From repairing construction machinery in Turkey to earning a PhD in Robotics from Oxford University, Professor Gursel Alici’s career is a testament to the power of intellectual curiosity. Today, as the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences at the University of Wollongong, he leads one of Australia’s most forward-thinking, industry-aligned engineering schools.
A global authority in robotics and mechatronics, Prof. Gursel Alici has authored over 400 scientific publications and held visiting roles at prestigious institutions like EPFL, UBC, and the University of Science and Technology of China. Beyond his research excellence, he is a champion of a transformative academic mindset. He argues that true engineering mastery lies not in rote memorization, but in the ability to adapt, solve complex problems, and innovate for the real world.
In this exclusive interview with Online Result, Prof. Alici reflects on his journey into mechanical engineering, the unique advantages of Australian education, and why adaptability is the ultimate skill in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Key takeaways from our conversation
- Education is a lifelong process, and knowledge has a “shelf life,” so the key to success is staying adaptable.
- Mechanical engineering is about giving life to objects, solutions, systems, and devices so they can serve their purpose and improve human life and prosperity.
- International students may struggle with language constraints and low confidence at first, but progress comes fast with persistence.
- Australian universities, such as the University of Wollongong, stand out for their inclusivity, tolerance, and strong industry collaboration.
- “University gives you tools, not magic skills,” so resilience, optimism, and adaptability matter most for future engineers.
- “AI is a tool, not a teacher. The mechanics of learning haven’t changed.”
Online Result: How did mechanical engineering first spark your interest, and what shaped your career path?
Prof. Alici: My initial goal was medical school. However, when I sat for the national entrance exam in my home country of Turkey, my results steered me toward my secondary interest: Mechanical Engineering.
At the time, I was working in my uncle’s construction business, where I gained hands-on experience maintaining machinery and equipment. Transitioning into mechanical engineering felt like a logical and natural progression.
As the first in my family to pursue a university degree, I recognized the global value of English-language education. I purposefully selected a Turkish university that conducted its engineering program in English, a decision that opened several doors.
"Accepting a PhD position at Oxford University changed everything. I discovered the excitement of independent research and the true spirit of academic freedom."
Following my undergraduate studies, I served as a research and teaching assistant at my local university. A mentor encouraged me to apply for an overseas scholarship, which led to my PhD at Oxford. That experience was transformative—it provided the independence to pursue research and ignited a passion for teaching that has defined my career.
What mechanical engineering is really about
Online Result: How do you define mechanical engineering for aspiring students?
Prof. Alici: I always tell high school students: look around you. Everything—from skyscrapers to everyday gadgets—required design, manufacturing, and technical decision-making. Mechanical engineering is essentially about bringing inanimate objects to life, giving them a purpose and function. It’s a field where purpose, precision, and creativity meet to improve the human experience.
"Mechanical engineering is the craft of breathing life into systems and materials to ensure they serve a meaningful purpose in our world."
How studying engineering differs around the world
Online Result: Having studied and taught in multiple countries, do you find engineering education to be universally standardized?
Prof. Alici: The core fundamentals remain consistent globally. I utilized the same foundational textbooks in Turkey as those used in prestigious US and European institutions. The quality of mentorship, however, is what truly differentiates a student's experience.
Resource availability is another significant factor. Education in developing nations often emphasizes theoretical understanding due to infrastructure limitations, whereas developed regions prioritize extensive lab exposure and practical application.
When I arrived at Oxford, my academic knowledge was fully competitive with my peers. In many aspects, my previous training had taught me how to learn effectively, which was a vital advantage.
Lifelong learning: why knowledge has a shelf life
Online Result: What key advice would you give to first-year university students?
Prof. Alici: Knowledge has a shelf life—it expires, much like perishable goods. You cannot rely solely on lessons from a decade ago. Continuous learning and upskilling are non-negotiable for success in the modern era.
Education is a lifelong marathon. Developing the habit of constant updating not only builds professional competence but also fuels personal confidence.
"Knowledge is like fresh produce; it eventually expires. To stay relevant, you must cultivate a mindset of perpetual learning."
Overcoming language barriers and building confidence
Online Result: Many international students face early challenges. In your experience, what is the most difficult hurdle?
Prof. Alici: Language is the most common barrier. I personally experienced this—my academic background was in English, but my conversational skills were initially limited to basic greetings. It was an intimidating start.
