BSCI Doctoral Graduate Wins Graduate School Award

“I am grateful for this recognition and for the opportunity to contribute to research and teaching in a field that is actively evolving through innovation,” said Yucel, who graduated from BSCI this month. “This award feels like a meaningful milestone in a journey shaped by curiosity, persistence and the incredible people I’ve met along the way.”

A recipient of the Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Yildiz Technical University and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Bogazici University, both of which are located in Turkey. She also earned a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence from Auburn’s Harbert College of Business.

Within BSCI and the affiliated Construction Automation, Robotics and Visualization Laboratory (CARV), Yucel’s research focuses on construction innovation, particularly corporate–startup engagement and applications of data analytics and machine learning in construction and education—which she has presented international conferences and published in leading journals.

Specifically, she examines how established construction firms engage with emerging startups through various collaboration models, including pilot projects, strategic partnerships and corporate venture investments. This work aims to better understand how innovation is sourced, evaluated and integrated within a traditionally risk-averse, project-based industry.

Additionally, she explores how data analytics and construction automation can utilize computer vision and sensor data for automated assessment and monitoring of construction processes.

“Busra Yucel stands out as a truly exceptional doctoral scholar, defined by her originality, rigor and ability to translate research into real-world impact. Her work bridges advanced analytics and construction practice, delivering both theoretical insight and practical solutions,” said Salman Azhar, BSCI Graduate Programs Chair and Professor. “Beyond research, she is an inspiring educator and leader who has meaningfully strengthened our academic community. She consistently operates at a level that reflects the highest standards of future academic and industry leadership.”

In addition to serving as the Tutoring Chair for Sigma Lamda Chi, Yucel has served as the instructor of record for the Structures of Buildings II course and teaching assistant for multiple other undergraduate BSCI courses—where she explores gamification and machine learning in construction education to develop interactive learning environments and data-driven decision-making for students.