By Blake Jackson
Sibel Irmak, a research professor in Penn State’s Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, has been awarded the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) Award by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE).
This national recognition celebrates her dedication to mentoring underrepresented minority students and early-career scientists, along with her efforts in fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment. The award was presented during ASABE’s annual international conference in Toronto, Canada.
Irmak was honored for her innovative research contributions in the fields of biofuels and renewable polymers. Her work has notably advanced gas biofuel hydrogen production and the development of biobased polymers for agricultural use.
As a 10-year member of ASABE, she serves as chair of the Forest Engineering Committee and is also active in the Biomass Energy and Industrial Byproducts committees.
Additionally, Irmak is part of the ISO/TC Biogas technical advisory group and holds memberships in the American Chemical Society and International Association for Hydrogen Energy.
With a strong background in mentoring, Irmak has guided over 30 graduate students and numerous undergraduates, along with hosting six international visiting scholars. Her research combines chemistry with agricultural and biomass materials to create bio-based products that support both sustainability and economic growth.
At Penn State, Irmak balances a multifaceted role that includes teaching, mentorship, and research dedicating 75% of her time to research. Irmak teaches two courses: Processing and Manufacturing Systems for Bioproducts and Analysis of Bioproducts.
Irmak team is among the first to directly use biomass in aqueous-phase reforming to produce hydrogen, moving beyond traditional model compounds. In 2020, she was honored with the Nejat Veziroglu Special Award for her significant contributions to hydrogen energy.
Irmak also received the NZFUW/Daphne Purves Award from the International Federation of University Women for her commitment to mentoring, networking, and advancing women’s access to education and scientific careers.
Irmak actively participates in Penn State’s academic governance, serving on multiple committees, including faculty promotion, research advisory, graduate studies, and faculty awards committees within the College of Agricultural Sciences.
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