Bio
Dr. Tugba Turnaoglu is an R&D Associate in the Thermal Energy Storage Group within the Buildings and Transportation Division at 91°µÍø. Dr. Turnaoglu leads cutting-edge research on advanced materials and their deployment in sustainable building technologies. Her work focuses on thermal energy storage systems, including phase change materials and thermochemical solutions, as well as low-global warming potential refrigerants and air dehumidification technologies. Her innovations support energy efficiency and sustainability in residential and commercial buildings.
With a decade of multidisciplinary research experience, Dr. Turnaoglu has contributed to areas ranging from ionic liquids and gas phase equilibria to heat recovery systems and direct air capture technologies. She is widely recognized for her expertise in experimental design, thermodynamic modeling, and material characterization, with numerous high-impact publications and patents to her name. Her leadership has secured significant research funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and other agencies, advancing key initiatives in energy efficiency.
Dr. Turnaoglu is an active member of professional societies, including the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). She has also served in leadership roles such as Director of AIChE’s Transport and Energy Processes Division and editorial positions for prestigious journals. Her accolades include the R&D 100 Award and multiple honors for her contributions to scientific innovation and mentorship.
Dr. Turnaoglu earned her PhD in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering from the University of Kansas, where her research received multiple awards for excellence. She also holds an MS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and a BS from Ankara University. Committed to fostering the next generation of scientists, she actively mentors students and early-career researchers, promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.