Phd Student at Yıldız Technical University/Mir R&D, Turkey
Gizem Sidim is a dedicated and dynamic senior chemical engineer with extensive experience in research and development within the fields of polymer science and additive manufacturing. Known for her innovative mindset and hands-on expertise, she has significantly contributed to the advancement of fiber-reinforced composites and nanomaterials, particularly in the context of 3D printing technologies. Currently serving as the Team Leader of the Materials Research Unit at Mir R&D Inc., Istanbul, she brings a results-oriented approach to every project, combining deep scientific knowledge with strong leadership capabilities. Her journey in engineering is marked by a commitment to continuous learning, cross-border collaboration, and scientific publication. With an international perspective gained from research visits and academic exchanges, she is well-positioned as a leading figure in next-generation material engineering.
Profile
ORCID
Education
Gizem Sidim’s academic foundation is rooted in her long-standing affiliation with Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul, where she completed all three degrees in Chemical Engineering. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in 2016 with a thesis focused on the removal of pollutants using natural materials. Continuing her academic progression, she completed her M.Sc. in 2018 with research on Graphene-like BN/Biopolymer Nanocomposites for gas barrier applications. Her doctoral studies, ongoing since 2019, concentrate on the development of improved roving and filaments for additive manufacturing, underscoring her alignment with industrial innovation and sustainable material design. Her international academic exposure also includes a term at Technische Universität Chemnitz, Germany, as part of the Erasmus Exchange Program.
Experience
Gizem Sidim has accumulated a wealth of experience over the years, most notably at Mir R&D Inc., where she advanced from a 2244 Scholar to R&D Engineer and eventually to Team Leader of the Materials Research Unit. Her responsibilities included managing high-profile R&D projects, overseeing laboratory operations, and driving innovation in filament and composite development for both aerospace and automotive industries. She has worked as a project manager on COMFIL3D‑EX and TOWPREG II, and contributed to several funded initiatives including TEYDEB 1501 and KOSGEB R&D projects. Additionally, she has gained valuable international experience as a Visiting Researcher at the Institut Européen des Membranes in Montpellier, France. Her internship background in production and laboratory operations further enhances her practical grasp of industrial systems.
Research Interest
Gizem’s research interests are primarily focused on advanced polymer materials, additive manufacturing, fiber-reinforced composites, and nanostructured materials. She is particularly enthusiastic about exploring the potential of continuous fiber filaments and nanocomposites for applications in aerospace, automotive, and 3D printing industries. Her doctoral and post-graduate research integrates sustainability with high-performance material design, aiming to improve gas barrier properties and mechanical strength in composite systems. Moreover, she consistently applies her knowledge in characterization techniques such as TGA, DMA, FTIR, and SEM, strengthening the analytical backbone of her experimental studies.
Awards
Although specific awards were not directly mentioned in the CV, Gizem Sidim’s repeated appointments to research leadership roles and involvement in elite Turkish and EU-based research programs indicate consistent recognition of her capabilities. Her selection for the prestigious 2244 Industrial PhD Scholarship by TÜBİTAK, as well as her contribution to high-stakes R&D projects funded by governmental bodies like TEYDEB and KOSGEB, are de facto awards reflective of her exceptional competence in chemical engineering research.
Publications
Gizem Sidim’s academic output reflects her engagement with cutting-edge topics in material science. Among her notable works is the co-authored paper, “Manufacturing and characterization of continuous carbon fiber reinforced polyphenylene sulfide filaments via melt impregnation method,” published in Polymer Composites in August 2024, cited for its relevance in composite filament research. She also presented her research on continuous glass fiber filaments at the 2nd International Congress of Engineering and Natural Sciences in December 2023. Furthermore, her earlier contributions to the TÜBİTAK 215M355 project, focusing on BN/Biopolymer nanocomposites (2017–2018), further emphasize her research depth and impact in developing sustainable material alternatives.
Conclusion
Considering her strong academic record, industry-oriented research, valuable publications, and technical leadership, Gizem Şıdım is a highly deserving candidate for the FRP Academic Excellence Award. Her work demonstrates innovation, scientific rigor, and real-world application—hallmarks of academic excellence in the field of fiber-reinforced polymer composites.