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Alper Erturk is a Professor and the Carl Ring Family Chair at the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology. He started his academic career at Georgia Tech in 2011 as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2016, before achieving full Professor status in 2019. Dr. Erturk's research primarily focuses on mechanics of smart structures and dynamical systems. His work integrates theoretical and experimental approaches to understand and harness vibration phenomena across various applications, including energy harvesting from vibrations in mechanical systems, wireless power transfer, and biomechanical interactions. He has contributed significantly to the fields of acoustics, dynamics, and materials science, particularly in the areas of bio-inspired actuation, nonlinear dynamics, and piezoelectric materials. His laboratory, the Smart Structures Dynamical Systems Laboratory (SSDSL), is engaged in pioneering research to push the boundaries of low-power energy harvesting technologies for smart applications.
Virginia Tech • Blacksburg, VA
Conducted research in the field of Engineering Mechanics.
Georgia Institute of Technology • Atlanta, GA
Engaged in teaching and research in Mechanical Engineering.
Georgia Institute of Technology • Atlanta, GA
Promoted to tenure and engaged in advanced research topics and supervision of graduate students.
Georgia Institute of Technology • Atlanta, GA
Currently leading research in smart structures and dynamics as a full professor.
Department of Computer Science: GRE scores are optional for Fall 2026.