From fixing construction machines in Turkey to earning a PhD in Robotics at Oxford University, Professor Gursel Alici’s journey shows how curiosity and determination can shape a life. Today, he’s the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences at the University of Wollongong, leading one of Australia’s most hands-on and industry-connected engineering faculties.
A world expert in robotics and mechatronics, Prof. Gursel Alici has written over 400 scientific papers and made some long-term academic visits to top universities, including EPFL, UBC, City University of Hong Kong, and the University of Science and Technology of China. But what inspires students most about him isn’t just his research and teaching and learning practices; it’s his mindset. He believes real education isn’t about memorising formulas or passing exams, but about learning how to learn, adapting to change, and using your skills to make a difference.
In this interview with Studyportals, Prof. Alici shares how he found his path in engineering, what makes studying in Australia so special, and why learning never really stops.
Key insights from the interview
- 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.”
Studyportals: How did mechanical engineering first enter your life, and what made you choose it as a career?
Prof. Alici: Initially, I wanted to become a medical doctor. When I took the national entrance exam in Turkey, where I was born, I didn’t do well enough for Medicine. I put Mechanical Engineering as my second choice.
I was working for my uncle back then; he was in the construction business, so I helped him maintain machines and fix equipment. This is why switching to mechanical engineering felt a natural choice.
I was the first in my family to go to university. I knew I wanted to study in English because of the opportunities it would bring, so I chose a Turkish university that taught in English, and it went well.
“I got accepted to Oxford University for a PhD, and that changed everything. I discovered the magic of teaching and learning and academic life, of being independent.”
Later, I started a master’s and worked as a research and teaching assistant at my hometown university. My professor encouraged me to apply for a scholarship to study abroad. I got accepted to Oxford University for a PhD, and that changed everything. I discovered the magic of teaching and learning, of being independent and free to research. It gave me purpose and the chance to make a difference in students’ lives, just as others once did for me.
What mechanical engineering is really about
Studyportals: How would you describe mechanical engineering in simple words?
Prof. Alici: I tell this to high school students who come to university: Look around you. Every building, machine, or object you see had to be designed, manufactured, and put together. A decision had to be made for it to exist and function properly. Mechanical engineering is all about giving life to metals, giving life to objects, to make them deliver a function, do a job, serve a purpose. By understanding how things work, how to design and build them, you can make them improve people’s lives. It’s not about trial and error. It’s about purpose, precision, and creativity.
“Mechanical engineering is all about giving life to metals, giving life to objects, to make them deliver a function, do a job, serve a purpose.”
How studying engineering differs around the world
Studyportals: You studied in Turkey, continued in the UK, and now teach in Australia. Is engineering education the same everywhere?
Prof. Alici: The fundamentals are the same. I studied in a university where the engineering education was in English and used the same textbooks as in the US and Europe. Even the Turkish books were of high quality. What makes the real difference is the people. Good professors shape how you think and give you the right foundation.
Where things differ is in resources. In developing countries, theory dominates because hands-on opportunities are limited. In richer/developed countries, you get more lab time and practical learning.
When I went to England to study at Oxford, my knowledge was in no way behind any student there, and in most cases, I was better prepared and knew how to learn.
Lifelong learning: why knowledge has a shelf life
Studyportals: What lessons from your own journey would you share with students just starting university?
Prof. Alici: Everything you learn has a shelf life. Knowledge is like food – it expires. You can’t rely on what you learned 10 or 20 years ago forever. You must keep learning, updating yourself, and adapting to new situations.
Education is a lifelong journey. Updated skills give you confidence and the ability to grow.
“Knowledge is like food: it expires. You can’t rely on what you learned 10 or 20 years ago forever. You must keep learning”
Overcoming language barriers and building confidence
Studyportals: Many international students struggle at the beginning. From your experience, what’s the hardest part?
Prof. Alici: The language barrier, definitely. It happened to me too. When I started university, my education was in English, but I didn’t know any English except “thank you” or “how are you?”. I had studied French at school, but that didn’t help much.
Some of my classmates came from schools where English was already used, so I was behind at first. But I worked hard and caught up after two months. I graduated with higher marks and greater confidence. The key is to accept your limitations but believe in your abilities.
It’s normal to panic a little at first. I tell students: you’re here to learn, and we’ll help you. Keep a beginner’s mindset, and your progress will grow faster than you expect. I’ve had many PhD students from China and Dubai who started behind but worked hard and succeeded brilliantly.
