Dr. Mehmet Tumay retires after 29 years of service to LSU

November 1, 2005

Dr. Mehmet Tumay, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering professor, retired on August 16, 2005 after 29 years of service at LSU. His areas of specialization include in-situ and nondestructive assessment of geomedia materials and systems, geostatistics, ground improvement, underground space development in transportation infrastructure, and renewal engineering. “The scholarly, supportive and friendly atmosphere of the College of Engineering, the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and LSU as a whole played a key role in making this wonderful life-time experience possible,” he said.

While he has officially retired, he intends to continue his relationship with LSU by serving as a mature liaison for the College. Also, marking the start of his retirement from LSU, he has been invited to visit intermittently the Korean Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Deajeon, Korea, as well as his alma mater Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey, serving as an Adjunct Visiting Professor. He will be conducting seminars and workshops and participate in their international academic and research efforts. “I am hoping this will also provide future opportunities and collaborative projects with LSU,” he added.

Also, a special session has been organized in his honor, for his vision and contributions in the field of in-situ testing in geotechnical engineering in the US and worldwide, at the GeoShanghai International Conference in Shanghai, China, June 2-4, 2006. The session will honor his contributions to the field by compiling papers from his co-workers, colleagues, previous and current students, and others, which will then be peer reviewed and published in the ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) Geotechnical Special Publication (Conference Publication) under a section honoring Dr. Tumay.

Tumay’s plans for retirement will keep him involved both professionally and academically. While he will miss his time at LSU, he looks forward to his future plans and will continue to keep close ties with the College and the University. “I am deeply indebted to my fellow colleagues, students, staff and friends that have sustained over the years their kind support, encouragement and collaboration in making my quest possible for seeking excellence in teaching, research and service,” Tumay remarked.

We are very proud of Dr. Tumay’s accomplishments and are aware that his contributions in advancing research knowledge, particularly in geotechnical engineering, are a testament to his dedication to the LSU College of Engineering. Dr. Tumay’s commitment to excellence is to be commended,” said Dean Zaki Bassiouni.