Şirin Karadeniz

Name

Prof. Dr. Şirin Karadeniz
Affiliation

Rector of Bahcesehir University
Presentation Title

Importance of Hydrogen Energy, Sustainability, and Educational Dimensions

Abstract Energy resources are crucial for improving the quality of life and sustaining economic development. However, they are generally considered to be unsustainable. Reducing dependence on limited energy sources such as fossil fuels which causes harmful emissions to the environment can only be achieved by using renewable and sustainable energy sources due to the increasing world population and energy demand. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, etc. are seen as alternatives to fossil fuels in terms of their environmental benefits and sustainability. However, the intermittent character of these sources brings the energy storage problem. Integrating renewable energy into existing infrastructure will not be the only solution without hydrogen. Hydrogen as a renewable, clean, reliable, and sustainable energy carrier has attracted great interest in supporting sustainable development worldwide, and it will be a promising solution for a carbon-free future.
All over the world, the experts, and the decision-makers of educational policies regarding the environment notice the devastating effects of the environmental crisis that jeopardizes human health and biodiversity conservation. The researchers in Education Sciences are closely related to human health and their prosperity both locally and on a global scale for the protection of the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to focus our attention and effort on optimizing the new educational designs at all levels to increase environmental awareness and train future HR of the sector with 21st Century skills.
Biographical
Sketch

Prof.Dr. Şirin Karadeniz is the President of Bahçeşehir University (BAU) since July 2019. She is also the vice-chairman of International Training Center for Authorities and Leaders, CIFAL Istanbul, an affiliated center of United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). In her prior roles, she has served as Dean of Faculty of Educational Sciences at BAU, chairman of Innovative Education & Research Center, and chairman of Center for Teaching & Learning. She has also served on the boards of Turkish Industry & Business Association, Association of the Future of Education and Foundation of Bahçeşehir Uğur Educational Institutions.
Prof. Karadeniz is an educational technologist. She has earned her bachelor’s degree in Computer System Education, master’s degree in Computer Education and Ph.D. in Educational Technology. Prof. Karadeniz has published books and articles and conducted classes and seminars on the integration of emerging technologies into education, learning designs for 21stcentury competencies and STEM education.
Prof. Karadeniz has led projects on developing computer science education frameworks and curricula for Bahçeşehir Uğur Education Institutions. She has also served as Academic Commission Member to develop Computer Science and Software curricula for primary, secondary, and high schools for the Ministry of National Education of Turkey in 2016-2017. She has served as the head of Research & Development of Harezmi Educational Model of Istanbul Directorate of National Education since 2016. She headed the coding and robotics training project for disadvantage children planned with the cooperation of Bahçeşehir College & Garanti Bank. In light of her efforts and dedication to developing the quality of and increasing inclusion in education, she was awarded as the Woman Educator of the year in Women’s Leaders of Technology prize organized by Microsoft and The Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkey in 2016, and BAU Social Benefit Award in 2018.
Prof. Karadeniz has served as a consultant, researcher, and leader of national and international projects for Scientific Research Council of Turkey, Ministry of National Education, UNICEF, World Bank and European Union. She is also a board member of the Turkish Basketball Federation.