Assist Prof Dr. Kaan Koçali | Risk Management | Best Researcher Award

Istanbul Gelisim University, Turkey

Author Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Asst. Prof. Kaan Koçali began his academic journey with a strong foundation in engineering, completing his undergraduate degree in Mining Engineering at İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa between 2007 and 2011. His passion for applied sciences and industrial safety led him to pursue further studies in related fields. He earned a postgraduate degree in Mining Engineering at the same institution while also simultaneously expanding his expertise in Occupational Health and Safety at Istanbul Aydin University.

Driven by a commitment to continuous learning, Dr. Koçali pursued interdisciplinary postgraduate studies in Occupational Health and Safety and later earned a Ph.D. from Istanbul Aydin University, focusing on health and safety within the mining industry. His doctoral research dealt with a legal and systemic analysis of supervisory roles in mining operations, underscoring his dedication to enhancing workplace safety. Remarkably, he also undertook another undergraduate program in Entrepreneurship at Istanbul Kültür University, highlighting his multifaceted academic interest in combining business acumen with technical expertise.

🛠️ Professional Endeavors

Professionally, Asst. Prof. Koçali has established himself as a respected academic and practitioner in occupational health, safety engineering, and risk management. Since 2021, he has held a faculty position at Istanbul Gelişim Vocational School, where he continues to teach and mentor the next generation of safety professionals and engineers.

His professional development is bolstered by a rich array of certifications and trainings spanning over a decade. These include high-level credentials in ISO management systems (14001, 45001, 9001, and 22000), fire safety, workplace health risk management, project writing, and safety auditing. His association with international institutions such as NEBOSH and IOSH further enhances his global perspective and professional standing.

From his early roles in technical inspection and risk assessment to training in drone operation and demolition techniques, Koçali’s career is a blend of theoretical depth and field-level expertise. This unique combination positions him as both a scholar and a practitioner in the safety domain.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Asst. Prof. Koçali’s research spans several domains, primarily focusing on occupational health and safety, ergonomics, social security systems, and workforce efficiency. His academic investigations have addressed systemic gaps in legal compliance, safety culture, and risk assessment in high-risk industries such as mining.

In his 2021 doctoral dissertation, he designed a software-based tracking and control system to streamline legal obligations of mine safety supervisors in accordance with Turkish laws (3213 and 6331). His earlier postgraduate thesis evaluated the safety culture in mining using worker surveys—showcasing a data-driven approach to safety enhancement. Another research effort explored the impact of boron compounds on solar panel performance, demonstrating his ability to bridge environmental concerns with engineering innovations.

Through his academic output and structured training modules, he has contributed significantly to the development of professional standards in occupational safety, particularly in Turkey’s industrial landscape.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Koçali’s professional excellence is reflected in his extensive list of certifications, many of which are awarded by internationally recognized bodies. These accolades validate his authority in occupational health and safety, from entry-level training to elite auditor qualifications.

His roles as certified lead auditor, NEBOSH safety trainer, and ISO standards expert have not only earned him professional credibility but have also made him a sought-after educator and consultant in both academic and industrial circles.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Asst. Prof. Koçali’s work has had tangible influence in shaping both academic programs and safety protocols across multiple sectors. Through his teaching at Istanbul Gelişim University and his participation in professional associations like TMMOB, he has mentored numerous students and professionals in navigating occupational risks.

He has been instrumental in fostering a safety-first culture in Turkish workplaces by aligning engineering practices with international safety standards. His cross-disciplinary knowledge allows him to address challenges from both managerial and technical perspectives, making his impact deeply felt in policy, training, and operations.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Koçali aims to continue contributing to policy development, legal compliance systems, and safety education. His entrepreneurial education suggests a desire to integrate innovation and startup culture into occupational safety solutions.

With ongoing research, academic supervision, and curriculum development, his legacy will likely include creating a generation of safety-conscious engineers and managers. His work reflects a balance between technological advancement and human-centered design, ensuring sustainable and ethical progress in occupational environments.

As he continues to enrich his profile with global collaborations and evolving methodologies, Asst. Prof. Koçali stands as a dedicated leader in engineering safety and professional education.

Notable Publications

Occupational Health and Safety Social Policy Reviews

Author: Kaan Koçali
Publisher: Özgür Publishing
Year: 2025

Occupational Health Services in Workplaces

Author: Kaan Koçali
Book Title: Employee Health and Occupational Safety
Year: 2025

: An Ergonomic Perspective on the Analysis of Postural Behaviors of Factory Workers: A Human Factors-Based Evaluation

Author: Kaan Koçali
Conference: 1st International Conference on Pioneer and Academic Research
Year: 2025

Analysis of Work Accidents in Shipyards and Preventive Strategies: An Evaluation with AHP Method

Author: Kaan Koçali
Conference: 10th International Congress of Scientific Research and Innovation
Year: 2025

Assessment of Occupational Health and Safety Risks in Disaster Logistics Operations: An Integrated Approach Based on the Example of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes

Author: Kaan Koçali
Conference: 4th International Conference on Trends in Advanced Research
Year: 2025

Dr. Deniz Akdemir | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Researcher Award

NMDP, United States

Author Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Deniz Akdemir’s journey into the world of data science and statistical genomics began with a strong academic foundation that combined both business acumen and analytical prowess. He earned his B.A. in Business Administration from the prestigious Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, Turkey, in 1999. His growing interest in analytical modeling and decision-making led him to pursue a Master of Science in Statistics at METU, which he completed in 2003.

