Omer Faruk Ozcan – Tennessee Technological University, Mechanical Engineering
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT
- Tennessee District: $500
- PMA Educational Foundation: $500
- Total: $1,000
Omer Faruk Ozcan, a scholarship recipient from the Tennessee District, has built his academic and professional journey around a strong and enduring interest in manufacturing, machining and metal forming processes, particularly within the automotive industry. During his undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering, he developed a solid foundation in manufacturing principles while gaining valuable hands-on experience with ultrasonic welding and machining technologies. These early experiences sparked a deeper interest in metal forming and joining processes and motivated him to pursue advanced education and specialized research in manufacturing.
Omer continued his academic development by earning a master’s degree in mechanical engineering with a specialization in Materials and Manufacturing. His thesis focused on the weldability of ultra-high-hardness armor steels, where he investigated the effects of joining parameters on microstructure, formability and structural integrity. Through this research, he gained extensive knowledge of sheet metal behavior, welding-induced deformation and process optimization. The skills and insights developed through this work are highly applicable to manufacturing sectors that rely heavily on metal forming technologies, including automotive body production.
Professionally, Omer expanded his expertise as a Body-in-White (BIW) Design Engineer at TOFAŞ-Stellantis. In this role, he worked extensively with automotive body structures produced through stamping, forming and joining operations. His responsibilities included designing sheet metal components while accounting for manufacturability requirements, supporting vehicle launch activities and coordinating closely with production teams to ensure efficient and cost-effective assembly processes. This experience provided direct exposure to large-scale metal forming operations, tooling considerations and design decisions that impact high-volume manufacturing environments.
Omer later continued his professional growth as a Hull Design Engineer at Anzatsan, where he contributed to the development of armored vehicle structures. This position further strengthened his expertise in forming-driven geometry, structural design and load-bearing metal components. Through these experiences, he developed a comprehensive understanding of how engineering design and manufacturing processes must work together to produce reliable, high-quality products.
Currently, Omer is pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Tennessee Tech University with a research focus on manufacturing processes and additive manufacturing technologies. In addition to his research responsibilities, he serves as a Teaching Assistant, supporting laboratory-based engineering courses and mentoring students in hands-on manufacturing environments. His commitment to both education and applied engineering reflects his desire to help advance the next generation of manufacturing professionals.
Omer’s combination of industry experience, advanced academic achievement and dedication to manufacturing research distinguishes him as a future leader in the field. His work in automotive manufacturing, metal forming, welding and additive manufacturing demonstrates both technical expertise and a commitment to innovation. As he continues his doctoral studies, he remains focused on developing solutions that improve manufacturing processes and contribute to the advancement of modern industry.
The Precision Metalforming Association Educational Foundation (PMAEF) proudly congratulates Omer Faruk on being selected as a scholarship recipient. His extensive manufacturing experience, advanced research accomplishments and commitment to innovation make him highly deserving of this recognition. PMAEF wishes Omer continued success in his academic pursuits and future contributions to the manufacturing industry.