The Prof. İsmail B. Çelik Memorial Scholarship supports women from Türkiye who aspire to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies, internships, or research opportunities in the United States.
Open to individuals across a range of academic and professional fields, the scholarship provides critical financial support—evaluated on a case-by-case basis—to help overcome economic barriers and foster meaningful educational experiences. In doing so, it aims to empower the next generation of women leaders, scholars, and innovators, while advancing cross-cultural understanding and global engagement.
- Award Amount: Case-by-case basis
- Who Can Apply: Women residing in Türkiye persuing higher education on internship oppurtunies in the US
- Selection Criteria: Academic or artistic excellence, financial need
- How Funds Are Disbursed: Dependent on scholar activities.
April 1
May 31
June 15
July 15
August 1
Contact us at impact_scholarships@bridgetoturkiye.org for more information
Prof. Ismail B. Celik was a renowned expert in the field of fluid mechanics and a retired Professor Emeritus at West Virginia University and Adjunct Professor at Shepherd University. He was widely recognized for his expertise in computational fluid dynamics and numerical methods, and his contributions to the field of fluid mechanics were numerous and impactful. In 1994 and 1995, he received distinction as a Fulbright Scholar, and founded the Department of Aeronautical Engineering at Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey.
Prof. Ismail B. Celik was born in a village near the city Tokat, Turkey. After completing his primary education, he received a full scholarship from the American Peace Corps to study at the American Robert College of Istanbul. Upon graduating, he continued his studies at Robert College, now known as Bosphorus University, and earned a dual Bachelor of Science degree in both Civil Engineering and in Mathematics.
In 1976 Ismail received a Fulbright Scholarship to conduct research in Hydromechanics with the University of Iowa, where he received his Ph.D. in Mechanics and Hydraulics in 1980. Between 1980 and 1985, Dr. Celik worked as a Research Assistant Professor for the Institute of Hydromechanics at the University of Karlsruhe in Germany.
n 1994 and 1995, he received distinction as a Fulbright Scholar, and founded the Department of Aeronautical Engineering at Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey.
Throughout his career, Dr. Celik published over 400 scientific research papers in top-tier, national and international journals and presented his work at numerous international conferences. He was particularly interested in turbulence modeling, combustion modeling, and multiphase flows, and his work in these areas was instrumental in advancing our understanding of fluid mechanics.
In addition to his research, Dr. Celik was a beloved mentor to his students and a dedicated advisor to his daughter. He inspired countless students to pursue careers in engineering and sciences and was best known for his kindness, generosity, and infectious enthusiasm.
Outside of academia, Dr. Celik was also a devoted humanitarian who dedicated his life to establishing a legacy of intellect, wisdom, and love for others and for nature.
Since 2011 Dr. Celik and his wife devoted to provide need-based graduate scholarships while promoting Anatolian cultural values. He always said it was now his turn to help others in the same way that others had helped him to come this far. Through his work with the organization, Dr. Celik touched the lives of countless people and made a lasting impact on the world and will continue to do so.
Dr. Celik’s passing is a great loss to the scientific and intellectual community, his family, and the many people whose lives he touched through his humanitarian work. He will be deeply missed but his contributions to society at large will continue to inspire future generations.
