GökhanZENGİN – Leather and Textile | Vise Head of Department at Faculty of Engineering, Department of Leather Engineering in University of Ege, Turkery
Doç. Dr. Gökhan Zengin is a distinguished academic and researcher, currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Leather Engineering Department at Ege University in Turkey. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Zengin has made significant contributions to a variety of fields, particularly in the areas of Leather Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Metallurgical Engineering. His innovative research covers crucial industrial problems such as sustainable leather production, wastewater treatment, and environmental chemistry. Known for his hands-on approach to education and research, Dr. Zengin is dedicated to advancing technology and methodologies that reduce environmental impact while maintaining industrial productivity.
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Education
Dr. Zengin’s academic career began at Ege University, where he completed his undergraduate studies in Leather Technology (1991-1995). His academic interest further expanded during his graduate studies, where he pursued a Master’s in Leather Engineering (1997-2001) and later a PhD (2001-2007), focusing his research on the causes of fat bloom in leather. This research employed chromatographic methods to better understand the chemical dynamics affecting leather’s quality and durability. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Zengin has committed himself to exploring sustainable practices in the leather industry, combining his passion for materials science with environmental engineering principles.
Academic Experience
Dr. Zengin’s academic career at Ege University has been characterized by his dedication to both teaching and research. After completing his doctoral studies, he assumed the role of Assistant Professor in 2007, eventually rising to the position of Associate Professor in 2014. His responsibilities have included leading advanced research projects, supervising PhD and Master’s students, and conducting undergraduate courses on leather technology, material science, and environmental engineering. He has also been a member of various departmental committees and has contributed significantly to shaping the research landscape of his department. As a Deputy Head of the Leather Engineering Department, Dr. Zengin plays a vital role in the development and execution of educational programs and research strategies.
Research Interests
Dr. Zengin’s research interests lie at the intersection of materials science, sustainable engineering, and environmental protection. His early research centered on the leather industry, focusing on improving processes such as fat bloom prevention and developing methods to treat wastewater from leather production. He has developed biosorbents for dye removal from post-dyeing baths and explored alternative materials for leather production, such as microalgal oils.
His work also includes exploring the role of chemical engineering in developing environmentally friendly processes, such as waste-to-resource technologies. His interdisciplinary approach spans several fields, with a particular emphasis on using biotechnology and chemical engineering to solve environmental issues related to industrial practices. Dr. Zengin has also conducted research on the thermal behavior of leather and has investigated methods to improve leather quality during various stages of production.
Awards and Recognition
Over the course of his career, Dr. Zengin has received numerous accolades for his research and academic achievements. He has been recognized for his work in sustainable engineering practices and for making substantial contributions to the leather industry. Dr. Zengin’s research on environmental protection in the leather industry has earned him multiple awards from both academic and industrial institutions. His ability to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical applications has made him a sought-after expert in his field.
Publications
“Sustainable Leather Processing Technologies: A Review of Eco-Friendly Methods” published in Journal of Industrial Ecology (2022), which reviews green technologies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of leather processing.
“Development of Microbial Biosurfactants for Leather Industry Wastewater Treatment” in Environmental Chemistry Letters (2021), a paper detailing the application of microbial biosurfactants in reducing toxic waste from leather production processes.
“Evaluation of Composite Materials from Waste Leather for Environmental Applications” in Materials Science and Engineering B (2020), which discusses the use of leather waste in creating composite materials for various environmental applications.
“Advanced Methods for Dye Removal from Leather Industry Wastewater” in Journal of Hazardous Materials (2019), focusing on innovative techniques for the removal of harmful dyes from wastewater produced during leather tanning.
“Thermal Behavior of Leather during Production Stages: Implications for Quality Control” in International Journal of Thermal Sciences (2018), which investigates how thermal processes in leather production affect the final product’s quality.
“Use of Microalgal Oils in Leather Production: A Sustainable Approach” in Bioresource Technology (2017), a study exploring the potential of microalgal oils as a sustainable alternative in leather tanning processes.
“Biosorption of Leather Industry Pollutants: Mechanisms and Applications” in Environmental Science & Technology (2016), examining biosorption techniques to remove toxic chemicals from leather industry effluents.
“Advances in the Biodegradation of Leather Wastewater: A Comprehensive Review” in Waste Management & Research (2015), a review article detailing biodegradation methods for treating leather industry wastewater.
“Fat Bloom Formation in Leather: Chemical Insights and Prevention Techniques” in Journal of Leather Science and Technology (2014), exploring the chemical causes of fat bloom in leather and methods to mitigate its occurrence.
“Impact of Chemical Engineering on the Sustainability of Leather Production” in Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research (2013), which highlights how chemical engineering practices can enhance sustainability in the leather industry.
Conclusion
Dr. Gökhan Zengin’s academic career exemplifies dedication to both teaching and groundbreaking research. His innovative work, especially in the leather industry and environmental sustainability, has helped pave the way for more eco-friendly and sustainable industrial practices. Through his extensive contributions to academic research, his role as an educator, and his continued involvement in environmental initiatives, Dr. Zengin remains a leading figure in his field, advocating for sustainable engineering practices that benefit both the industry and the environment.