Name: Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu
Occupation: Mechatronics, Associate Professor at UTC
City of Residence: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Alma Mater: Marmara University
Mocs Club Member Since: 2019
Why did you decide to join the Mocs Club and support Chattanooga student-athletes?
I am a former professional basketball coach. I think this is enough in itself to support Chattanooga student-athletes. I have always respected student-athletes and their ability to balance their academic, social, and athletic lives. That is why it is an honor for me to be able to help their careers through my Mocs Club membership.
What has been your favorite part of living in Chattanooga and working for UTC?
My favorite part of living in Chattanooga is the ease of getting to where you want to go without the stress of traffic. Technology and nature are in the same city. Chattanooga is the first U.S. citiy to roll out a city wide gigabit network and also have great outdoor activity venues for rock climbing, biking, hiking, white-water rafting, and more.
Working at UTC has also been terrific. I love the teamwork and the respect that all of my colleagues have for one another.
What are your interests outside of Chattanooga Athletics?
Music, especially playing different types of authentic string instruments.
Tell us about your research at UTC and what you are working on and teaching right now?
Basically, I can say that I work on robotic systems used for health sciences. My current research focuses on the Biomechatronics Systems; EMG Controlled Prostethesis/Orthosis and Wearable Rehabilitation Robotics.
In 2019, I founded the Biomechatronics & Assistive Tech Lab (BioAstLb) at UTC. The establishment of this lab has led to collaborations with the departments of medicine at other partners higher education institutions.
Favorite place to eat in Chattanooga and favorite dish?
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant - Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken.
If you could have dinner with one person, who and why?
I would choose to share dinner with my son. Although he is young he is truly a gourmand, for him eating is an art.
Tell us about where you grew up and how you ended up at UTC?
I was born in Batman, Turkey and grew up in Istanbul, Turkey. I had the chance to research in various regions of Europe as well as Turkey.
I was a visiting scholar at Vanderbilt University in 2011 and had the chance to visit Chattanooga at that time and fell in love with the city.
In 2019, when I heard that the Mechatronics Department at UTC had just opened and it was hiring fauculty, I applied without hesitation. I am very happy to be here and to share my 15 years of experience in mechatronics with my students.
What would you tell other UTC faculty to get them involved with the Mocs Club and supporting Chattanooga Athletics?
College sports are not all about physical benefits, it provides athletes with valuable skills that will take them beyond the game field. It prepares student-athletes for life. Please help them to overcome obstacles that are holding them back from their goals.
What advice would you give to our student-athletes?
Thomas Fuller has a quote that I love: "One that would have the fruit must climb the tree."
Final Thoughts?
I've spent about 20 years in both my academic life and my coaching career together. I always feel lucky in this regard and my excitement of the first day has never faded. I will always support sports and athletes as long as my health allows.
Go Mocs!
About the Mocs Club:
The Mocs Club is the annual fundraising arm for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Athletic Department. Support from each Mocs Club member benefits over 300 Moc student-athletes. The financial support generated by the Mocs Club works to alleviate the cost of student-athlete scholarships as well as providing a positive impact on our student-athletes in the classroom, on the field of play and beyond.
Mocs Club Mission:
Generate resources to support the academic and athletic success of all UTC student-athletes.
Not a Mocs Club Member and Interested in Joining?
The Mocs Club is striving to reach 1,500 Mocs Club members by 2022. Contact the Mocs Club at mocsclub@utc.edu or by calling (423) 425-4233. You may also join by clicking the link below.
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