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Serkan Varol, Â鶹ӳ»­Ó°Òô Ph.D. industrial engineering alumni, was a finalist for the Tech Educator of the Year 2024 at TechX Awards. The celebrate remarkable achievements and innovations driving the future of technology.

Originally from Turkey, Varol moved to the United States to continue his higher education, where he joined Â鶹ӳ»­Ó°Òô in August of 2012. He completed his Doctor of Engineering in Industrial Engineering in the summer of 2016.

Varol enjoyed his time at Â鶹ӳ»­Ó°Òô, and states that his time was emboldened by his exceptional professors.

“I was fortunate to have had exceptional professors who contributed to my development as the individual I am today,” Varol said. “Dr. Alberto Marquez played a significant role in my academic experience as an exceptional mentor. He constantly inspired me to go beyond expectations in every aspect of my academic life.”

Just before he graduated, Dr. Varol worked at Ford Motor Company. After two years at Ford, he began his academic teaching journey at Southeast Missouri State (SEMO) University as an assistant professor of industrial engineering. In 2020, Dr. Varol became an assistant professor in the Engineering Management and Technology Department at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he is currently employed and serves as the graduate coordinator.

“Serkan originally wanted to work with the local industry.” Dr. Alberto Marquez, associate professor of industrial engineering, said. “However, I am not surprised that he received this job as a professor and continued to live in this beautiful country.”

The Tech Educator of the Year Award recognizes an educator who inspires students, develops innovated tech curricula, and makes a lasting contribution to Chattanooga’s tech talent pipeline. Though Dr. Varol did not win the award this year, he is still appreciative of being a finalist.

“Being a finalist for the TechX award feels incredibly rewarding. It's such an honor to be recognized for something I’m so passionate about,” Dr. Varol said. “This nomination motivates me even more to continue innovating, teaching, and helping others through technology. Whatever the result, it's already an accomplishment to be recognized with such outstanding people, and I'm grateful of this wonderful chance.”

His teaching career continues to have an impact on his students, and the next generation of young professionals.

“As time goes by, I believe the role of engineers will evolve significantly. New job opportunities will emerge, focusing on roles like AI integrators, who specialize in embedding AI solutions across industries.” Dr. Varol said. “Looking ahead, I want to motivate and provide the next generation of professionals and students with the cutting-edge tools they need to succeed in this rapidly changing tech industry.”

To learn more about the Doctor of Engineering program at Â鶹ӳ»­Ó°Òô, visit /engineering/degrees-and-programs/doctor-of-engineering.html.