Student Spotlight: Funda Iseri

Funda Iseri earned the Jim & Cathay Holste Graduate Fellowship. Her research tackles the challenges of modern energy industry. Read further to learn more about her PhD experience and advice for graduate students.

1. What motivates you about your research?

My core motivation lies in tackling the challenges of the modern energy industry. Coming into the PhD with significant experience in the oil & gas sector, I’m driven by the opportunity to address the challenges of the energy sector by pushing the state of the art in terms of developing data-informed mathematical frameworks. Ultimately, my goal is to create solutions that not only clarify inherent complexity, but also drive meaningful, practical results for industry and measurable progress for the scientific community.

2. What is a highlight in your PhD experience and what did you take away from the

experience?

My PhD has been a fruitful, very personal journey. My work focuses on the design and operation of sustainable, resilient, and flexible energy systems and supply chains through mathematical modeling and optimization. Naturally, there have been ups and downs in my PhD. Before starting, I was very interested in conducting research, but I was also a little worried if I could adapt to being a student and a researcher after significant amount of time and a leadership role in industry. I am very grateful for my supervisor Prof. Pistikopoulos, committee members, and my spouse, Halil Iseri, who have always encouraged and motivated me for further achievements in new chapters of my life.

3. What advice do you have for current graduate students?

My advice to current graduate students is to choose questions you genuinely care about and let that interest carry you through the process. Also remember that research is a journey filled with challenges, rewards, and moments of doubt. For me, it taught a simple but powerful lesson: steady effort and persistence can turn ambitious ideas into results. Overall, it is a very fruitful experience, so enjoy the ride!