1. First of all, could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your educational background?
Hello, I’m Mustafa Dallı. I completed my undergraduate studies in Architecture at Kocaeli University in 2019. Pursuing an academic career was always something I aspired to do. Therefore, in 2020, I began my master’s studies in the same field at Gazi University. During this period, I started focusing on disaster-resilient structures. In 2023, I started my PhD in the same department at the same university, and I am currently continuing my studies.
2. How did your academic journey begin? What led you to pursue this path?
As I mentioned, being part of academia was always in the back of my mind. My journey truly began during my undergraduate studies, when I developed a desire to seek answers not only through technical solutions but also by exploring theoretical backgrounds. During the graduation project phase, I became increasingly interested in high-rise buildings, performance analysis, and structural system selection. To deepen this interest systematically, I pursued a master’s degree, where I strengthened my skills in academic writing, research methodology, and project development. With the start of my PhD, I aimed to contribute directly to knowledge production in this field. For me, academia has become more than just a professional practice; it is a form of intellectual and social responsibility.
3. Congratulations on completing your qualification exam! How was the experience for you, and what did you feel?
Thank you very much. I can say the doctoral qualification process was a turning point for me. It was a period that tested not only my academic knowledge but also my research methods and strategic thinking abilities. It involved intense literature reviews, interdisciplinary concept connections, and developing a thesis proposal — all of which were mentally demanding but helped me grow significantly both personally and academically. Passing the exam was more than just overcoming a milestone; it marked a shift toward higher research responsibility and a stronger motivation to contribute meaningfully to the field.
4. You work on disaster-resilient structures and high-rise buildings. Is there a particular reason why you are interested in these areas?
Definitely. Living in a seismically active region like Turkey makes it imperative to prioritize safety alongside aesthetics and function in architectural design. Major disasters like the 1999 Marmara earthquake profoundly shaped my interest in structural systems from both humanistic and technical perspectives. My curiosity evolved into a deep desire to understand how disaster resilience can be achieved in complex systems like high-rise buildings. Moreover, high-rise structures represent a multilayered field that involves not only engineering but also architecture, urban planning, sustainability, and interior comfort. This interdisciplinary nature continuously fuels my academic interest.
5. Lastly, could you share your advice for current students and prospective candidates in the field?
First of all, I would like to emphasize that an academic career is a long and demanding journey. It is essential to remain patient, disciplined, and open to continuous learning. Students should aim not only to consume knowledge but also to produce it. Fields like disaster-resilient structures and high-rise systems require not only technical expertise but also ethical awareness, social sensitivity, and a sense of responsibility. Therefore, I recommend that students develop themselves not only in terms of technical skills but also with a cultural, environmental, and human-centered perspective. Academia is not just a career path — it is a platform for making a difference. Never lose your sense of curiosity, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or try new things.
We would like to thank Res. Asst. Mustafa Dalı and continue his academic success.
