Dr. Tanju Karanfil received a scientific achievement award from the Turkish government for his international contributions and accomplishments in environmental engineering, specifically water quality and treatment. Karanfil serves as Clemson University’s Vice President for Research and he is an EEES faculty member. The award was presented by the President of Turkey, Tayyip Erdogan, at a ceremony held in the Beştepe Presidential Complex in Ankara on December 26, 2018. Given annually by the Turkish Research Scientific Council (TUBITAK) – the National Science Foundation equivalent in Turkey – these are the most prestigious scientific achievement awards given by the Turkish government. Since 2007, 14 Turkish scientists working abroad have been recognized for their sustained accomplishments in life sciences, physical sciences or engineering. “It is a great honor to be recognized by my native country and to witness a high value being placed on science in Turkey,” Karanfil said.
Karanfil earned his B.S. degree in Environmental Engineering from Istanbul Technical University and then came to the United States in 1989 to pursue graduate studies at the University of Michigan. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Environmental Engineering and then joined Clemson University in 1996 as an Assistant Professor in EEES. He progressed to become chair of the Department and subsequently served as the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences. Dr. Karanfil was appointed to the University’s Vice President for Research in 2016. Under his leadership, Clemson has experienced unprecedented growth in research activity, culminating in the University’s recognition as a sustained Carnegie R1 institution. In addition to his administrative duties, Dr. Karanfil maintains an active research portfolio that focuses on water quality and improvements to water, wastewater and hazardous waste treatment systems.
The prestigious research award from TUBITAK is one of several research-related awards received by Dr. Karanfil. In 2001, he received a National Science Foundation Early CAREER Award. Dr. Karanfil has authored more than 120 peer-reviewed journal articles and mentored more than 100 graduate students and post-doctoral research associates at Clemson. He also serves as a consultant to water and wastewater utilities and consulting companies. Dr. Karanfil is a fellow of the International Water Association, an honor bestowed on only a small percentage of the Association’s worldwide membership.
You may view Dr. Karanfil receiving the award at the ceremony here.
