Bilkent University
Mechanical Engineering Department
ATA DÖNMEZ
Assistant Professor
Address
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Bilkent University
06800 Bilkent, Ankara
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Ata Donmez received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Middle East Technical University. During his M.Sc. studies, he worked as a research engineer at Roketsan, where he was responsible for motion and vibration control systems. He earned his Ph.D. in 2022 from The Ohio State University, specializing in the nonlinear dynamics of geared mechanical systems. As a postdoctoral research scientist at Ohio State, Dr. Donmez’s research focused on understanding complex nonlinear phenomena in mechanical structures through complementary experimental and theoretical approaches. .
He served as a co-PI on several industrial and DARPA-funded projects. In Fall 2025, he joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Bilkent University as an Assistant Professor, where he leads the Structural Dynamics and Nonlinear Phenomena research group. He is a recipient of 2232B International Fellowship for Early Stage Researchers by TÜBİTAK- (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye).
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, The Ohio State University (2022)
M.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical University (2018)
B.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical University (2015)
RESEARCH
Mechanical systems are subjected to varying levels of nonlinearities ranging from nonsmooth clearance-friction type nonlinearities to geometric and material nonlinearities in large-deformation problems. Predicting the dynamic behavior of systems with strong nonlinearities requires computationally expensive models, which poses major challenges for analysis, control, and design.
My research aims to bring a fundamental understanding to real-world engineering problems from nonlinear dynamics perspective. Our group focuses on developing validated models, computationally efficient solution methodologies, and innovative experimental and measurement techniques to support and refine theoretical findings.
These fundamental studies find application in a wide range of mechanical engineering systems, from high-performance power transmission systems to microscale electromechanical resonators for sensing applications.
Our group is actively seeking motivated graduate students. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Ata Donmez at ata.donmez@bilkent.edu.tr.