gozde is deeply dedicated to her profession and passionate about fostering students' curiosity in science and engineering. She serves as an advocate for women in the field, ceaselessly striving to effect positive change, inspire future generations, and empower them to shape a brighter future. With her new role as a member of the PAA International Board of Directors, Gozde is looking forward to engaging with alumni and students, hoping to give back to the NYU community by offering her insights on building an academic and research career and cultivating a culture of support and mentorship.