PCE News
Faculty Reflections: Dr. Ali Olcay
January 12, 2026
Dr. Ali Olcay is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Padnos College of Engineering. Dr Olcay joined the college in the Fall 2025 semester. We were able to sit down and touch base with him regarding his first semester at Grand Valley. The questions we asked are in bold, and his responses are italicized.
Tell us about your journey to be teaching here at Grand Valley State University, in other words, how did you come across Grand Valley, and decide it was the place for you?
While I was in Wisconsin last year searching for academic positions, I came across the posting from Grand Valley State University. GVSU caught my attention because it offered a similar scale to my previous institution and placed strong emphasis on high-quality teaching, faculty development, and meaningful industry connections. Those elements—combined with the university’s supportive culture—made it clear that GVSU was the right place for the next step in my career.
How did your first semester go? Good things, bad things?
My first semester has gone well. On the positive side, I’ve had the chance to meet incredible faculty and staff in the College of Engineering. There is so much to learn from them, and I already see many opportunities for collaboration in both teaching and research. It’s clear that GVSU provides a supportive environment where faculty can truly thrive.
As for challenges—there really weren’t any until the winter storm over Thanksgiving weekend. I’ve always liked Lake Michigan, but after experiencing lake-effect snow and how strongly the lake shapes our winter weather, I’ve become a bit more cautious!
What classes did you teach in your first semester?
In my first semester, I taught multiple sections of Engineering Graphics and supervised nearly 20 Co-op students in their final rotations. I also shadowed two additional courses and began preparing for next semester’s Heat Transfer and Computational Fluid Dynamics courses. It was a busy semester, but a very rewarding one. Teaching new material, observing different classes, and working closely with students helped me adapt quickly and calibrate myself to GVSU’s academic environment.
What has been the most enriching experience so far at Grand Valley? Has there been a specific moment that has stood out to you?
One of the most enriching experiences at Grand Valley has been teaching in smaller class sizes. This structure allows me to engage with students more deeply, understand their learning needs, and create a more interactive environment. A moment that stood out was realizing how quickly meaningful conversations can develop when the class is small enough for everyone’s voice to be heard. It has made teaching especially rewarding and helped me connect with students more effectively.
What do you think makes Grand Valley and the PCE special?
What makes Grand Valley—and the Padnos College of Engineering—truly special is the people. From my first day, I met colleagues and staff who approached their work with passion, generosity, and a genuine willingness to help. Across every unit in the college, faculty are open to collaboration and eager to share their expertise. The staff have been equally outstanding, always addressing my questions or directing me to the right resources quickly. This supportive culture makes the entire experience more efficient and enjoyable, allowing faculty to focus on their work and thrive.
Do you have a mentor, or is there one colleague who has helped you through this semester? How have they impacted your first semester?
Yes, I do have a mentor—Dr. Sözen—and he has been incredibly supportive throughout my first semester. He has consistently taken the time to answer my questions and help me navigate both the department and the broader university culture. His guidance on teaching, insights into expectations, and willingness to share his experience have been invaluable. Just as importantly, he helped me feel connected to the college from the very beginning. His support has made my transition to GVSU much smoother and has had a meaningful impact on my first semester.
What is your favorite field or sub-field in engineering to study?
My favorite field in engineering is thermal–fluid science with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. I enjoy looking at everyday systems through an engineering lens. For example, while calamari might simply be considered a delicious meal, I am fascinated by its mantle cavity and muscular system that enable remarkable underwater propulsion.
Similarly, a geothermal power plant is widely seen as an excellent source of renewable energy, but I am drawn to the challenge of improving its efficiency—especially during summer months when high ambient temperatures limit heat dissipation in the condenser.
Finally, in biomedical applications, I study the underlying fluid mechanics of how flow-diverter stents redirect blood, reduce inflow into the aneurysm, and create conditions that promote healing. I am especially interested in defining treatment effectiveness and in exploring how these devices can be optimized to achieve the highest possible success rates.
Across these examples, the common thread for me is uncovering the physics underlying complex systems and exploring how we can improve their performance.
If you could choose one thing to say to a prospective student, what would that be?
Embrace challenges—engineering is where persistence turns into success.
What do you look forward to most for next semester? Any areas you want to focus in on?
Next semester, I am most looking forward to teaching Heat Transfer, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and the Senior Engineering Project courses. I am also excited to begin building a research environment for both undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to my ongoing interests in thermal–fluid systems, I hope to continue developing my work on cardiovascular applications—especially by exploring treatment methods for cerebral vascular diseases and related conditions in greater depth. Overall, I see next semester as an opportunity to expand my teaching, strengthen research collaborations, and engage students in meaningful, hands-on inquiry.
What is your favorite part about Grand Rapids? How does it compare to other cities you’ve lived in?
My favorite thing about Grand Rapids is how easy it is to maintain a healthy balance between work and life. The city offers everything you need—arts, great food, outdoor activities—yet it remains calm, accessible, and simple to navigate. It makes daily life genuinely enjoyable. I’ve really come to appreciate Grand Rapids, although I’m still negotiating with Lake Michigan about the winter weather it sends our way!
What is your favorite way to unwind after a long day?
My favorite way to unwind after a long day is to enjoy a quiet evening at home—often by trying a new recipe or watching a show. If the weather permits, I also like to take a short walk. These simple routines help me recharge and clear my mind, so I’m ready for the next day.
Do you have any projects you’re working on? (work related or non-work related)
Yes, I am currently involved in several projects. On the work-related side, I continue to supervise my graduate students from my previous institution, meeting with them online on weekends to monitor their thesis progress. Outside of work, I have a personal project as well—I’ve been trying to improve my cooking skills, and experimenting in the kitchen has become an enjoyable hobby.
Are you prepared for the West Michigan winter? Do you like snow?
That is a great question. After experiencing the winter storm, I’m not sure anyone can ever be fully prepared for a West Michigan winter. Lake Michigan is amazing throughout the year—except during winter, when it seems to take full control of the weather. I do like snow, as long as it melts after a few days. However, the snow here seems a bit more stubborn, and I’m starting to think I’ll be seeing many different “versions” of snow this season!
What is your favorite holiday / time of year?
My favorite time of year is the Christmas season. It’s a chance to slow down, spend time with my family, and enjoy being together.