Building on this momentum, he continued his academic journey in the United States, obtaining both a Master of Arts in Applied Statistics (2004) and a Ph.D. in Statistics (2009) from Bowling Green State University. During his doctoral studies, Akdemir laid the groundwork for what would become a distinguished career in high-dimensional data analysis and computational biology. His academic training equipped him with a deep understanding of statistical theory while nurturing his talent for interdisciplinary research—a theme that would define much of his later work.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Akdemir’s professional trajectory is a blend of academia, industry, and applied research. Following the completion of his Ph.D., he held a Postdoctoral Research Associate position at University College Dublin from 2019 to 2021. During this time, he contributed to the advancement of statistical methodologies in genomic selection and experimental design.

He transitioned into the healthcare and clinical data landscape through his role at the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). Initially joining as a Clinical Data Scientist in 2021, Akdemir’s exceptional performance and scientific insight led to his promotion as Senior Clinical Data Scientist in 2023. At NMDP, he applies cutting-edge statistical and machine learning techniques to optimize bone marrow transplant outcomes and improve patient care—a prime example of research translating into life-saving real-world impact.

In parallel, he founded and operates StatGen Consulting, a firm that provides expert consulting services in statistical genomics and machine learning. Through StatGen, he bridges the gap between theoretical development and industry application, fostering innovation across academia, agriculture, and clinical healthcare.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Deniz Akdemir is widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to statistical genomics, machine learning, and computational biology. His research revolves around developing statistical methodologies that address complex biological questions, particularly in the domains of genomic prediction, multi-trait modeling, genotype-by-environment interactions, and optimization of breeding programs.

His innovative software tools, such as TrainSel (R) and trainselpy (Python), have been instrumental in enhancing the selection of optimal training populations, improving predictive accuracy in genomic selection models. These tools are used by researchers and practitioners worldwide to streamline data-driven breeding and selection strategies.

With over 3,400 citations, 86 publications, and a growing international reputation, Akdemir’s work is a cornerstone in the statistical modeling of genomic data. His ability to integrate Bayesian methods, high-dimensional statistics, deep learning, and causal inference into biological frameworks has led to significant advances in both plant breeding and human health research.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

While not one to seek the spotlight, Deniz Akdemir’s work has earned considerable recognition within the scientific community. His Google Scholar citation count of over 3,400 reflects the widespread adoption and influence of his methodologies. Collaborations with prominent researchers such as Jean-Luc Jannink, Mark Sorrells, Jose Crossa, and Jessica Rutkoski have resulted in high-impact publications that drive global conversations in genetics and data science.

He is also widely respected for his collaborative spirit and leadership in large-scale research projects, and his work is often cited in discussions of best practices in genomic prediction and breeding program optimization.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Akdemir’s influence extends across disciplines and continents. His statistical tools are not confined to academic research—they have practical applications in agriculture, biotechnology, and clinical medicine. His contributions help shape crop resilience strategies in the face of climate change, and inform personalized treatment strategies in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Beyond the numbers, Akdemir is a mentor, educator, and thought leader. His ability to translate complex statistical theories into practical insights enables teams to make better decisions based on data. He regularly contributes to open-source communities, champions reproducible research, and supports collaborative networks across universities and institutes worldwide.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Deniz Akdemir is poised to further his impact in areas where statistical innovation intersects with biological complexity. His vision for the future includes expanding the use of machine learning algorithms in healthcare, continuing to develop statistical tools that enhance breeding program efficiency, and deepening his work on genomic prediction frameworks that can transform personalized medicine.

As he continues to build bridges between disciplines and create tools that shape the future of data-driven research, Dr. Akdemir’s legacy will be that of a visionary who brought clarity, precision, and real-world impact to some of the most complex challenges in science and healthcare.

Genomic Selection and Association Mapping in Rice (Oryza sativa): Effect of Trait Genetic Architecture, Training Population Composition, Marker Number and More

Authors: J. Spindel, H. Begum, D. Akdemir, P. Virk, B. Collard, E. Redona, G. Atlin, J.-L. Jannink, S. McCouch
Journal: PLoS Genetics
Year: 2015

Integrating Environmental Covariates and Crop Modeling into the Genomic Selection Framework to Predict Genotype by Environment Interactions

Authors: N. Heslot, D. Akdemir, M.E. Sorrells, J.-L. Jannink
Journal: Theoretical and Applied Genetics
Year: 2014

Training Set Optimization under Population Structure in Genomic Selection

Authors: J. Isidro, J.-L. Jannink, D. Akdemir, J. Poland, N. Heslot, M.E. Sorrells
Journal: Theoretical and Applied Genetics
Year: 2015

Genome-Wide Prediction Models That Incorporate de novo GWAS Are a Powerful New Tool for Tropical Rice Improvement

Authors: J.E. Spindel, H. Begum, D. Akdemir, B. Collard, E. Redoña, J.-L. Jannink, S. McCouch
Journal: Heredity
Year: 2016

Squamous Cell and Adenosquamous Carcinomas of the Gallbladder: Clinicopathological Analysis of 34 Cases Identified in 606 Carcinomas

Authors: J.C. Roa, O. Tapia, A. Cakir, O. Basturk, N. Dursun, D. Akdemir, B. Saka, V. Bagci, I.O. Dursun, N. Adsay
Journal: Modern Pathology
Year: 2011