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Ilhan Dilber

Why did you choose Northwestern?
I chose Northwestern because of its reputation, the campus location and based on recommendations from family friends.

How would you describe your research and/or work to a non-academic audience? What was it then and/or what it is now?
My thesis was about developing a software to simulate the behavior of fast breeder nuclear reactors using some of the latest computer technology available at the time.

Tell us who or what inspired your research and/or work.
For me, the most exciting part of my research was the degree of challenge it posed to develop and program an algorithm that can predict a very complex phenomenon. The software development became my obsession for solving complex problems ever since.

What are you most proud of in your career to date?
My degree and experience I gained during my doctoral study gave me the confidence that I can solve any problem across a wide spectrum of industries using the advancements in software and computer technology. As a result, I did not hesitate to take risks in my career to make bold movements from engineering, to finance to healthcare, yet I was still using the same problem solving skills I developed early in my career. My adaptability is something I am most proud of.

Tell us about a current achievement or something you're working on that excites you.
I am currently helping my organization transform their software quality practice, modernizing their tools and adopting Agile and DevOps culture, a major shift for what was primarily a Waterfall organization.

What advice would you give your younger self or someone considering a similar path?
What worked for me was not what I did for my degree and how I can further that specific topic, but rather what I could do with the skills and experience I learned from it. Keep your horizon clear and explore your options and don't be afraid of pushing your boundaries and taking risks in your life.