While some classmates arrived with better fluency, I committed myself to bridging the gap. Within a few months, I had caught up, eventually graduating with honors. The secret is to acknowledge your current limitations without doubting your long-term potential.
It is natural to feel overwhelmed. My message to students is to embrace a beginner’s mindset; progress is often faster than you anticipate. I have mentored numerous students from all over the world who, despite early language challenges, went on to achieve brilliant success through sheer perseverance.
"Maintain a beginner's mindset, and your growth will surprise you."
Online Result: Does returning to your native country pose challenges after training in English?
Prof. Alici: It certainly can. Upon returning to Turkey, I initially encountered criticism for prioritizing English technical terminology over native phrasing when communicating with students.
To resolve this, I proactively studied local textbooks to bridge the communication gap. When I later authored my own robotics textbook, I ensured it included comprehensive English-Turkish glossaries to aid others in navigating these nuances.
Ultimately, being multilingual in an engineering context is a powerful competitive advantage that provides professional depth.
"Mastering technical engineering in two languages is a significant asset, not a barrier."
How Australia stands out for engineering students
Online Result: Having taught internationally, what stands out about Australia?
Prof. Alici: The Australian academic culture is exceptionally tolerant and patient. In many international systems, there is high pressure to appear all-knowing; in Australia, there is a greater willingness to embrace mistakes as essential steps in the learning process.
There is a pervasive culture of inclusivity and fairness here. While my sabbatical in Switzerland offered world-class infrastructure, Australia’s strength lies in its vibrant, diverse, and welcoming environment—a product of its history as a nation built by migrants.
Online Result: What distinguishes the University of Wollongong's engineering programs?
Prof. Alici: My expertise is in mechatronics, the intersection of mechanical and electrical systems. As the Executive Dean, I oversee 11 diverse programs. Though we operate outside the Group of Eight (Go8), our engineering standing is world-class, consistently ranking in the global top 100 and reflecting our membership in elite engineering dean alliances.
Our primary differentiator is our deep industry partnership model. We design our curriculum to match the specific needs of employers. This is reflected in our exceptional graduate employment rates, which in some disciplines reach 100%. National teaching and learning surveys consistently place us in the top tier for student experience.
Furthermore, we continue to prioritize heavy investment in labs and workshops. While many institutions have pivoted away from hands-on learning, we maintain it as a fundamental pillar of our pedagogy.
"We align our curriculum with industry demands, achieving employment rates as high as 100% in certain disciplines."
Online Result: What kinds of careers do your graduates go into after finishing their degrees?
Prof. Alici: Our graduates are highly sought after across mining, energy, aerospace, infrastructure, and automation. Mechanical and mechatronic engineering remain high-demand fields across every sector.
Many of our students secure part-time roles in local industries—such as regional steel plants—while they study. This synergy allows them to earn while gaining invaluable real-world experience, often transitioning into full-time employment immediately upon graduation.
We also encourage students to integrate work-based projects into their coursework for academic credit. Designing or maintaining industrial systems and reporting on these real-world tasks builds confidence and accelerates professional development.
AI is a tool, not a teacher
Online Result: As technology accelerates, what is the future trajectory of engineering?
Prof. Alici: Artificial intelligence is undoubtedly transforming our world, but I caution students: do not rely on AI as a substitute for deep learning. You must master the foundational concepts to understand how to guide and leverage these technologies effectively.
AI is merely a tool, no different from a wrench or a software suite; it cannot replace critical thought. True technical proficiency requires deep understanding—relying blindly on AI is a risky endeavor.
The cycle of knowledge obsolescence is shortening. Today's cutting-edge skills may be outdated in a few years, making the ability to learn and adapt the most valuable skill a graduate can possess.
"AI is a tool, not a mentor. The principles of learning remain unchanged, and fundamental knowledge is the bedrock of innovation."
Online Result: Finally, what is your advice for those embarking on their university journey?
Prof. Alici: Do not treat university as a magic solution. It provides the framework, tools, and processes for development, but you are the architect of your own growth.
The world moves rapidly, and professional requirements shift constantly. Approach your education with a resilient, optimistic, and proactive mindset. Adaptability is the key to longevity.
Never lose sight of your starting point. Be prepared to take calculated risks, embrace your mistakes, and maintain the perspective that every challenge is temporary—every evening eventually gives way to a new morning.
"Stay resilient and adaptable; remember that every challenge is only a precursor to a new beginning."