“Keep a beginner’s mindset, and your progress will grow faster than you expect.”
Studyportals: Is it difficult to go back home and work in your native language after studying in English?
Prof. Alici: It can be. When I returned to Turkey, there was some criticism toward people educated abroad for not using Turkish terminology when speaking with students or the industry.
To bridge the gap, I bought a Turkish textbook in control engineering to see how concepts were translated. Later, when I wrote a book on robotics, I included English-Turkish vocabulary lists because some terms don’t translate intuitively.
Understanding engineering in two languages gives you extra depth. It’s an advantage, not a disadvantage.
“Understanding engineering in two languages gives you an extra depth. It’s an advantage, not a disadvantage.”
How Australia stands out for engineering students
Studyportals: You’ve worked and taught in several countries. What makes studying and teaching in Australia stand out?
Prof. Alici: Australia is more relaxed and tolerant – tolerant of mistakes, of not knowing everything right away. In some countries, if you don’t know something, you might be judged. Here, there’s patience and understanding that people come from different backgrounds.
There’s also a strong sense of fairness and inclusion. I did a sabbatical in Switzerland, which is a great country with outstanding opportunities and infrastructure. Australia is much more welcoming, diverse and inclusive, probably because it’s a nation built by migrants.
Studyportals: What do you think makes the University of Wollongong’s engineering programmes stand out?
Prof. Alici: My background is in mechatronics – the modern version of mechanical engineering that also includes electrical systems. I’m the Executive Dean overseeing 11 engineering programmes, and even though we’re not part of the Group of Eight universities, our engineering degrees consistently rank among the top 100 in the world, and my faculty as a whole is a member of G08+Engineering Deans/Faculties, which is a strong indication of its national and international standing.
Our biggest strength is working closely with the local industry. We tailor our curriculum around what employers actually need. That’s why our graduates have a quite high employment rate, and in some disciplines as high as 100% employment rate. The Australian government’s Quality in Teaching and Learning survey consistently ranks our graduates, student experience and other indicators quite high, consistently in the top 5, and some number one in the country.
We also invest heavily in labs and workshops. While some universities have reduced their hands-on learning, we’ve kept it because it’s essential for real engineering education.
“We tailor our curriculum around what employers actually need. That’s why our graduates have a quite high employment rate, and in some disciplines as high as 100% employment rate”
Studyportals: What kinds of careers do your graduates go into after finishing their degrees?
Prof. Alici: Our graduates work in mining, materials, automation, energy, infrastructure, construction, aerospace, agriculture, and consulting, and in many more areas. Mechanical and mechatronic engineers are needed everywhere.
Many students work part-time in industry while studying. For instance, a local steel plant in Wollongong employs our students. They study and work at the same time, earning money and gaining experience. Some even complete their degree while securing a full-time role afterwards.
We also let them turn work-based projects into university credit. They might design or maintain a machine at work, write a report, and submit it as part of their coursework. It builds confidence and helps them grow faster.
AI is a tool, not a teacher
Studyportals: With technology advancing so quickly, where do you see engineering heading next?
Prof. Alici: Artificial intelligence is changing the way we teach and live, but I always tell students – you can’t rely on AI to educate you. You must understand the fundamentals and know what you’re asking the technology to do.
AI is a tool, just like a screwdriver or a spanner. It helps, but it doesn’t think for you. Our brains still learn the same way. Relying on technology without understanding is risky.
The shelf life of knowledge is getting shorter. What you learn today might only last a few years. So, we must stay adaptable and teach students how to keep learning beyond graduation.
“AI is a tool, not a teacher. The mechanics of learning haven’t changed, and fundamentals still matter.”
Studyportals: Finally, what advice would you give to students starting their academic journey?
Prof. Alici: Don’t expect university to give you all the magic skills. What we provide are tools and concepts, and learning process. It’s up to you to use them and build and renew your own skills.
Knowledge changes quickly, expectations grow, and the world moves fast. You need to stay calm, optimistic, and adaptable. Mindset matters more than anything – be resilient, progressive, and responsible.
Always remember where you started and how far you’ve come. Don’t be afraid to try new things or take calculated risks. Learn from mistakes and know that nothing is permanent. Every evening has a morning.
“Be resilient, be adaptive, and always remember that every evening has a morning.”
