Professional Biography

I am Mirkan Emir Sancak, a graduate researcher and environmental engineer at Gebze Technical University (GTU). My primary role involves contributing scientifically TUBITAK 1001 projects, where I apply advanced computational methods to solve complex environmental challenges.

My work is centered at the intersection of environmental science and artificial intelligence. Beyond my academic research, I was the founder and former lead of tech for NutzenTech Inc., a startup that developed AI-based UAV systems for air quality monitoring. A key achievement in my entrepreneurial career was securing a $100,000 grant for NutzenTech Inc. to advance our technology. I have also gained international experience as an AI & machine learning researcher at HUXAI Tech (London, UK) and Sentics GmbH (Wolfsburg, Germany).

I am an author on several publications, most notably the 2025 preprint, "A Novel Method to Determine Total Oxidant Concentration Produced by Non-Thermal Plasma Based on Image Processing and Machine Learning" (arXiv). 

Academic Background and Journey

My academic journey began with a foundational education in Environmental Engineering at GTU. I quickly became fascinated by the potential to apply data science and artificial intelligence to model and solve environmental problems, which are often highly complex and dynamic.

This passion led me to found NutzenTech Inc. from 2019 to 2022. As the technology lead, I guided the development of autonomous, AI-powered drones designed to measure air pollutants with greater precision than traditional stationary methods . This entrepreneurial experience solidified my skills in project management, system design, and practical AI implementation.

My current research pursuits as a Project Assistant at GTU are focused on several key areas:

• Ammonia, Energy, & Water Recovery: I am part of a TUBITAK 1001 project (2024-2027) developing a hybrid MVR-AnEMBR system . My role involves process optimization and developing machine learning models to treat landfill leachate, with the goal of recovering ammonia, producing renewable energy, and reclaiming water .

• Non-Thermal Plasma Processes: From 2022 to 2024, I worked on another TUBITAK 1001 project investigating plasma-assisted nitrogen fixation . This research explores a sustainable, low-energy alternative to the Haber-Bosch process for producing fertilizer .

• AI & Computer Vision in Environmental Science: I apply my technical skills in Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow, and OpenCV to build predictive models and computer vision systems for real-time environmental monitoring . This includes projects like identifying total oxidant concentrations from plasma using image processing .

• Microalgae Biotechnology: I also explore the synergies between my research areas, such as using plasma-derived fertilizers to cultivate microalgae for agroecology and carbon sequestration .

This interdisciplinary background allows me to bridge the gap between fundamental environmental engineering principles and the cutting edge of machine learning, driving innovation in sustainability and resource recovery.