M.S., Forest Engineering, 1998
Ph.D., Forest Engineering, 2003

Prior to his passing in January 2026, College of Forestry alumnus Abdullah Emin Akay earned both his master’s degree and Ph.D. in forest engineering at Oregon State University. Throughout his career, he remained deeply connected to the university, carrying its values and academic spirit into his work around the world.

One of the most influential figures in Turkish forestry over the past quarter-century, Akay was widely recognized for his scholarly contributions and his dedication to students and colleagues alike. He played a pivotal role in strengthening collaborations between Oregon State University and the Turkish forestry community, serving as a key architect of recent partnerships and visiting scholar exchanges that brought many researchers to OSU. His efforts built enduring bridges between institutions and cultures, fostering shared learning and mutual respect.

Known for his close mentorship of students and his commitment to academic excellence, Akay’s passing leaves a profound void in the scientific community. Beyond his international research contributions, he consistently represented the values of Oregon State University with professionalism, generosity and integrity. His impact on students, researchers and institutions will be deeply missed.