Dr. Aksit completed his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1991 at Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey. He received both his MS and Ph.D. degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY, in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering in 1993 and 1998 respectively. During his graduate studies, Dr. Aksit started working in Advanced Seals Research Team at GE Corporate R&D Center in Niskayuna, NY. After serving as Research Engineer, Senior Staff and Project Manager, he became the Leader of the GE Advanced Seals Research Team. He led numerous sealing research projects with various applications at Gas Turbines, Steam Turbines, Industrial Generators, Aircraft Engines, Natural Gas Pipeline Compressors and Medical Systems. After nearly 10 years at GE Global Research, Dr. Aksit joined Gebze Institute of Technology in Turkey and became the Chairman of Energy Systems Engineering Department in November 2001. Dr. Aksit is currently serving as a faculty member at Sabanci University.